Portrait shot of niece

[leekru]

This is my first post.

I only recently decided to spend the money on a proper DSLR. So, I am learning and would appreciate your critique on this pic of my niece.

I converted it to black and white because the green bothered me too much. The grass was abnormally green that day. This is the link to the black and white one. My question is - how is my composition and lighting? She is a very shy child and I wanted to convey the feeling of her feeling so small. Also, any other C&C you can give me? I don't know much about lighting yet and that's where I want to learn.



EXIF:
Camera: NIkon d90
Exposure: 1/400
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 55 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Exposure Bias: 0.00
Flash: Off

Have I done all of this right? Oh, and please feel free to edit as you see fit.

[lale]

I think you did a great job of conveying her personality. The composition is great! My only criticism is that it's a bit dark, but that can very easily be fixed in post processing.

[lputman]

It does look a little underexposed. Reducing your shutter speed would have been the choice to get a proper exposure.