Nikon D3100 flash problem

Hi all,
I'm quite new to photography, and I seem to be having a few issues when using flash. I think the lens is getting in the way when I take pictures in low light with the flash on, as it only illuminates half the scene, as in this picture: Last Import-22 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!


I hope the link works ok.


I'm not sure if it is the lens as it doesn't seem to do it all the time, and certainly not when the camera is being held in landscape.


Has anyone seen this before? I'm probably doing something very silly, but can't seem to work out what it is.


Thank you,
Liz

I believe your problem is the lens. Sometimes the size of the lens causes it to block the light from the pop up flash. By size I mean Large Diameter, or a long lens, or even a lens with a hood on it.

Another thing (and I do it a lot) is after adjusting your zoom, you forget to move your hand out of the way of the flash.

Finally, it is possible that the pop up flash doesn't rise completely because of some obstruction.

I suggest trying with the smallest lens you have in both diameter or length to see if this overcomes the problem.

Hope it helps.

What lens are you using in the above photo?

Welcome Liz...I'm sure mike is correct...Buy yourself an early Chrissy present, an SB700 flash will fix your problem..

I'm using the standard 18-55mm lens. I might just have to add the SB700 to my pressie list.

Mike I will check the position of the flash pop up (and my hands !!) next time. Thank you all for your suggestions.

im no expert but on my d3100 I took some pictures in our back garden at night and the flash lite up the whole garden and the picture looked like it was taken during the day, so I think the flash on the d3100 is excellent

I use the D3100 with the 18-55mm lens and have never had that shadowing happen. But it could be a very close thing, as I believe that's why there is no lens hood supplied in the D3100 kit with the 18-55mm lens.