I am trying to generate some activity here so I will be posting some pics I have taken. I am experimenting with a new lens so forgive the focus issues.
       

The Mopar pic is superb. Are you using a tripod? Is your light just natural? I think a huge part of my problem has been a lack of tripod and the resulting light issues that creates.

I did use a tripod. The light was ambient daylight in the kitchen.

Well it's obvious that I am going to have to practice with a tripod. The reason I haven't spent more time using one so far is that it is never easy to get the camera in the right position. But the simple fact that it allows shutter speeds slow enough to use daylight with no flash is too good to pass up.