Brightness and Lighting (CC)

So, I bribed Jackson yesterday to give me a couple of shots. I got 4 total. 3 of him looking. 2 usable. I went out with the specific purpose of getting directional light outdoors. I don't have a problem indoors or in the garage since the light is pretty controlled (through the window/garage door), but outside, I have a really hard time figuring out how to get the shadows I want and controlling the way the light hits my subjects. So I typically wind up with flat lighting. Or backlighting, since I shoot a lot out back in the evening and the sun is to their backs so I don't get clutter in the picture.

I don't want it too dramatic, but I do want direction in my light. So, what do you think of these? I was also working on not making them too bright. Are they too dark now?

#1
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7120/7...f6526560_z.jpg

Conversion:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7280/6...60229aaa_z.jpg

#2
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7063/7...0045a4f4_z.jpg

Conversion:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7237/7...4199d4ff_z.jpg

I can add settings if you need them. #1 was underexposed SOOC. #2 was better after a change my settings.

Stephanie, I am REALLY struggling with this also. With it being so hot I like to have the kids in the shade as much as possible, but no idea what I should do settings-wise.

Number 2 seems a little dark. I would also like to see your "normal" edits beside these if that wouldn't be too much. The conversions seem to be a little hot, but again, I also really struggle with this and don't know the solution.

They're maybe a little too dark, but it could seem that way because so much of the face is in shadow. I think they would be better if the side closer to us was the brighter side and the side farther away was the one in shadow. Might not have been possible in this spot. I would probably have moved to the left more to get a little less shadow.

I should probably re-calibrate, but these are looking too yellow to me.

I can't offer any advice on backlighting! I haven't ever tried and succeeded. When I did get a decent one, I gave up on processing it! They do look a bit yellow too here.

Okay, here's a pullback:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/7...196758b7_z.jpg

Jackson was sitting where the arrow was pointing. I was on the side that I took this picture. Behind me is timber in the back yard, so I'm now thinking that I was standing on the wrong side of him. I now think that I should have been standing and pointing toward the timber, because there's more light coming in from the front of our house.

They probably are too yellow. I wouldn't be surprised at all. I warmed them up, but didn't pay too close of attention to color. Not to mention, I still need to get calibrated. :(

And why is it easier for me to study the picture of it, rather than study it in person??? lol

Amber graciously donated her old calibration system to me, and I TRIED to figure it out yesterday, but man oh man I AM LOST!

I agree, there is something a little off about the color shots, but I can't put my finger on it. That being said, I love the B&W conversions. They are moody and expressive just like the expression on his face. The shadows works great in this instance. Just my 2 cents. :)