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Almost every camera made today, SLR or compact, includes a flash integrated into the body or as a pop-up device. Use it with caution! As an example, lets look at this photo:

This features our ever-willing model, taken with the on-camera flash. It represents a night party snapshot, typical of thousands taken everyday around the world.

What’s wrong with it? Well, as a snapshot, nothing. But as a photograph, there is plenty to dislike about it.

• The lighting is harsh, with 
• The light is coming from an unnatural direction (the front). Natural light comes from above. This gives the photo a very artificial look.
• There are harsh shadows behind