I like that you are doing Portrait Photos. I actually just learned something yesterday, that will make this photo stand out and look exceptional.

As a Matter of fact, you use it all the time. HDR this photo. Use the Original Two seperate times, and overlay so you don't have to worry about alignment or anything of that sort.

I used it in the photo Graceful Curves, and it made the entire photo Stand out, and look so clean. You have experience with HDR so it should make it even better for you.

You can also just try adjusting the Shadows to make this a little darker, so it doesn't look quite as washed out.

You Do great work, and this is the perfect chance to expand your Horizons.