Photo Tips for sharper images

[kittykate93]

I sort of already posted this question but afterwards I realised how complete wrong it was.
Basically, I took this photo using my Canon 1000D's automatic settings using the flash at a focal length of about 50mm, they were taken by a window so there was plenty of natural light, I was wanting tips on how to improve the definition/sharpness using any settings, as a lot of the depth of the colours and such have been washed out by the harsh flash.
http://16.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kvofu3pgGm1qa9lzno1_500.jpg
http://4.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kvofsxFQIN1qa9lzno1_500.jpg

[JohnMarshall]

Hi,
These photos could be improved with a little bit of post processing. You will need to change your forum settings to let someone use your photo to show you.
You would have made a better photo by using the light from the window as side lighting instead of back lighting. Your exposure was 1/125 sec @f5.6, an aperture of f8 or f11 would have given a sharper picture, provided you could hold the camera still at a longer shutter speed.

John

[tracknut]

Since this is a static subject, you could avoid flash completely, and get your ISO back down to 100 (as well as the suggestions above) by using a tripod and eliminating the flash.

Dave

[PhotosGuy]

Normally, your lens is sharpest at 2-3 stops down from wide open. But you weren't at a normal shooting distance here. Your auto settings chosen by the geek who programmed them picked f/5.6 which is not good to get everything in the rose sharp considering the distance you shot at. See the DOF calculator at the bottom.
Depth of field and aperture selection question. (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=2407876)

And, notice the difference in the exposures in the two shots. Here's why: Post #47 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=5191658&postcount=47)
Click the post #47 at the top-right of that post if you'd like more info on the subject.