Bounce the Flash for better photos

I take a lot of photos of parts at work and many times, I have to be able to illuminate a hole or I may need flash to show a slight defect or imperfection. The following came form wikiHow.com, but an even easier way to bounce the flash off your subject for nearly any photo you take is to fold business card over the flash bulb (make sure it is not obstructing the lens) then take the picture. The card allows the flash to bounce off it while filling in the areas around the subject instead of washing out the photo. It works great when trying to capture imperfections in plated (shiny) metal parts, and it also helps to reduce red-eye when taking people pictures...

Professional studio photographers rarely use direct flash to illuminate a subject, because the results are harsh, unnatural and unattractive. Most cameras designed for amateurs have a built-in flash which blasts light directly at the subject, creating the same kind of "deer in the headlights" effect. Fortunately, the addition of an inexpensive "bounce flash" unit can reduce this harshness and give your pictures a professional look.

Steps
Make sure your camera has either a hot-shoe for an external flash, or a socket for plugging one in. Most cameras have at least one of the two.
Invest in an external flash unit with a 90 degree swivel (bounce) head. All major camera makers sell reasonably-priced units with this feature. Some models also rotate, adding even more functionality.
When taking a flash picture indoors, turn off the camera's built-in flash. Point the bounce flash head at the ceiling (rather than at the subject) and take the picture. This will provide a soft, diffused light and it will even cut down on red-eye.
For even better results, buy a cable which connects your camera to the flash unit. You can then remove the flash from the camera and bounce the light off walls, a reflector, or whatever you want.