Very thin flash modules for cameras are described that do not appear as a point source of light to the illuminated subject. Therefore, the flash is less objectionable to the subject. In one embodiment, the light emitting surface area is about 5 mm×10 mm. Low profile, side-emitting LEDs optically coupled to solid light guides enable the flash module to be thinner than 2 mm. The flash module may also be continuously energized for video recording. The module is particularly useful for cell phone cameras and other thin cameras.