It was actually an opportunity shot. I was taking a photo of her talking to someone and she saw me and turned around to face the camera. Ad astra per aspera
Direct flash goes with harsh shadows (and sharp pictures)!
Anyhow, once you're tagged as the "Gal with the camera" and after a few minutes, indirect flash won't surprise people too much, while direct flash can (and even hurt people with eye problems)! "What can I do, What can I write, Against the fall of Night". A.E. Housman