Why do my flash photos show a ghosted blur, and how can I prevent it?
Asked 10/16/2018
7 views
2 answers
0
Some of my recent photos taken with the camera’s built-in flash show a ghosted double-image effect: a sharp image from the flash plus a blurry offset image. One example was shot at f/5.6, ISO 400, 1/60 sec. Is this caused by the shutter speed, and what settings or equipment changes will help prevent it?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
7y ago
2 Answers
15
To be a bit more specific, this is the superposition of
- a very short exposure with flash, the clear sharp part
- overlaid by an underexposed long exposure shot (the blurry part)
However, the amount of motion blur for a 1/60 shot is unusually large, so you likely took the picture from far away. This would also explain why the blurred part is so visible, your flash was too far from the subject and didn't make much difference with the ambient light.
Originally by user75947. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user75947
7y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes — this is flash ghosting caused by subject or camera movement during a relatively long exposure. The flash creates a very brief, sharp exposure, while the 1/60 sec shutter also records ambient light before or after the flash, producing the blurred offset image.
Why it’s happening:
- 1/60 sec can be slow enough to record motion blur.
- A built-in flash has limited power and range, so if the subject is farther away, ambient light contributes more strongly and the blur becomes more visible.
How to reduce it:
- Use a faster shutter speed, such as 1/100 or 1/160 if your camera allows it with flash.
- Move closer to the subject so the flash has more effect.
- Reduce ambient light if possible.
- If you shoot in low light often, use a more powerful external flash.
In short: it’s not just the flash — it’s the combination of flash plus too much ambient exposure during a slow shutter speed.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI7y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
How can I photograph active children indoors in low light without blur or flash?
What caused this blurry gray splotch in the corner of my photo?
Why does DSLR Remote Pro switch my Canon 700D to Bulb in photo booth mode with external flash?
Why are some photos from my Sony DSC-HX100V suddenly noisy and low quality?
Is image stabilization causing blur when photographing a moving toddler indoors?