An image taking apparatus has a small light-emitting section capable of easily adjusting a luminous intensity distribution of flash. Two reflection side plates are disposed such that they cover Fresnel lenses disposed on both ends of a protector when a zoom switch is operated to a WIDE side, light emitted sideway from an arc tube is reflected to the two reflection side plates and is guided toward a central side of the protector, and the luminous intensity distribution is adjusted such as to fit the WIDE image taking angle of view. If the zoom switch is operated to a TELE side, the two reflection side plates are inclined, light emitted sideway from the arc tube is guided to the Fresnel lenses, and the luminous intensity distribution is adjusted to fit a TELE image taking angle of view.