A portrait of my son. I've been trying for something like this with my Mamiya 645 ever since I got it three years ago, but somehow my imagination was always thwarted by dull, lifeless negatives. I just got a new 645 body, and I'm happier now. But I'll see what others think.
I've worked with (and known socially) a dozen people on autistic spectrum. Congratulations to him and to you for that photo. It's difficult to photograph "normal" people with that much engagement.
For me it's clearly visible, Ken loves his son (and vice-versa). Having a deep affinity to the model is an important prerequisite for a successful portrait.
@jtk You know, he has sat for me so often that it's hard to read him when I show him the latest work. I had to work on him for a while to not just automatically "smile for the camera," but once we got past that, I think he enjoys it. I leave the facial expressions up to him. In another shot, he's wearing that San Diego cap backwards -- his idea. So he contributes, but then he's done. And thanks for the note on the engagement in the image.
@macfred Thank you. I'd like to work on some other subjects, but I'm not sure how successful I'll be in establishing that affinity you speak of with just anyone. I guess it's part of the challenge of the practice.
You next print would improve a bit with a slight burning in of his light side ear, just enough to allow it to 'fall back' into the background, just a touch.
It's interesting that the eyes "give away" the neuro-uniqueness of your wonderful son. My first thought on seeing the picture was that famous Jack Nicolson image from The Shining. Of course, that's entirely unfair given that Nicolson's character was far different than your son is. This tells me two things:
1. The eyes really are the window to the person
2. Nicolson understood #1.