STreet Portrait - First time with flash

[S_Sanyal]

Camera Nikon D90 w 50mm f/1.8D lens
Exposure 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture f/2.8
Focal Length 50 mm
ISO Speed 400
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Exposure Mode Manual
White Balance Manual
Flash On, Return not detected
Processed in aperture3, contrast lowest possible to gain detail..increased blacks. for depth...converted from NEF (RAW).

Ok, 3 quick questions:
1. Is the little speck (glare) on her eyeglasses (camera left) too distracting?
2. Does the high blacks treatment / output work here - it was done for 2 reasons, partially to lower the background illumination which envelopes her shadow (she was sitting too close)..and to also add depth to a flat-ish RAW picture (made flat by flash)
3. Does this have enough detail to define / portray HER as a person?

This is also my FIRST serious use of flash (done to learn and also address the low light situation) - any pointers and suggestions from more experienced users for future practice of this technique are very welcome. Thanks in advance.

[o.pulido]

I'll just say I like it. It has a very photojournalistic quality to it. Great shot.

[kvetcha]

I like the composition a great deal, but I would personally lower the contrast/black level a bit. The fairly severe treatment you've given it a) plays against the warmth of her smile and b) draws unfair attention to her teeth!

Great shot, though. Just needs a little massaging.

[S_Sanyal]

thanks o.pulido and kvetcha for your feedback. I'm sorry about the late reply as i was travelling.

kvetcha, i appreciate you drawing attention to her teeth..on second look i see that the treatment makes it completely white and stark..i'll work on it accordingly..

[gturner]

Nice capture, but definitely overdone on the shadows.
the small reflection in the glasses is not issue.

you say contrast is lowest possible? Surely it is the highest possible?
Why not decrease the contrast, file some light and then up the clarity slider to increase the perceived depth of detail.

[S_Sanyal]

Lowest contrast plus higher blacks.

Thanks for your input. It seems doable...and I'll certainly try it...I have no experience PPing flash photography