Thank you all!
Since I have two similar portraits, one of appears to have been  taken when he was younger (mustache and clothing a bit different)  this confirms that he was in or near Shavli for some time.  I still don't know if that is where he was born but this gives me some direction for my searches. 
Thank you Shlomo Gurevich for the information about the photographer!
I wonder how common it was to have more than one portrait done in that era (1884-1894?)   
Family lore has it that this gentleman left home because he didn't want the religious life that was intended for him.