Bridge Portrait

[Pumpkin]

Hi There. This is my first post. I truly enjoy this website and all the comments I have read. Each of you do really great work. I have recently taken some pictures for a friend of mine. I would truly like your opioion on these pics. I have just started using my camera and am trying to get used to it. I used a flash in the picture, but I am wondering if the white bridge absorbed the flash b/c the subject looks dark. Also, should I have come in closer? Or farther out? I am more of a fan of close ups, but obviously the bridge in an element of this picture. This was later in the evening, with some overcast. Thank you so much for looking!