A smile that brightens my day

[Bahamaboy]

Hello to everyone,
I'm just really starting to get serious about photography as a hobbie,as I recently got my first DSLR.I really like landscapes(nature,urban and night shots)However,I would like to learn portrait photography as well.Based upon research and reading,mainly from this site,I figured a 50mm would be a step in the right direction.Here's a shot, I recently took of my girlfriend with the new lens.
What should I be looking for in a portrait shot?
Should I crop a bit more?
Overall,I just want you guys(and gals) to critique & direct me ,so I can get better.
Thank you in adavance for your assistance.

Camera:Canon RebelXS/1000D
Lens:Canon EF50mm F/1.8II
ISO:100
Exposure:f/3.2 @ 1/125
Flash:did not fire
This shot was posted as is,no post processing.

[FallinWoman]

Exposure on her looks great..her skin and eyes are beautiful. Unfortunately, with back lit photos that can lead to blown backrounds like in your picture. The super bright area on the left of the photo is a bit distracting.

[Bahamaboy]

Thank you for the comment,
I know EXACTLY what you mean about the overblown background,as it does distract you,but i figured the shalloe DOF helped to refocus the attention back to her.

[LoveDSLR]

My two cents.

I would try some shots from a higher angle (slightly). Her neck would look longer and minimize the folds of skin on the neck if she looks up to the camera.

As for her posture, I rather had her sitting straight and the head slightly turns to her right looking at the camera.

[Bahamaboy]

thank you for the input LoveDSLR

[rengles]

ditto on the blown out background...maybe shoot in the shade? Great exposure on her skin though! I find darker skin (actually any skin) really challenging to expose correctly. Lovely smile...keep the portraits coming

[Bahamaboy]

This was actually under a near by tree, but I do see your point.I will not only keep them coming , but with all your help,I hope to get better each shoot.

[daddyoproductions]

+1 The colours on her are great though and she has a terrific smile! Keep'em coming!
~C

[Rosepedals48]

Nice photo, a little bright on the background. I am a new memeber also but love to take photos. Have a few on here, but more on facebook. Take care and welcome. At least you could get a response I couldn't. But I get lots of responses on other websites so no big deal.