A step in the right direction.

The original idea of blipping for me was to keep a diary (alongside my paper one) with the addition of a daily photograph to represent that day. If my photography improved as a result of this, then that would be a bonus.
What I underestimated is just how many non professional photographers take such wonderful images.
This has spurred me on to want to learn a bit more about the different techniques, so today I have attempted those 'black backgrounds' that people keep using.
I would really appreciate any criticism or comments that would help me improve in this area. I have used one external flash alongside the built in flash.