Black & White Portraits...

Recently, I edited a color portrait that was originally captured about a year ago.

If you have seen my posts for awhile, then you probably recognize, Annelise. However, the last big spread of her photos featured her in heavy make-up as the lead actress for the Black Box musical, On Dragonfly Wings.

(She apparently just turned 16 because a principal male actor, who teaches at Georgia Southern, mentioned that during the weeks of rehearsals Annelise burst into the theatre with the jubilation, "I just got my driver's license!" waving said trophy for all to see.)

The question for today is...Does this photo work only as a complete black & white portrait? Or does the addition of colorful eyes bring any benefit?

I really want to develop an artistic style that is uniquely my own, and the colorful eyes appeal to me, but I think I may have to continue to practice these skills in order to create the concept of "Subtle, not Garish..."

Do you think I am on the right track? My peers can give me technical advice easily enough, but people who consider themselves to be amateurs are probably best qualified for this post...as I am looking for "man/woman-on-the-street" impressions.

Thank You in advance! :)