Flash usually makes the skin look greasy and ugly, specially in "normal people" pics (by that I mean no perfect models with makeup). I suggest you to always use natural light... It looks natural, adorable, smooth. It flatters most of the things. Inside natural light in a bright place (an apartment with white walls) is good for portraits.
When taking pictures of a family dinner, christmas, or an event (like your friends painting a big wall or people that got together) don't ask them to look when you take the picture. It doesn't look natural and you lose the essence of the moment... Pics are meant to get the image of whats happening, and when people just strike a pose, you lose the moment. But if you are in a party, it's ok to ask people to look and pose. It's fun to pose!
I'd love to talk more about photography tips but I really gotta go to sleep.. I'll be back tomorrow.
