Camera flash does not harm babies eyes

8 years 8 months ago #451431 by Josh Jofoto
Who starts these things?  I have heard this twice in the last couple months.  My sister just had her second child last month and didn't want me taking photos of her little girl with my flashing  saying "the flash will cause babies to go blind".  I have searched all over and couldn't find any cases of babies going blind directly related to camera flash. 

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8 years 8 months ago #451460 by effron
You brought it up, no? While it won't harm a baby's eyes, it doesn't make for a good photo to fire a direct, full power flash. Turn it down and bounce it......:dry:

Why so serious?
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8 years 8 months ago #451471 by garyrhook
This idiocy gets trotted out periodically.

Aside from +1 on bouncing the flash (you didn't actually detail your technique) you can find research that explains the amount of light is much less than sunshine. Or you could point out that, if that were true, lots of people would already be blind.

Or you could just go with, "do you believe everything you hear/read on Facebook?"

It's a false claim that comes from people that are either stupid, or think they're funny.


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8 years 8 months ago #451592 by ShadowWalker
Just another urban legend, just like kids getting apples with razor blades in them during Halloween.  

+3 on bouncing light


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8 years 8 months ago #451661 by Overread
Exactly!


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8 years 8 months ago - 8 years 8 months ago #451670 by icepics
My background is as an early intervention specialist and I haven't run across anything one way or the other on this. A newborn's vision is still developing, and if anything I suppose it could cause the baby some discomfort.

Babies have more/different sensitivity to things than adults because their bodies are so tiny; something that seems minor to us could be more of a big deal to them.

If a parent doesn't want something done with their child I think you have to respect that, it's their child and up to them. Of course it's a different situation if it's family or if it's a paid photo shoot, but I don't think it's appropriate to go into someone's home and do something with their child they don't want done.

You could as Effron suggested try bouncing the light - maybe move away from the baby and show the mom what it's like when the flash is bounced off the ceiling, she might be OK with that. If not, you'll probably have to learn how to use the existing room light or let someone else take the photos. Or maybe suggest the mom ask her pediatrician next time she goes.

Sharon
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