Hi Tom. This is an interesting portrait. I like the layering that gives everything a rather misty look and your compositing works well. I do feel that there’s more empty space at the top than is needed and it feels crowded at the bottom, but that’s just my take.
I’m moving this image to the Non-nature forum. Human and fauna is designated for images of domestic animals, captive wild animals or wild animals in an obviously human environment.
I think increasing the strength of the white stripe would be a bit disruptive to the composition. You could get a similar effect with a local adjustment to the faces (maybe a touch of brightness and contrast or saturation?).