Christmas Photos - Thoughts & Opinions Needed

[railfire]

Two co-workers asked me to take some family photos for Christmas. I've never done this kind of photography before so I was quite nervous about everything. Lighting was accomplished using two ProMaster 160W flashheads. I'd like your thoughts on these images...good, bad, or indifferent.

http://www.pbase.com/railfire/christmas_portraits

Jeff H.

[Justin_Thyme]

What were you using for lighting and how was it placed?
Reason I ask is there are some hard shadows, dark eyes etc.
The red Phillies shirts seem a tad saturated.
A little tighter crops wouldnt hurt either.
Cant see the Exif so I cant comment on settings.

[samoan_ridah]

I'm also curious about the lighting as well, I definitely see some hard shadows. I like the colors and the background although some of the electrical wiring is a little distracting.

[SuzyView]

If you could have bounced the lighting, that would have helped with the shadows. There is no way to have any natural light?