Cool - look forward to it.

To emulate Yaqub's photo look for the softer light that he used.
Stay away from (or TAME...by letting it bounce or diffuse it) direct harsh light.....it's terrible for learning what you are trying to emulate. It's great for other stuff, but one step at a time. You seem to like portraits...learn soft lighting first and you'll be happier.

Lighting really is everything in photography...
Post processing is a jillion times easier when the lighting is right.

Hope that helps - Marko