0024 Flash too bright: use off camera flash, diffuser and reflector to soften light and create directionality from lighting source.
0250 Shutter speed too slow but lighting fine.
0273 Light source too harsh: diffuser and reflector will help soften light from left and fill in dark area on right.
Experiment,experiment,experiment! Try to compose so that nearest eye is lined up with rule of thirds; see www.allinthemind.info for tutorials/advice which is really beneficial.