billnikon wrote:
Your shadow could have come from the lens hood, if not, then yes, pop up flashes can do this to a long lens.And, yes, you are correct, the best shot would have been from the fire looking back toward the group with no flash.
Also, if you flash can be REAR CURTAIN flash, your flash shots will look more natural taken at night. Rear curtain flash balances the flash and the exposure better, which, you may have used.
Thanks for the explanation. I was thinking it was a finger over the lower left portion of the lens. Your explanation makes makes more sense.