3 Pix low quality.

[XcesiveSlyd]

I tried to learn a little about bouncing light and F stops.

[XcesiveSlyd]

Ok one more. I learned a thing or two.

[Quarantine]

nice little collection

[SS904]

What are you using for a camera? Your first shot is OK if your intention was kill that distracting background. An even wider aperture would have been better if you have it to dial in. Control over DOF is more than aperture though. Focal length and distance to your target also impact DOF. Even if you don't have that $1500 f/1.2 prime, you may still be able to effectively blur the background with that f/5.6 zoom kit lens by getting closer and using your max focal length. I like the mirror image effect. Bouncing flash is always a good idea indoors if there is something to bounce it off that won't color your flash (like red walls, for example). If possible, try getting the flash off the camera for even more control of the lighting. Direct, on axis, flash indoors sucks! Direct, off axis, flash indoors can be very effective though.

These may be of use.
http://www.dofmaster.com/doftable.html

http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/02...-strobist.html

[SS904]

Keeping with the theme, here's a few I just did. Lazy day, and I haven't played with off camera flash in a while. Your thread got me to drag out my flash and remote trigger. Various apertures and distance, but all off camera, direct, flash.