Dramatic B&W

I've been following a photography website called I Heart Faces. Each week they have a different theme and ask people to enter photographs that fit the theme. This week the theme is dramatic black and white. I love this picture. It's my daughter's first birthday from a few weeks ago. I think this is dramatic for a few reasons. One, it reminds me of an old Hollywood headshot with Lauren Bacall or something. Two, I think it's a dramatic way to present an event that is usually done in a cute fashion. I like the lighting and the angle. The way the light makes the icing look like it's becoming part of her face makes it so she is truly one with her cake! Of course I love her expression and her eyes. It's like she's thinking, "Hmm...I cannot believe I get to eat as much cake as I want." I've only had a DSLR for a year so I welcome any advice!!