Glass: Thanks for the info, that makes total sense. I did notice the shadow that you described in some portrait oriented pictures using my meager flash (SB-50DX). So now I see that I should get a bracket that flips the flash 90* also--not just raise the flash and/or move it to one side. There's a StroboFrame Quick Flip that looks good for my requirements.
Fish: I did do some comparison shots with/without the diffuser that's on my flash and you're right, it really does make a difference and the flash only comes with some cheap, opaque diffuser that slides out then flips over the front.
So...I just ordered the following:
- StroboFrame Quick Flip 350 bracket
- Vello TTL-Off Camera flash cord
- Harbor Digital Bounce Diffuser (I like the domed shaping)
Thank you for the advice!