Trivia: What was the biggest downfall of flash photography in the late 1800s?
Extremely heavy equipment
Eye injuries
Flash powder explosions
Unstable camera stands
Correct Answer: Flash powder explosions
So why is this answer correct? : The development of flash powder allowed photographers to work indoors and at night, but it didn’t come without danger. In the 1880s, a magnesium powder mixture was commonly used to produce instant nighttime photos by causing a large, bright spark. The powder was highly explosive, and therefore dangerous, but was very popular nonetheless.