Flash

A flash is an intense burst of artificial light. It allows photographers to photograph at night or indoors.

From 1860 to the 1920s, photographers used magnesium flashpowder to create a very bright and relatively brief flash. The chemicals were smelly, smokey and dangerous, often exploding. They allowed the photographer little control over the quality of the lighting.

The first flash bulb was introduced in 1930. Chemicals inside a glass bulb ignited when a weak electric current passed through them. The flash bulb was safer than powder but still produced a harsh light.

Other 20th-century developments included the multiple flash, electronic flash, and the strobe light. These provided a better quality of lighting and made it possible to freeze forms that could not be seen with the human eye.