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Really the only suggestion I have goes to the matter you've already raised -- the background. I think the piece would be very substantially enhanced with a darker background, contrasting with the light values in the fabric and flesh tones. I think it would also give the portrait a more "official" weight. That dark area at the bottom, around the sleeve, gives a hint as to the rich effects of increasing the contrast. I wouldn't lay in a uniformly dark background, though; let it grade up progressively -- but not substantially -- in value as you approach the upper half of the setting. Steal the portrait back, or take your brushes with you when you next visit your son!
Everything else seems to me to be very well rendered. It's possible that the photographic reference "hid" some ruddiness, some color, in the flesh tones, which seem here and there to be a bit chalky-white, but it's just as possible that it didn't, and since you're the one who knows the subject best, it's your call.
Very nice work.
Steven
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