I dont care for the photographers shadow. If possible, I would have turned the scene to where the sun was 45 degree instead of almost directly behind to eliminate that shadow.
I don't think this photo will do very well in this challenge. But if points were given for telling a story, and not technical qualities, you would have such a great score.
I like the light on the ladies face but this doesn't look like a soft focus image to me. I can see the use of depth of field to slightly 'blur' the plane but the lady, to me, although maybe not completely in focus is definitely not 'soft' (MHO)