while i can relate to the sentiment, i don't like the end result. maybe if shot without the flash? this kinda bears out "the whole is greater than the sum of the parts."
Whoha, too much coffee? Anyway, the bloody veins (and I mean this litterally) really put me off this shot, good effort but this shot is just plain unflattering IMO, no offense intended...
Arresting image. I wonder if it would have been stronger if the pupil was more in focus than the lid. The vein detail on the inner eye is lost with your lighting choice. Eye shots can be tricky, good effort.