I was drawn to the tones and vignetting, the peripheral vision feeling of not being able to focus on the corners. But when it really opened up, is when I finally let my eyes release focus; the pattern became clear to me...
The tones, depth, texture, everything is just exactly right. I gave it a 9 in my first pass vote, and didn't get back in time for a second pass, when I would have bumped it to a 10.
I adore this image, Ben. It is not only beautifully composed, but has such exceptional richness in its tones and emotional content. I expect to see this on the front page.