A question on flash

[hypnotic]

Having just watched a tv programme on press photography, I noticed that most togs had their flash sitting on top of the camera ..... But it was on its side and not sitting vertically in the shoe.

Can anyone tell me why they do this and how?:shrug:

 

[Steep]

The further away the flash is from the lens the less chance of problems with things like red eye and burnout of (baldy heads) bright areas etc.

 

[oldgit]

As steep'y ses.
Also the shadow cast by the flash is not in a direct line.
Back in the gud ol dayz of film I had an off camera flash that was on a bracket about 8" to one side of the camera. Made lotsa difference.