camera flash

Bright photography light

A camera flash is a device that produces a brief burst of bright light to illuminate a scene for photography.

Built into most cameras and smartphones, or attached as a separate unit.

Flash photography enables shooting in low light but can wash out subjects or create harsh shadows.

The camera flash startled the baby.

blinding

dazzle

Impress through radiance

glareFierce stare or brightness
overexposedToo much light captured
squintPartly close eyes

afterimage · redeye · harsh · washed out · hotspot · whiteout · stark · unflattering · startled · blink

timing

instant

Briefest unit of time

freeze-frameHalted motion picture image
front curtainStage's primary barrier
burstBreak apart suddenly

pop · decisive moment · candid · action · shutter · trigger · capture · split-second · paparazzi · snapshot

illumination

strobe

Rapidly pulsing light

speedlightPortable photographic strobe
fill lightShadow-reducing auxiliary illumination
bounceSpring back after impact

diffuser · softbox · reflector · umbrella · gel · TTL · sync · hotshoe · key light · ambient

Categories

bright lightssunlight, glare, flare, spotlight, strobe
flashesstrobe, strobe light, light burst, lightning, burst
signal lightsbeacon, beacon light, navigation light, signal lamp, warning light
Flickerscandle flame, firelight, torch flame, match flame, oil lamp

Opposites

light source type

camera flashambient light

Existing illumination in space

natural light · available light · sunlight · daylight · moonlight

lighting control

camera flashambient lighting

Soft indirect room illumination

natural lighting

Family

flash, camera, flashing, flashed, flashes, cameras, photographers, flashbulb, flashgun

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G