How to photography animals at dawn?

I am trying to figure out what settings to use for my Nikon D3000 around 6-8pm in wooded or shaded areas. I tried photographing deer this evening, but it was wanting to use flash-Dont really want to scare them away! Turning my flash off makes my photos blurry, grainy, and colorless. Any suggestions?
Added (1). Thanks fhotoace that is a big help. I have a 55-300 lens I am using now, and a tripod. :)
>>> How to photography animals at dawn?

Are Vivitar lenses any good?

I don't know much about cameras but my boyfriend likes to collect lenses. He uses modern Nikon DSLRs but has an old Canon that uses film. I came across a Minolta X-700 and some Vivitar lenses for $50 and I'm thinking about getting them for him. Are they worth buying?
>>> Are Vivitar lenses any good?

How to get clients for photoshoots without losing them?

I'm a photo hobbyist but I would do it for money whenever I get the opportunity. Sometimes people see me with a camera (Nikon DSLR) and they ask if I have a card. I don't really like carrying cards so I give them my number and they say they will call me but I never get any calls. What could I do to be more successful?
>>> How to get clients for photoshoots without losing them?

Shooting in overcast nights at a stadium?

I was taking photos of football players the other night on my Nikon D3100 with a 55 to 200 mm lens and there was a storm cloud over head. The photos came out very dark and I was wondering if anyone had any advice for next time I am forced to shoot in these conditions. Thank you :)
Added (1). I was shooting in manual, 1/125, ISO 1600, there are 8 sets of flood lights on the side of the stadium. I was on the sideline of the field.
>>> Shooting in overcast nights at a stadium?

How to focus my Nikon d3100?

How do I focus my Nikon d3100?
I'm trying to film a video of myself showing objects. But every time I hold an object up to the camera it doesn't focus on it, how do I focus objects to the camera not manually?
>>> How to focus my Nikon d3100?

How to focus my Nikon d3100? - 2

I'm trying to film a video of myself showing objects. But every time I hold an object up to the camera it doesn't focus on it, how do I focus objects to the camera not manually?
>>> How to focus my Nikon d3100? - 2

What is the next lens I should buy?

I want a new lens, and I was wondering what would be a logical next step. Here's my kit so far:
-Nikon D3000 body w/18-55mm kit lens
-55-200mm Nikkor AF-S zoom lens
-50mm Nikkor 1.8G AF-S lens (primarily used on my D90-S film camera, but it fits the d3000 as well)

So, what lens should I buy next?
If your a photographer, and you have a favorite lens, I would appreciate your input!

Thanks!
>>> What is the next lens I should buy?

Nikon Lenses: Any significant difference with those 'special labels' like N, ED?

So, I've come across the very famous Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G and the 35mm f/1.4G. The 1.4 is obviously 6x the price of the 1.8. The 1.4 has "N" and the 1.8G doesn't. Does this make any difference?

What about with ED?
>>> Nikon Lenses: Any significant difference with those 'special labels' like N, ED?

Extension tubes for nikon d5100?

So, i have a kit lens i.e 18-55mm and a 70-300 (VR) telephoto zoom lens .. for macro photography i heard kenko extension tubes are the best.are they ??
and gives the same image quality as we get from a good macro lens.i want rreally close and sharp pictures of insects.and their eyes, like we see in actual macro photography.
I live in India, so please suggest me good extension tubes within a range of rs.10, 000 (200$) .
>>> Extension tubes for nikon d5100?

Third-Party Lens Choices for nikon d700?

I will buy my nikon d700 soon but i cannot afford the 24-70mm 2.8 since it's 1800 off ebay
i can afford cheaper glass but i am not sure what lens would be great specially third party lenses any advice? thank you
i am not a pro photographer i am just learning
i do have at this moment
80-200 2.8 af nikon
70-200 2.8 af tamron
28-105mm 2.8 af tmron
50mm 1.4 nikon af
24 1.8 sigma
all above i use on my nikon d90
thanx
>>> Third-Party Lens Choices for nikon d700?