yea the shadows and highlights are a little harsh... but you did well with the poses, i think the family will be happy with them.
I like the shots (I am a big fan of that style of shooting - right up against the backdrop). I do see the shadows thing and I absolutely love the second shot "whimsy". But I don't like the pointy elbow at the camera thing. If given a chance to pull the elbow back towards the body (while still holding the gun) I think it'd be gold! But... nevertheless, the cute factor and clarity of the shot will far outweigh the elbow thing to the family.
