Flash powder is a chemical mixture, typically consisting of metallic magnesium combined with an oxidizing agent, that produces a brilliant burst of light when ignited by heat. It was historically used in early photography and stage lighting to provide intense illumination for capturing images or creating visual effects.
Although flash powder is largely obsolete today, replaced by modern electronic flash units, it played a key role in the development of photographic lighting. Photographers and historians often study flash powder to understand early photographic techniques and the evolution of lighting technology in both studio and outdoor photography.