Smile! :))) Cannot imagine this is in South CA! How do you like your new car in snow? We had a lot of snow and ice that my Volve XC did help. Do you know if more snow in the Sierra this year than usual?
Weeks ago, I saw your post about portrait photography and some good advices. I am no expert but I'd like to share with you what I know. She is beautiful and you did a good job, although can be improved. I think you need softer lighting. You need a flash diffuser. You have used backlighting nicely to highlight her hairs and you need to use a reflector for her face, which will provide light from another angle other than your flash. The easiest is to have a helper hold it. Mounting the reflector on a tripod is possible and time consuming. Best!