Lightscoop For Your DSLR (review)

I'm just getting started with my DSLR camera (a Canon Rebel to be exact) and I don't have a ton of money to put towards add-on purchases right now. I would love to try some different lenses in the future but my first BIG concern with the camera was about the built-in flash.

I don't like the harsh shadows that come from using the built-in flash on the DSLR. They're very difficult to work around. However, a professional grade flash can cost quite a bit of money. So, what's the solution?

I recently found out about Lightscoop and I just had to try it out.  Lightscoop is something you put on your   DSLR camera over the built in flash. What is does is bend the light away from the person/object you're photographing. This offers light without creating shadows. I love this product for its ingenuity and affordability. For a mom who's just learning the ropes of her first DSLR camera, the Lightscoop is a wonderful help.

Since I'm not very well schooled in "techy talk", I'll refer to Lightscoop's website to give you a better idea of how this works.

Redirecting the small light from your camera’s pop-up flash to the ceiling creates a larger source of light that also comes from a natural direction (rather than from the middle of your forehead). Softer, more diffused light coming from a natural direction will instantly improve your photos. Turning the camera vertically to direct the flash to a light-colored wall will create the kind of directional “window” light that is the hallmark of an interesting professional photograph. Plus, using the flash will stop blur from subject or camera movement.

[Note that the Lightscoop does not replace fully-featured and more powerful tilting external flashes for advanced or professional photographers who need them. That’s a whole other class of equipment.]

Now that you have a concept for how Lightscoop works, I can show you photos I took so you can see the difference for yourself. First, I'll show you a photo of my son using the pop-up flash.

Do you see the dark shadows behind his face and hand? Ugh! I can't STAND when that happens.

OK, let's look at the same picture using the Lightscoop.

Do you see the difference? I love how the Lightscoop removes those nasty dark shadows and makes the photo warmer and brighter. It's much better, right?

Let me share a couple of pointers when using the Lightscoop for your DSLR camera.

1. Be informed with the appropriate setup for your specific brand of camera. There are differences with each brand. You can click How To to see how to use it.
2. Watch out for the vertical shots. There are special things you need to consider for a vertical shot. Also, I've noticed that the light seems to shoot right into my eye sometimes. It's probably my mistake, but, it's possible that you could make the same mistake I've made, right?
   
3. ENJOY! This is an easy way to add a polished look to your own photos.

The Lightscoop comes in 2 different styles. The first is "standard" (what I used) and the second is "warming". The "warming" style uses tinted glass to warm up the light from the flash for your photographs. You can see the difference with that one here.

 BUY IT: You can purchase either the standard or warming Lightscoop for $34.95. OR, purchase both at once for $69.90 and receive free shipping.

**This review reflects my personal experience with and opinion of the Lightscoop. I was sent one item free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received. **