Charcoal, My Enemy

I avoid charcoal at all costs because it's just very hard and frustrating to use \8.. But I know I'm going to have to use it at Ringling, so I want to get it down before I get there so I don't embarrass myself in front of my teachers/peers by turning out a bunch of sloppy crap, so..!! I found this black and white photo of Alpacino that wasn't too highly saturated and decided it would be a good reference. This is the final product:



I'd love some tips for charcoal q_q PLEASE.