First shots with my D80!

[BmDubb]

So Im new to this, and this is my first REAL camera ( Have had Point and shoots my whole life ). I researched how to use this camera for the past week. I still am lost ( But Im sure most people take a while to "Learn" there Camera ). Im hooked though, I love this!

These photos are unmolested ( I am going to try to work on photoshopping them ), but wanted to post them as they were.

Nikon D80
Manual Mode
18-55mm Lens
1/200-1/250 Shutter Speed
F8

Im learning alot from reading, videos, and this forum.
Thanks for Lookin!

( It was getting kind of dark outside when some of these pictures were taken )

1: Fall leaves, resting in a dying tree.

2: Wild Berries

3: Wild Flowers

4: Grasshopper

5: My Russian Blue Cat ( Shadow )

Thanks alot for looking.. you can expect tons more pictures from me

Please dont hesitate to give advice :thumbup:

 

[nateMN]

Most of those shots would look a lot better if they were taken without the popup flash. It's somewhat distracting with the blown out highlights and dark shadows because of the flash. 4 is very overexposed. I like 5 if not for the harsh flash.

 

[BmDubb]

Most of those shots would look a lot better if they were taken without the popup flash. It's somewhat distracting with the blown out highlights and dark shadows because of the flash. 4 is very overexposed. I like 5 if not for the harsh flash.

How do I fix this? I have an external flash ( Shoe Flash I think ), but I cant figure it out lol