i think the depth of field works here. why do i care about the tip of his nose? this is about the eyes. and the image does feel very close, like you are talking to him from only a foot away, and at that distance you'd be very focused on the persons eyes.
i like the light. i like the "flaws". flaws... bullshit. it's a good image because of the connect the viewer can make with the subject, through the eyes, and it's plenty successful in allowing the viewer to make that connection. the expression on his face - his eyes, his mouth - all convey something of his mood or assumed personality, and do so quite clearly. nice photograph.
