Take some make shift shade if possible next time to alleviate any possible lack of cloud .Thank you all so much for your feedback and advice!! So cool to have so many good and genuine people here to call friends.
I'll upload the original sonic in a few to give you an idea of where I started. Definitely too bright from the start. Had set up everything to be in the shade of the overcast skies but as we were just about to shoot the sun came back out. I tried waiting a bit but the cloud cover that came back was too thin. Had to time it just right before she was squinty from the light. Did not use the external flashes but did have them ready for the shot originally.
I think ill go back to the original and start again on two differing directions. Hopefully I can eliminate the burnouts and get a more even tone as I lower the exposure around the perimeter like the 2nd image.
With that exposure you should be able to edit it with out blowing any highlights.View attachment 232063
As you guys can see, there wasn't much done right on the original. LOL! I set this up way to fast in the front yard so I could see what my idea would like like on camera before she off to a friends. I am SOOOO glad that the girl I was shooting had to postpone. Here is a remarkable example of why practice is necessary!!
My thought was to shoot at f/2.8, but that sun stopped that. I also had to try to keep the face from being completely burnt out so the overall exposure does't match.
Having so many friends willing to pour out some of their skills and knowledge is a blessing. I'm excited that it seems the concept is really going to work, and between seeing the final results and getting such diverse and detailed pointers; I cannot wait to try this again this Sunday!