Copy cat zipper...[Explored]

236/365 - Our Daily Challenge - "Replicate a photo from the ODC Explore page":

 

I was not able to paste a copy of the inspiration for this photo here, because of the photographer's settings. So here's a link: www.flickr.com/photos/pleasureinpixels/5436968310/ I've been wanting to try this shot for a while, but couldn't think of any way to make it original. Today's challenge at least gave me permission to try. I thought this was such a clever concept, shot for the challenge of "zipper". I've tried to change it a bit , not necessarily to make it better, but just to make it my own...although it's pretty hard to make this concept look original. I first thought this topic would be fun as it gave me the opportunity to try something I've seen without feeling guilty. BUT....I actually found it frustrating and confining.

 

AND...I had BIG problems with PSE 8 today (using Windows 7)...repeated crashing...could not even open the edit program. SO frustrating. Had to uninstall and reload. It's working now, but I lost all my actions, as I knew I would. Have to reinstall them one by one...colossal waste of time. Am contemplating buying PSE 9...wondering if it's more stable. 8 feels like a piece of junk. Any suggestions???? There's already been one suggestion for lightroom....I'd prefer not to learn a new program, but that may be the way to go. Today was extremely frustrating. ARG.

 

Nikon D5000, 105mm

Done