You could have got down on your knees or sat on a chair to take the shot. Exposure wise you could have exposed for the shadows and locked exposure - if you you have exposure lock on your camera, or did four shots: 1 at 0 and then + 1/3, 1/2 or 1 full stop. Never mind. It's still a fairly decent picture in my view.
I understand about the set up. That was me just trying to think creative...lol
Yes I too like to work with window light. This link to one of my Flickr window shots of my granddaughter was taken by locking exposure on a midtone area of her face.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amazons...es/3445677492/
Keep up the good work.
Cheers...Keith