This was taken with a Nikon D40. Since taking these pictures 4 days ago I haev gotten the sb-400 and plan to use that in the future. But other than a better flash what can I do to improve these pictures?
The lens - plain and simple. Buy a fast zoom or standard lens if you're doing indoor photography. I'm guessing you're using the kit lens and it will not deliver what you're looking for.
Have to agree with lens speed.
Actuslly, I'm kind of surprised that flash is even allowed. I'd hate to be driving to the rim only to have a flash pop me in the eye.
As far as timing goes; use the burst mode and toss the uninteresting/bad shots before you post-process the good ones.
Most flash units won't continuously fire. Many of those that will can be melted by doing so. The OP is much-better served by learning to time their shots than by "spray and pray."
Most flash units won't continuously fire. Many of those that will can be melted by doing so. The OP is much-better served by learning to time their shots than by "spray and pray."
True enough, but I guess I was going on the assumption that a better lens with a larger aperture is clearly going to be a first step based on the shots originally posted.
However, if we assume the OP is shooting at f/5.6 and we look at the shots, it's obvious that more light is the way to go