The first pics...also looking for some advice... *pic heavy*

[birdie]

I always use flash when taking indoor photos, especially since I tend to take those photos after dark. However, I have a flash which can be angled, and I never point it straight towards my motive. I use other light sources too, I don't have a light box or light tent, but I use reading lamps and point them towards a spot behind the dolls. I try to calculate where the light from the flash bulb will "hit", then balance this out with the extra lamp. On my wishlist is a light tent and daylight lamps.

I like your candle light picture!