shadow and spot

[bkrueger66]

I noticed the shadow on this picture (and others) when taking a flash picture on the Rebel xti using the built-in flash, and holding the camera so that the flash is on the left. However, keeping the same distance between the flash and the subject, and camera oriented "normally", I dont get the shadow. The camera strap is not in the way, and neither are my fingers. No one else is in front of me.

On the second shot, I noticed a spot on the subject's throat. I have gotten these spots on other subjects, using the 430EX flash (no outside light at all). I suspect it's reflection off my lens. Anyone else experienced this oversight?

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

[coreypolis]

just light falloff from a weak flash. on board flash never looks good and is very contrasty.

the images are so small its hard to see what all is going on.

try hosting them at photobucket.com which is free and linking the images here

[bkrueger66]

thanks, coreypolis, for the link to photobucket

the shadow:
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p200/bkrueger66/IMG_0411_1.jpg

the spot (definitely a reflection from the window/suncatcher)
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p200/bkrueger66/IMG_1024.jpg

[Curtis N]

In the first shot, there is something blocking the light from the flash on the right side of the frame. The usual reasons don't seem to fit here. If it only happens with vertical, wide-angle shots, then my first guess is your hand holding the lens is in the way. I think we need more information to figure it out.

The spot on the second shot is ghosting from the bright spot where your flash is reflected in the window. This phenomenon is seen most often when UV filters are used. Besides removing your UV filter, the best solution is to avoid shooting directly in front of windows. Here's a thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=86910) where the ghosting issue is discussed.

[bkrueger66]

I guess I'll have to watch the way I hold the camera. I didn't think that's the problem, but I asked for answers, and this is the best one so far.

Thanks for the responses. I will monitor the way I amholding the camera in the vertical mode.