I'm new to this, but trying

I have been trying to shoot something other than sports and I definately need some advice. Here are a few examples please let me know what you think.

#1 f/3.5, 1/100ss, ISO 1600

The whites are off, more gray than white. When your in the studio, and own a tripod, there is no need to use any ISO above 100, just use Manual mode and adjust for the time it takes. It doesn't matter to the tripod. Shoot in RAW and then adjust the Temperature so the whites are white.

Why are you using ISO 2500 and direct flash? WIth flash, your ISO should be able to stay low. Also, direct flash is pretty unflattering to most any subject. The first image could be decent, but the light is not good, and looks like direct flash. Photographing stuff like this (and, well, anything), is all about the light...make shadows where you want them, or fill them in when you don't want them, etc....

Keep practicing, we all start somewhere.

I use Fender mediums too.........on my acoustic.

Thank you both for the comments. This is exactly what I need to get better at this. It is completely different from shooting sports.

Canonloader you said

Does this mean to use a long exposure to get more light. In #1 I did not use flash so I think more light would have given me a much better white.

Unfortunately I do not have an off camera flash. All I have is the pop up which I know isn't very flattering. I have been looking at the 580EX II but just haven't pulled the trigger on buying it yet.

Thank you again I will take your suggestions and try them next time.

Exactly. You can buy a reflector or two from home depot, the kind with a clamp, a big aluminum reflector and socket and cord, for just a few bucks. Then look for some daylight rated curly florescents to go in them.

The real secret is to always shoot in RAW, so you can change the WB or temperature of the image you got, which will make the whites white.