portrait with XA1 35/1.4

Lisetta wrote:

An excellent portrait, both expression and technicals. I agree with those who preferred the color one. However, if your friend never had to see it, I'd also try real BW (not like the second one) and not softened like the third. In black and white, as a character study by a photographer rather than a picture of a friend. I think it would work in B/W, although probably color is still the best.

I don't like any of the crops. The original framing, imo, is far better, even with only part of the hand showing. I don't think it's a problem. I -do- agree that the TV's a distraction. Why not just take it out? The background is black and has no detail so it would be quick and easy to do. I think that would be the biggest improvement.

You said you just snapped this. The room looks dark but your subject is well lit. Did you do anything for the light? Great to see the XA1 acquit itself so well with someone who knows what he's doing.

Thanks for your kind words. I posted above some edited versions, both colour and B&W, tho a bit rough and ready. I really didn't think about the lighting. It was just ambient light, typical overhead spotlit restaurant lighting and was fortunate to be shining on the subject when I took the photo. But I find the 35/1.4 picks up the light amazingly well in very dim circumstances. And happy with how my cheap little XA1 performed.

I'm looking forward to picking up an X70 this summer and giving it a good test. Hope it performs like my XA1 and 35/1.4.