New 430EX - C&C on first shots, please

Added a 430EX to my camera setup this weekend, and spent an hour practicing with it tonight thanks to a very cooperative (and stoned) kitty.

Normally I shoot in Av mode, and am getting better at using manual, but these were taken in P mode because I have a hard time figuring out exposure settings with the flash.

First two at f/4.5, ISO 400, 1/60s, AWB. Third photo f/4, ISO 400, 1/60.

Click for bigger and Flickr:

Straight-on flash, this seems to have blown out the carpet behind her:

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …eghansgallery/2​712053597/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …eghansgallery/2​712867022/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …eghansgallery/2​712054569/

The first shot, as you say, was a little problematic with the background.

However, the others are quite good in terms of both exposure and color and control over the background.

Here's a challenge for you. Since a cat like this cannot display light shadows very well, how would you arrange lighting to produce the greatest possible 3-dimensionality?

BTW, there is not necessarily a good answer or technique, or if there is one, I'm not familiar with it.

Thanks Robert.

As for your challenge, I'd probably light the cat from above and to the side. I think. But that test will have to wait until I decide on an off-camera setup for my 430.