Photoflash Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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photoflash

[ˈfəʊtəʊflæʃ ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in photography

A brief, intense burst of light produced by a flash lamp or electronic flash unit for illuminating a photographic subject or scene.

Synonyms

burst of light, flash, strobe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
photoflash	Commonly used in photography to describe a brief and intense burst of light provided by a flash unit on a camera. He set up the photoflash to ensure good lighting for the portrait session. The photoflash went off, capturing a perfect image in the dark room.
flash	Can be used in a variety of contexts including photography, electronics, and natural phenomena, to describe a quick and sudden light. The flash of lightning lit up the sky during the storm. She activated the flash on her camera to get a clearer picture.
strobe	Refers to a strobe light, which is a device that produces regular flashes of light and is often used in clubs, concerts, and emergency services. The strobe lights created a dramatic effect on the dance floor. Emergency vehicles often use strobe lights to signal their presence.
burst of light	Used more generally to describe any sudden and intense emission of light, not limited to photography. There was a sudden burst of light as the fireworks exploded in the sky. The burst of light startled the animals in the forest.

Examples of usage

The photographer used a photoflash to capture the perfect shot.
She always carries a portable photoflash in her camera bag.
The photoflash helped to brighten the dark room for the photo shoot.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

Early flash devices used magnesium powder, creating an incredibly bright but short-lived burst of light, referred to as a flash powder.
Modern devices often use electronic flashes, which can recycle quickly and provide a series of shots in rapid succession, beneficial for capturing action.

Pop Culture

In film and photography, a flash is often seen in character scenes where someone takes a photo—think of it as a symbol of capturing memories.
The term 'flash photography' gained popularity as cameras became compact and easy to use, allowing everyday people to document life’s moments.

Art

Artists often use flash techniques in photography, creating dramatic contrasts in lighting which can alter the mood of the photograph significantly.
In the world of fashion photography, flash helps highlight textures and colors, making the photos vibrant and eye-catching.

Science

The brightness of a photoflash is measured in guide numbers, which indicate how effective the light is at illuminating the subject being photographed.
Flashes also contribute to the science of optics, affecting how light interacts with different surfaces and materials in a photograph.

Origin of 'photoflash'

Main points about word origin

The word combines 'photo,' from Greek 'photos' meaning 'light,' and 'flash,' referring to a sudden burst, which perfectly describes its function.
It first appeared in photography terminology around the 19th century when early inventors began using light sources for clearer images.

The term 'photoflash' originated in the early 20th century with the development of flash photography. Before the invention of photoflash, photographers relied on natural light or cumbersome flash powder. The introduction of photoflash revolutionized the field of photography, allowing for better illumination of subjects and faster exposure times. Over the years, advancements in technology have led to the creation of more sophisticated photoflash units, enhancing the quality of photographs captured.