a forensic light source and method using an inventive light source comprising a short arc gas vapor discharge lamp is disclosed . a support structure is provided for supporting the source of light . a light guide having first and second ends , is coupled to the source of light at the first end to receive light from the source of light and transmit the light to the second end . the light guide is mounted on the support structure . a filter support member supports a plurality of filters . a portable hand holdable and movable light directing assembly is mounted on the second end of the light guide . the light directing assembly supports the filter support member and provides for movement of the filter support member to a plurality of positions . each of the positions corresponds to a coupling of a selected one of the filters to the second end , whereby the light emitted from the second end is filtered by the selected filter while the emitted light is directed to various locations through movement of the light directing assembly . a dc power supply has a pulsating dc or constant voltage output .