Nice shot!. And the fight with lights is, perhaps, the most difficult matter in portraiture. Attitude and composition are also important. I play with this two elements to cover some lacks produced by a bad light. I hate flash ligth!. Your result with the means that you described is very nice.
Portraiture is difficult, mate. But sharp is not everything. A slight blur can be advantageous, for the aged it helps with wrinkles, for the young it can diminish the blimishes. I think you have a really fine composition here, excellent color, and I see a definite connection between you and your subject. Just a *little* blown out on his left side--- but I would be happy to put this one up m'self. Good job!