Thanks Rod - I have to admit, that despite the overall discussions on the web about portraits being distracting with such a thin dof, I really, really like these kind of portraits.
It might have to do, that the Noctilux draws very favorably, especially women or the overall look … I just like them.
Your first photo is just wonderful with a great moment and a natural smile.
I am quite surprised at the contrast of the Nikkor wide open @ 1.5!
The blacks are not clipped, but it is not a grey, low contrast affair obviously, which looks fantastic!
Did you have to cut of the black point and raise contrast much for this shot or is this the natural behavior of the Nikkor 85/1.5 LTM ?
(If the later, I am now seriously starting to search for a sample ;-) )