It indeed looks as if he smiles! The focus is spot on on the eyes, but a bit more DOF would have been nice. I agree about the black TRC being a bit distracting.
Hi adcolon,
I think ROT crop suggestion would inded work very well here. I've reposted just to give you an idea.........sometimes easier to see. I cropped and got rid of the corner........but you can play with it as you like/feel comfortable with.
Roman