Flashbulbs - Dead or Alive Apogee Photo Magazine Apogee Photo Magazine talks with Bill Cress, a photographer with more than thirty years of experience. Over the years, he has remained adamantly loyal to using flashbulbs, long considered by some as increasingly rare artifacts of photographic history. We've discovered that Mr. Cress is one of the most knowledgeable photographers around who regularly work with flashbulbs. A scientist recently called me and wanted flash bulbs for use as an igniter.
Flashbulbs have the unique ability to pulse large lasers.
Apparently, the photons emitted from the bulb fire a laser source. The scientist told me that using bulbs eliminates the need for a power source. That's an unusual use for flashbulbs. One of the other more interesting uses is by cavers, people who explore immense underground caves. The advantage is that they can light immense caverns with a minimal amount of equipment.