I didn ' t have a reflector card or anything else beyond a camera and an 1855 mm kit lens at my disposal . I know about those techniques and I agree with you that it would have been a perfect opportunity to utilize those tools . I am fairly new at this and I did the best I could with the knowledge and experience that I had . The over exposed highlights are something that I would have fixed in post if I was to do it over again , so I agree with you . Too much Dof is really just relative to a person ' s taste , I appreciate your opinion on that but I disagree . Some people like alot of bokeh , some don ' t . I believe the crop is fine for the look I was going for but like I said , it ' s relative to taste . I appreciate your input and your time . It means alot to me and helps me a great deal . Thank you .