All solid objects cast a shadow; it cannot be avoided. The following techniques help to control or reduce the shadow by eliminating or reducing the harshness of the flash:

• Elevate or eliminate the flash:
• • Make sure the flash is above the lens when your camera is turned to vertical (portrait) orientation. In most situations, if the on-camera flash is higher than the subject, there should not be a shadow. However, make sure that the camera is not so high that you make a shadow in the other direction (under your subject's eyebrows, nose or chin, for example).
  • If there is enough natural light, press the Flash button and select Off. You can add "natural" light to the scene by opening curtains or turning on room lights. In low light, be sure to hold the camera steady when you take a picture without the flash. You may want to consider using a tripod or monopod.
• Illuminate, eliminate, or move away from the object that has the shadow cast upon it (a wall, for example). Or, use it to your advantage by moving to a better position that may bounce and diffuse the light from the flash by reflecting light off the wall. Try placing a white sheet in front of the subject, which will soften the light by bouncing it off the ceiling.