Need some input / raytrace

[WendyWelton]

First - I like your setup - some tree shadows, realistic variation in plantings... nice job.

Try cranking ambient light all the way up and the direct down to barely 10% or 25%. I know, you said you fussed with these, but try settings that are drastic.

Try putting the light Jim mentions inside foyer, so that it shines through the glass in the door & sidelight. That will highlight the important part while keeping that nice realistic deep shadow.

Try defining a new material for the porch ceiling and giving it an ever-so-slight amount of Emissivity (Material def dbx, Render tab, 2nd from the bottom). That will make the ceiling give off a slight amount of light.

I would not uncheck "cast shadows" for any added lights. (Sorry Jim) I think it makes things unrealistic.