^^Wow, thanks SOO much for your in depth reply, it really helps me. Again, thanks so much!
Yeah I was getting a lil frustrated because of the whole sun issue, but since it was pretty random moment to ask "Hey you wanna be my model?" I did what I could
Yeah, the squinting was a bad on my part. Gotta find shade next time.
As far as your responses...
Yes, I need to buy a hood some time soon, especially since summer is coming and I'll have more opportunities. Also, thanks for the possible solutions to my issues. I think I need to practice with flash fill. I do not have a speedlight - only the flash from the camera, which I hate. I tried using fill flash at one point, and even had the exposure down on the flash, and all I saw was a blinking shutter speed of 200. I have to learn more about this issue.
Btw, sorry there were so many. It's just I really want to know what I'm doing wrong so I don't screw up even more!
I shot all in RAW which helped me with the white balance. The other poster said that in some the coloring wasn't natural - so, I have to figure some things out.
I would have loved to had an 85mm f1/2. Oh the possibilities
Once again, appreciate your in depth comments and possible solutions.