Loudbri Loc: Philadelphia

In this recent shoot I consistently felt rushed. I arrived early the family was eating dinner, this wasn't awkward because I am friendly with them. While they finished I went out to the patio to find a spot that had good light. When they came outside the light had moved and I had to find a new spot, while they stod and watched. When I got them together It seemed like is was all I could do to keep them focused for 3 mins. I know there was a baby and dog but it still felt rushed. Is this normal????
Once I got going I struggled to balance the white shirts with the black hair. I need suggestions for that.

Danilo Loc: Las Vegas

If you look at your first and third photos, I think you'll agree that your shadows are too dark, lacking detail. You could start trying to work with fill-in flash, or a reflector, to "throw" some light into these shadows so they're not so dark. With either one, it needs to be situated to camera left, and a bit above camera.
Both photos could also benefit from a "hair light". A flash above and slightly behind your subjects. I would put it to camera left. With a hair light, you sometimes have to use a snoot to keep the light from shining into your camera lens.
These comments assume you will reshoot the photos.
Is there a chance you shot these in "raw", or are they JPG files?
It's good to see you're trying, and taking it seriously. Don't stop!

Danilo Loc: Las Vegas

My apologies, loudbri, I didn't even address your main concern.
Think of it this way, I think you'll feel as I do:
Your subjects thought enough of you to have you come over to take their photo. If you were to tell them you felt rushed, they would probably apologize and go busy themselves while you set up your shot.
You thought enough of them to go over to take their photo. You and they both deserve to have you take your time to do it right, and not shortchange yourself OR them!
When you think about these things I'll bet you're going to be anxious for your next photo opportunity! Good luck to you all!

rayford2 Loc: New Bethlehem, PA

I think you did a wonderful job under the circumstances. There are lots of ways to improve photos, but when you're under pressure it's difficult to manipulate all the options you have during a rush.
You did better than I could have given that same scenario, I would have bracketed and set the camera on auto. Then crossed my fingers. So much for my photo expertise, ha!

Loudbri Loc: Philadelphia

thanks danilo well said. I've thought of a few things I could have done differently/better since this shoot. First (leaning to your point) I would have asked everyone to go back inside where it was cool, and reset the shot with just one person to get the shadows right. this would have lessened the rushed feeling and maybe the baby would have co-operated more. I will use a hair light in the future with snoot thanks....I have not graduated to RAW yet.........