Critique - shooting in the shade

[TheMaggedy]

I was captivated by my friend's baby and her rainbow suit on Labor Day and shot these. We were up under an arbor. How did these turn out and what should I have changed? Neophyte here - 2 months into owning a T1i. I believe these were shot with the 55-250 mm.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2532/3895081890_6863500313_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2642/3894302575_833769794f_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2508/3895099300_cff93046f0_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2565/3894317643_9306c71306_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2529/3896246378_a8188da882_b.jpg

[jetcode]

#1 eyes in the highest light should be in focus, there is some sensory psychology around this choice. #2 light is everything, make sure your subject gets the best light. #3 blown out shoulder from direct light. #4 great subject well exposed, use a different backdrop. #5 works.

[ScottKCooper]

#4 has issues - beer bottle, which leads the eyes to the clothing "tucks", and the bra strap. On the plus side, the arms lead you right to the point of interest - the child. Crop out the left side to just past the beer bottle, and I think you will put faces and focus in a better place in the image.