I HATE looking at ugly flash photos!
Here's the scoop. I've taken up blogging to introduce what is the wildest thing I've
undertaken yet... an invention that lets photographers BOUNCE the pop-up flash in Nikon, Canon and Pentax 35mm SLR cameras. I figure a blog will allow me to share ideas I'll be incorporating into the 6th edition of my textbook and to discuss other projects, tips, etc. But for now, it's all about the invention.
Former students will instantly understand why I invented this device — cleverly called "Professor Kobre's Lightscoop™" I HATE looking at ugly flash photos.
We're in manufacturing now, and hope to launch our website sometime in May. For now, we're selling only on the Internet - $29.95 for better flash photos. I can't believe how LONG it's taken to turn my idea into an actual patent-pending product. I'll post a link when it's up and going. Here's one of my original experiments with my first, very crude prototype:
I had set up a second camera with a remote to photograph myself taking the pictures with and without the Lightscoop. I wanted to study the light pattern on the ceiling as well as the final results. It's not art, but the results were so dramatic that I was propelled to go forward.
I began back in 2004 trying to figure out how I might bounce the light from the pop-up flash. I was looking for a work-around for students, who were showing up in our photojournalism classes at San Francisco State with these camera models... The built-in flash units are JUST strong enough to produce enough light to bounce effectively, but the flash heads point straight forward. Since I spend a lot of time teaching students to bounce the light from external strobes to create natural lighting effects, I was frustrated with the harsh direct light from the built-in flash.
When I realized what I had in mind was possible, I decided to develop an actual product that would allow ANYONE using these cameras to EASILY get terrific lighting results. I wanted it to be simple enough for a novice, but effective enough that a professional would love it for casual shooting. I wouldn't head out on an assignment with just the Lightscoop, but for family events and such, it's a LOT more convenient than hauling around the external strobe.
The one thing I know is that it's the single best tool for producing instantly better photography. I've shocked even myself!
Former students will instantly understand why I invented this device — cleverly called "Professor Kobre's Lightscoop™" I HATE looking at ugly flash photos.
We're in manufacturing now, and hope to launch our website sometime in May. For now, we're selling only on the Internet - $29.95 for better flash photos. I can't believe how LONG it's taken to turn my idea into an actual patent-pending product. I'll post a link when it's up and going. Here's one of my original experiments with my first, very crude prototype:
I had set up a second camera with a remote to photograph myself taking the pictures with and without the Lightscoop. I wanted to study the light pattern on the ceiling as well as the final results. It's not art, but the results were so dramatic that I was propelled to go forward.
I began back in 2004 trying to figure out how I might bounce the light from the pop-up flash. I was looking for a work-around for students, who were showing up in our photojournalism classes at San Francisco State with these camera models... The built-in flash units are JUST strong enough to produce enough light to bounce effectively, but the flash heads point straight forward. Since I spend a lot of time teaching students to bounce the light from external strobes to create natural lighting effects, I was frustrated with the harsh direct light from the built-in flash.
When I realized what I had in mind was possible, I decided to develop an actual product that would allow ANYONE using these cameras to EASILY get terrific lighting results. I wanted it to be simple enough for a novice, but effective enough that a professional would love it for casual shooting. I wouldn't head out on an assignment with just the Lightscoop, but for family events and such, it's a LOT more convenient than hauling around the external strobe.
The one thing I know is that it's the single best tool for producing instantly better photography. I've shocked even myself!
Posted by Ken Kobre at 4/17/2007 4:31 PM 
Categories: Professor Kobre's Lightscoop,Kobre in Brief,Flash photography
Categories: Professor Kobre's Lightscoop,Kobre in Brief,Flash photography
Can't wait to learn more about the Lightscoop. Looks very effective.
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Lots more info coming soon. You are going to love it. Ken K
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Historically, I've hated flash photos because the person in front is bright and the person in back, is well, sometimes not there! I was amazed at how Lightscoop, such a simple product, could turn me into a good photographer. And the price—it's pocket change.
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Where and when can I get one of these?
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Hi, Matt, Nice to hear from you -- and thanks for your interest! We are manufacturing right now, as well as developing the website where it will be sold. I'm hoping we will be live by mid-May. The site isn't up yet, but will be at www.lightscoop.com. I'll add you to my list of people to notify. Meanwhile, I hope you'll keep checking in here. Best regards, Ken Kobre
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Thanks for the reply Ken. I am quite interested in trying this device out.
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Glad to know that Prof. Kenneth continues to tinker away in this ever-changing field. I will pass the word about this new invention to my cohorts where I teach, plus to members of journaism-educator groups I belong to. I'm thinking members of the Washington Journalism Education Association (high school journalism teachers/advisers) should also know about this.
John
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Ken, since I have a Canon 10D, 20D and and a converted to Infrared only Rebel XT. I am looking forward to trying out your Scoop for just the applications you designed it for; casual family photos and as an added light tool for some of the art photography I've been working on. Even though I do like an use Sto-Fen and Gary Fong diffusers for weddings, events and editorial work there is that big, heavy Canon 550EX unit to wrestle with. Your Scoop might actually replace it in some situations. Ciao, Ken.
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Hi Ken,
Berenice got an email yesterday (4/21) about your invention. Will it work on my Canon EOS 10D? It might be a good way to illuminate Berenice's silk paintings when I photograph them.
Bob Pliskin
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Hi, Bob, The Lightscoop will work with the Canon EOS line, the Canon Rebel line, the Nikon D series, and the Pentax 10KD. Bouncing with the Lightscoop solves MOST hot spots. Thanks for writing... Ken
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I meant to say the Pentax K10D! Slippery fingers...
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Great idea!!!! I've blogged about this here: http://photojdoc.com/wp/?p=58
I'm looking forward to getting one. Please let me know ASAP when they're available.
Bob
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Thank you, Bob, for your enthusiasm! I'm excited, too, though I know the Lightscoop can't be a panacea for all shooting situations. It's great for casual shooting, though, and an affordable introduction to controlling light for beginners or prosumers not ready to purchase an external strobe. Will keep you posted on availability, though I hope you will subscribe to the blog for ongoing updates.
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Ken,
Wow! Esteemed educator, brilliant author, fantastic photographer, and now an elegant entrepreneur. You are amazing! The Lightscoop looks great and you will sell millions. Put me down for one of the first.
Rob
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Wow, back! Thank you, Rob. You're now on my notification list. We're bootstrapping all this, so we greatly appreciate any help in spreading the word.
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Your demo of the lightscoop was very impressive! I plan to get one to use when I photograph my artwork. It will also be great for all the wonderful uses you showed us in during demonstrations in Baltimore!
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This was an ideal article. I came across your piece of writing and found it exceptionally constructive.
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