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How Camera Flashes Work

Multiple camera flashes by paparazzi cameras
Camera flashes make indoor photography possible without increasing exposure time. Robert Daly / Getty Images

­If you've read How Cameras Work, you know that it takes a lot of light to expose a vivid image onto film. For most indoor photography, where there is relatively little ambient light, you either need to expose the film for a longer period of time or momentarily increase the light level to get a clear picture. Increasing the exposure time doesn't work well for most subjects, because any quick motion, including the movement of the camera itself, makes for a blurry picture.

Electronic flashes are a simple, cheap solution to this inherent problem in photography. Their sole purpose is to emit a short burst of bright light when you release the shutter. This illuminates the room for the fraction of a second the film is exposed.

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In this article, we'll find out exactly how these devices carry out this important task. As we'll see, a standard camera flash is a great demonstration of how basic electronic components can work together in a simple circuit.