It could just be that the flash doesn't have enough range. I have two Tasco trail cameras, but mine are the 3 mp models. If the flash is the same on yours, as it is on mine, they only have about a 10 foot range. I got lots of night pictures at first, of nothing. But now I'm careful to place the camera so that it is close to where I expect the animals to be. So maybe just try putting your apples closer to the camera.