Image DAY 272 HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Flash Photography

ON AGAIN, OFF AGAIN

Flash photography emerged in the 1850s and ’60s as a tool to brighten subjects and reduce exposure times. Early methods used fire, and more often magnesium, which when ignited, produced an intense, bright light but also created extremely dangerous working conditions. German inventors in 1887 created a safer but still magnesium-based compound that became known as “flashlight powder,” and enjoyed popularity for years.

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In 1925, Dr. Paul Vierkotter enclosed magnesium wire ...

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