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Hans-Peter is a far better portrait photographer than i'll ever be...but i just can't agree that this is a photo worthy of a 5 (above average) rating. i like the very candid, natural pose...but your model is in desperate need of more light on her face and arms. the use of either fill flash or a reflector to direct more light where it is needed would make for a drastic improvement on a shot with lots of potential.  although  i like the choice of blurring the background, the bokeh (intentionally blurred area) is dark at top, overexposed at bottom and distracting. choosing a better background would be a serious improvement. with better lighting on your model...this might be a 6! without...i see it as a 4, and certainly not a 5. 

p.s. - i noticed that your camera seeting were f/4, 1/1600 second ss, @ iso 500. there's no need to shoot at this high iso. if you can shoot at 1/125 second for a still shot such as this...you could drop the iso down and have less color noise and a sharper, better picture.  if you haven't yet studied the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO...i'd suggest that you do so. it will dramatically improve your work, as these three elements and how they relate to one another are very foundational aspects of photography!

John, thank you for your critique, it is very constructive. The shoice of location was simple - for my photo school project I was supposed to place a model in open shade. The settings are high because I was experimenting with her hair movement (see attached)

I am a little dissupointed that this image is no more than a "snap shot". Obviously I crave to become better but it doesn't happen fast :o)

Please, don't hesitate to critique any other of my picteres, with this great feedback I can improve faster! 

Oksana, Glad you found the critique helpful. And...I disagree w/ your photograph being referred to as a "snapshot".  You obviously put some thought and skill into taking the shot...so I view it as a full-fledged portrait! 

Placing your model in open shade (with no dappled light on your model, which you obviously knew to avoid ) is good.  The only issue is that although you've shielded your model from harsh sunlight...the background is still very brightly lit, and this case...it made for the lower portion being much brighter than the top, and unfortunately not as appealing as you might have wanted or expected.  Others might not find this to be a problem at all, so I'm just speaking as to my reaction to the shot.  Just keep in mind that although your model is the main focal point/subject of your picture, and the background is blurred...it still has a very important impact on the overall success of the shot, so you have to put as much thought, planning, and care into being as certain as possible that your background will be complimentary.

I would encourage you not to be too hard on yourself, because as you said..."it doesn't happen fast"...and it's a never ending learning process!

You mentioned school. If you don't mind me asking, are you taking college classes or perhaps going to an art/photography school? 

Thank you John, I appreciate you taking the time to explain things to me. Now that I look at this shot with your eyes the mistakes become obvious. I will upload a couple more portraits from the same shoot. You are always welcome to come by and make comments! :o)
I am enrolled in a course of Professional Photography at NY Institute of Photography. My family moves a lot, local college was not an option for me when I enrolled. I like the course but it doesn't allow for extensive communication with a teacher/advisor. So any critique of you and your colleagues is to my benefit! 

wonderful!  glad to hear you're furthering your education in a field that you obviously love!  we'll be in touch!