Emma

I think it is a great image of a very pretty young girl. I'm willing to be the actual print is much better than the scan. You are probably right, you preference may change as you do more of these - as your method of printing will also.

Dave:

Not every photo has to be distorted, blurred, toned, extraordinarily bright or contrasty, or fuzzy to be a success. As we mature photographically, we come to understand that the main merit of photography is its ability to capture reality without pretense, not serve our supposed need for 'self-expression'. Sometimes, it's best just to let the subject do the talking.. Just food for thought...

Dave, You may also find that the pursuit of the technical becomes little more than a fetish, and that to use photography as a tool whose use you define from your experience, knowledge and skill is far more rewarding. It may be that you wish to do straight shots or you may decide to embellish. Maturing your photographic skills can take you in any number of directions.

I have no issue with the photograph as a portrait-it's simple yet delicate, I like it. In terms of the values i see on my monitor. I would prefer the hot spot on the forehead to not be there and I agree that catchlights in the eyes would do this portrait a world of good.

CP

I think that one of the stengths of this image IS the high contrast. I really like the very high tonality of her skin. From where I am sitting, there is no place without tone.
The lighting setup that creates this effect is called "butterfly" lighting, and is a classic, just as is Rembrandt, loop, rim, and "no shadow" (dont know if there is a term for this, as it is basicaly light comming dirrectly from somewhere right near the lens.)
Yes, catchlights.. more.

Nice work.