Black Shadow on center bottom of photos when using built in flash

jimscott97

I have this recurring issue when I am using my built in flash I get a black shadow on the bottom center of the image. Almost look as though a finger was in the way of the shot, but that's not the case. Any idea what I am doing wrong?

micknew

If you had a lens hood on it could it be seeing a petal of the lens hood.
You would see it through the view finder if that's the problem.
Fit the hood 90 degrees around and that should cure the problem.

Stalwartjah

Yeah, your issue sounds easy enough to point out.

Your flash isn't high enough off of your camera to clear your lens/hood length and your subject is too close.

You can solve this by using an external flash set up, like a 430 EX II (many other choices/set-ups), using a shorter zoom lens/hood or simply by backing up.

jimscott97

Thanks for the feedback. I did some research and concur that the built in flash is not high enough and the lens/hood is too big. I'm going to buy a new flash. Needed one anyway.