First engagement photos C&C needed

I shot my first engagement photos last week, I had one in the evening, then another the very next morning. I learned a lot just from the first shoot to the second, but I'm in need of some knowledge. My flash photography is not up to par. I bought a 580 EX II recently, and frankly, I'm struggling getting the shots I can vision in my head. I use it on camera, all I have is a cheap diffuser on it as well. Can you guys point me in the right direction of how I can get this more soft light feeling without spending a million dollars? A softbox? would off camera and some remote triggers be the best thing? I'm shooting in ETTL mode, is that bad?
I have a few senior sessions lined up (will be my first as well) and I'm really wanting to provide quality work, but I think I need to step my flash game up to really take me to the next level.


The two groups wanted the "vintage" look on their photos.

I took a lot more photos, and they are all at www.alexkrohnphotograp​hy.com under "people" or I can post more if requested.

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

they look great, but seem a little soft? Is that what you were going for or is it my moniter?

tschultz wrote in post #12853269
they look great, but seem a little soft? Is that what you were going for or is it my moniter?

7&8 are a tad bit soft. The rest are pretty sharp at full crop.

Any lighting suggestions?

the crop seems a little off on the first and last to me

Bryan Grant Photography wrote in post #12859826
the crop seems a little off on the first and last to me

The first is a bit off, I should have centered them. It was sort of a Candid shot as they walked in front of me, I could probably re-crop in lightroom and make it look a little better. Maybe down in a little bit on the last? His foot is dangerously close to being chopped ha.

Love #4! I def agree the crop is a bit off. The behind shots doesn't do anything for me. Good job buddy!

They look nice but I do not see any tight shots.The last one the processing is "YUCKY" . I think there are too many shot of them walking away. IMHO

Here are a few more.. less turning away.

Clowning around

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE