Reduce shadow How can the shadow created by the camera flash be avoided or reduced?

All solid objects cast a shadow; it cannot be avoided. Certain techniques will help control or reduce the shadow by eliminating or reducing the harshness of the flash. Some of these techniques are: Elevate, eliminate or soften the flash: Make sure the flash is above the lens when you camera is turned to vertical (portrait) orientation. If the on-camera flash is higher than the subject, the lens should not "see" the shadow in most situations. Make sure the camera is higher than the subject, but not so high that you make a shadow in the other direction (under your subject's eyebrows, nose or chin, for example). If there is enough natural light, you might be able to turn the flash off, or you can add "natural" light to the scene by opening curtains, turning on room lights, and so on. In low light you can still photograph without the flash by making sure the camera does not move during the exposure. Consider using a tripod or monopod. The auto color balance feature should automatically adjust the color for the light source. Sometimes it is helpful (at least minimally) to include a white or near neutral grey item within the camera's field of view to assist the camera's color balance assessment. Mixed lighting gives mixed results. Illuminate, eliminate, or move away from the object that has the shadow cast upon it (a wall, for example). Or, use it to your advantage by angling for a better position that may bounce and diffuse the light from the on-camera flash by reflecting light off the wall. Some photographers might lay a white sheet in front of the subject to soften the light by bouncing the light off the ceiling.