Abstract: A method and apparatus for diffusing light to photograph an object. A cover is placed over an object and surrounds the object. The cover is made of translucent material that diffuses light from outside of the cover and minimizes shadows cast by the object. A lens of a camera fits through an opening proximate a top of the cover to photograph the object.

Abstract: A photographic umbrella includes a skeletal frame and both a reflective inner surface and a diffusive inner surface secured in relation to the frame. The frame defines an inner concavity or recess that opens at a mouth portion. A first cover member made from fabric or other suitable material is secured to the frame, and an inner surface of the first cover member conforms generally to the shape of the inner concavity. This inner surface of the first cover member includes a highly reflective surface. A second, translucent cover member is placed in covering relation with the reflective inner surface of the first cover member so that the second cover member at least substantially covers the reflective inner surface. Thus, the second cover member diffuses light incident thereon and the reflective inner surface reflects light that passes through the second cover member.

Abstract: A decorative article includes a plurality of members hingedly connected to one another and movable between a folded storage position and an unfolded display position. Each of the members includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and first and second sides. A hinge interconnects adjacent members between respective first and second sides. Ones of the top surfaces overlay each other and ones of the bottom surfaces overlay each other in the article folded storage position, such that in the article folded storage position, the article has a height equal to the sum of the heights of the members, and in the article unfolded display position, the article has a height equal to the height of one of the members and wherein the members are arranged in a circular pattern.

Abstract: There is described a strobe device particularly suited for image capturing apparatus equipped with wide-angle lens. The strobe device includes a reflector to reflect a strobe light, a light-emitting tube to emit the strobe light and an optical panel to transmits the strobe light. In the strobe device embodied in the present invention, a maximum luminous intensity of the strobe light, illuminated by the strobe device, is arranged in a direction being different from a direction of a strobe light axis.

Abstract: A combination light assembly includes a light source within a casing that is detachably mounted to a housing with a quick connect assembly. The housing has a curved rear wall and a front area having an upper opening and a lower opening. The casing is mounted to the housing so that the light source will emit light into the housing through the lower opening for reflection off the curved rear wall and out the upper opening. The quick connect assembly comprises posts extending from the casing and connector plates positioned behind attachment openings in a framework that encloses a portion of the front area. The connector plates have flex openings that expand to engage the posts. The casing is attached by moving the posts through the attachment openings and into the flex openings.

Abstract: A portable light reflector or diffusor includes a reflection or diffusion cloth attached to a foldable framework composed of longitudinal struts and a transverse strut which is stiff with respect to compression and connects the two longitudinal struts, wherein the transverse strut has ends bent in the direction towards the plane defined by the longitudinal struts and the reflection or diffusion cloth attached to the longitudinal struts, wherein the angle between the bent ends and the intermediate piece between the ends is greater than 90°. A belt extends parallel to the transverse strut in such a way that the longitudinal struts are pressed apart for tensioning the reflection or diffusion cloth.

Abstract: A compact lighting device or a strobe device includes a discharge tube; a prism unit having an incident surface receiving a light from said discharge tube and an outgoing surface that ejects an incident light to a side of an object to be photographed; and a first optical unit and a second optical unit disposed on said prism unit on the side of the object to be photographed; wherein a relative interval between said first optical unit and said second optical unit are change to vary a irradiating angle of the light directed toward the object to be photographed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for illuminating articles, such as parcels, moving beneath a camera on a conveyor belt. Multiple light sources are positioned alongside the conveyor to direct light angled downwardly and from the side of the conveyor. Each light source has an elongated lamp angled with respect to the surface of the article and a light directing device, preferably a Fresnel lens, positioned to receive light from the lamp and to direct the light toward the surface at an angle equal to or greater than forty degrees from an optical axis of the camera.

Abstract: A light reflector for photographing, filming or taping, especially for outdoor shooting, includes a plurality of panels of identical size and having at least one reflecting side, and connectors for butt-jointing the panels to one another. Abutting panels are joined together at their edges by connectors of U-shaped configuration, whereas the interconnection of four contiguous panels is realized in the center by connectors in the form of two metal plates which are secured to one another by a central screw bolt.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus 1 has a convex lens 11 arranged so that its optical axis is at an angle &thgr; with respect to the normal of an observation portion 3a (e.g., a semiconductor substrate or the like), with a camera 5 arranged in the path of the reflected light rays. When a light-emitting portion 13 is arranged along the optical axis of the lens 11, a bright field illumination takes place. If a knob 29 is turned, the light-emitting portion 13 moves along a ball screw 25, thereby changing the illumination from a bright field illumination to a dark field illumination. When a knob 37 is turned, the light exiting the lens 11 will diverge if the light-emitting portion 13 is moved close to the lens 11, converge if the light-emitting portion 13 is moved far away from the lens 11, and be parallel if the light-emitting portion 13 is positioned at the focal point of the lens 11.

Abstract: An apparatus for integrating and modifying light output of strobe-based and continuous light sources. A light-modifier housing made to accept variety of commercially available lights typically used in photography lighting. The output of these lights is channeled in a uniform way for illuminating an area or subject to be photographed. Multiple light units can be mounted onto the modifier. A light, preferably the center one, can be removed and substituted with camera for shadowless lighting effect. With interchangeable adapter plates, different manufacturer's lights such as strobe lights or constant lights, are quickly mounted onto the modifier. Highly reflective paneling is used to line the inside surfaces as well as the inner side of the adjustable louvers (barndoors). These combination results in a system offering maximum, uniform, light output with high degree of controllability. The light weight modifier can be mounted on user supplied studio stands or inverted from ceiling mounts.

Abstract: A photographic color effects lighting filter system made up of a series of lighting filters which are designed to be placed in front of one or more lighting sources. The lighting color effects filter series is made up of groups of filters wherein each of the filter groups is composed of a plurality of filters wherein each filter within a given group provides selective absorption of light having a color corresponding to one of the primary, secondary or intermediary colors. Each of the filters within a given group has a specific effective absorption density. The effective absorption densities are calibrated so that the selected absorption densities are the same for each of the different color groups.

Abstract: In a light distribution lens for a strobe provided in front of a strobe light emitter to gather strobe light, one of opposed lens surfaces is made of a convex surface, and the other lens surface is made of a convex Fresnel surface. A zoom strobe device is also disclosed, which includes a light emitter unit having a light emitter and a reflector, a light distribution lens provided in front of the light emitter unit to gather light emitted from the light emitter, and a zoom device for varying the distance between the light emitter unit and the light distribution lens.

Abstract: An improved self-contained portable lighting system comprising: a first shell having an interior portion in which lights are mounted and having an exterior portion on which is mounted a first closure; a plurality of reflectors are mounted by hinges on edges of a front face of the interior portion of the first shell so that the reflectors may be folded on top of one another and substantially flat against the interior portion of the first shell; a second shell having an exterior portion including second closure for engaging the first closure and locking the first shell the said second shell together.

Abstract: A surface illuminating device is provided with a light source, a light introducing plate lying in a plane passing the light source, a first light diffusing plate arranged on a top surface of the light introducing plate, and a second light diffusing plate arranged on a bottom surface of the light introducing plate. The light introducing plate includes a first section arranged with the first light diffusing plate, and a second section arranged with the second light diffusing plate. The first and second sections each are formed with serrations in a surface opposite to a surface arranged with their respective light diffusing plate.

Abstract: A case light assembly system with alternate illumination sources. A case has a lower plate with an upper supporting surface and a lower surface and with upstanding peripheral side walls to define a reception area therewithin. A plate is formed to overlie the lower plate, the plate having a central downwardly extending articulated mounting adapter. A harness-retaining frame is formed of two long parallel side walls and two parallel end walls in a rectangular configuration. A ballast assembly includes a removable ballast carrier with an open top and chamber therewithin, a switch plate thereabove, and a heat exchange plate to one side of the switch plate. The ballast assembly has a plug fixture therebeneath for coupling with the source of electrical potential.

Abstract: A photographic lighting dome (10) for holding and directing a light source having a housing (11) of flexible material, the housing (11) having an inner perimeter (12) surrounding a central opening (13), and an outer perimeter (14). There are a plurality of flexible support rods (20), each support rod (20) having a connecting end (24) and a releasable end (26). A central hub (18) having a plurality of support rod attachment fixtures (42) is positioned in the central opening (13) of the housing (11), where each fixture (42) is configured for receiving the connecting end (24) of one of the plurality of support rods (20). A plurality of channels (22) are formed in the housing (11), extending from the housing central opening (13) to the outer perimeter of the housing (14), each channel (22) being shaped to receive one of the plurality of support rods (20).

Abstract: The light reflector is for use in photography and comprises a cloth 1 raised on radial ribs 2 each of which has a proximal end 3 and a distal end 4. The distal ends 4 of ribs 2 are removably engaged in pockets 5 formed at the angle edges 6 of the cloth 1. Each of the proximal ends of the ribs is removably engaged into a socket 29 pivotally mounted on an armature 10 adapted to be fastened on a lamphead 17. The central portion of cloth 1 is engaged on a sleeve which is part of the armature 10. A locking assembly 36 is mounted on each socket 29 to allow locking thereof in a position where it extends peripherally of the armature 10.

Abstract: A flash apparatus capable of varying the emission angle according to the present invention is characterized in that a light controller provided in front of a reflector for diffusing or condensing supplied light is configured to comprise a diffusion controlling portion having light diffusive action only with respect to a longitudinal direction of a bar-like light source and a condensation controlling portion having condensing action to omnidirectionally condense supplied light. By this, the flash apparatus capable of varying the emission angle can control and restrict prism action at the light controller by diffusing light emitted from the bar-like light source in respect to the longitudinal direction of the bar-like light source even when the bar-like light source and the light controller are close to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for selective multi-directional illumination of an object, particularly for selective multi-directional imaging of an object, comprises a central mirror selectively rotatable about a central axis for reflecting light arriving along the central axis in selected directions radial to the axis. A plurality of differently tilted mirrors are mounted on an annular member selectively rotatable around the central axis for disposing selected ones of the tilted mirrors in the path of light from the central mirror. The tilted mirrors reflect light onto an object at a direction determined by the angular position of the central mirror and at an angle of elevation determined by the selected tilted mirror. Light reflected from the illuminated object reaches an imaging device along a path retracing the illuminating light whereby the direction of viewing of the imaged object corresponds to the direction of illumination of the object.

Abstract: An illuminating apparatus includes a light source (1) and a first reflector (2) arranged for reflecting light emitted by the light source. A three-dimensional attachment is mounted on the first reflector along a direction in which the first reflector reflects. The attachment has a sidewall (6) with a light-transmitting and scattering portion. A panel (7) of the attachment, positioned opposite the first reflector is, opaque. The illuminating apparatus further has a second reflector (3) with a hollowed-segmented sphere shape. The second reflector is positioned between the light source and the opaque panel of the attachment positioned opposite the first reflector. The second reflector (3) is smaller than the first reflector and has a reflecting concave surface facing the light source. The illuminating apparatus is compact, emits diffused light, and displays a bat-wing characteristic light distribution.

Abstract: A lighting fixture for filming motion pictures includes a lamp housing having a rear bezel and a front three-sided frame. A rear reflector slidably attaches to the rear of the lamp housing over the bezel. A snoot has a rear bezel slidably fit into the three-sided front frame on the lamp housing. The snoot has a front frame similar or identical to the front frame on the lamp housing, so that a second snoot can be slidably attached onto the first snoot. The frames form slots for receiving and holding gels. The lighting fixture may used as a simple open front reflective lighting fixture, or the snoots or gels may be added to achieve various lighting conditions.

Abstract: In order to vary a light emission angle, a light source is moved so that its position relative to a reflector is varied. In one mode, by compulsively moving the light source to one end of a movement range of the light source, the one end is set as an original position. In another mode, after the light source is compulsively moved to the one end, by detecting that the light source has reached a position preset in the movement range while the light source is being moved to the other end of the movement range, a distance by which the light source is moved from the one end to the preset position is detected and stored as control information. The subsequent operation to move the light source to a desired control position is controlled based on the original position which is the one end or based on the control information.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a light fixture including a housing, a light source, means to secure a light source to the housing, a lens and a reflector. The reflector and lens are positioned so as to direct light from the light source onto an unlit side of the housing.The light fixture is normally suspended from the ceiling or attached to a wall. A greater portion of the light from the light source is reflected off the ceiling or wall, whereas a smaller portion of the light from the light source is reflected off the reflector and onto the housing. After the smaller portion is reflected off the housing, the smaller portion and the larger portion are traveling in generally the same direction, thereby reducing the contrast between the housing and the ceiling or wall.The present fixture housing is very shallow, preferably less than about 3" deep.

Abstract: A simple, effective apparatus and method for directing light from a swivel flash head at positions above a camera lens unit when the camera is oriented in horizontal and vertical camera orientations is provided. Lighting is provided for a camera having a camera lens unit by mounting a swivel flash head on the camera and attaching a reflector to the swivel flash head. The reflector is preferably mounted to the swivel flash head by removably attachable fasteners, such as, Velcro fastening strips. In one embodiment, the reflector is an integral "shell" reflector. The shell reflector has a neck region for mounting the reflector to the swivel flash head and a reflective region for redirecting light emitted by the swivel flash head to illuminate a camera field of view. The reflective region can further include shaped contoured regions for producing a soft, diffuse light of portrait quality with less harsh shadow. An asymmetric shape adds fill light.

Abstract: The I-snoot includes a circular casing having side walls extending forwardly from the front wall. A hand grip is adjustably secured to a flat plate iris diaphragm inside the casing allowing a full range of light to pass through the light control blade diaphragm. The I-snoot assembly has a second casing located on the opposite end of the circular casing, having side walls extending forwardly from the back wall. The back wall casing has a metal lip that protrudes outwardly from the assembly which allows attachment to standard lighting units. A transition zone interconnecting the light control blades is located inside each outer casing. The assembly also contains a lighting accessory adaptor on the front wall casing to use various photographic accessories, such as barn doors, gels, and various screens to control lighting intensities and variations.

Abstract: A photographic reflector is provided either to convert a forward-illuminating flash unit into one which will produce reflected light or for use directly with a bounce-head flash unit. The reflector includes an internal reflective hood (20) with an attachment (17) so as to enable it to be secured to a flash unit (24). A mirror (21) is provided which is angled between thirty degrees and sixty degrees inclusive with respect to a forward facing light-emitting surface of the flash unit (24) when the reflector is secured thereto. In this way, the flash of light is directed upwardly by the mirror (21) into the internally reflective hood (20) so as to produce a reflected flash of light for illumination of a photographic subject.

Abstract: An illuminating optical system including a light emitting device for supplying illuminating light, a directing member for directing the light beam from the light emitting device by refracting action, and a moving device for moving at least one of the light emitting device and the directing member in a direction differing from the direction of the optical axis of the directing member and varying the spacing between the light emitting device and the directing member to thereby vary the illumination range at a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A strobe device is provided, including a light source and a reflector which reflects part of the light emitted from the light source. The reflector is provided with a reflecting surface that is shaped to form virtual images of the light source behind the reflecting surface.

Abstract: A lighting system has a light source (2), a liquid crystal dimmer plate (4) for scattering a desired quantity of light from the light source (2), and a control power supply (5) for controlling a light scattering rate or effect of the liquid crystal dimmer plate (4). A light component transmitted through the liquid crystal dimmer plate (4) can be controlled by controlling the scattering effect of the dimmer plate (4). The so controlled light can be used as an illuminating light for a camera for example.

Abstract: An outdoor studio for moderating the effects of direct sunlight to be utilized in camera work comprising a screening apparatus, including at least one panel of a scrim material, a self-supporting frame including a plurality of interconnected frame sections for providing support to the screening apparatus, a means for stabilizing the frame and a means for attaching the edges of the scrim material panel to the frame. One embodiment of the inventive outdoor studio further comprises a platform, which may include interconnected modular platform sections, for supporting and mounting the frame. The frame itself may comprise a boxlike rectangularly shaped frame, an overarching quonset hut like structure, or any other appropriate frame structure. The scrim material which may he hung over and clamped onto and over the frame, or may be rolled out vertically and horizontally between uprights and eaves of the frame, can also be attached to the frame by strings or snaps.

Abstract: An emission angle variable flash apparatus of the invention alters an angular aperture to be formed by side reflection plates disposed oppositely to both side surfaces of a reflector in linkage with a change of a distance between a Xe tube and a reflector on their optical axis, thereby enhancing the efficiency of utilization of flash from a light source and expanding a variable range of an emission angle in the horizontal direction. As a result, the emission angle variable flash apparatus of the invention is made smaller in size than in the prior art.

Abstract: A system for controlling the light cast by a studio light (8) comprises a collapsible light diffuser or soft box (4) having open opposite ends and a light-reflective inner surface for diffusing light passing therethrough. A number of support brackets (40) extend along the outer surface of the soft box and a number of adjustable clamps (6) couple the support brackets to the working end of a light casing (12) so that the soft box is fixed to the light casing for movement therewith. The soft box can be quickly assembled and reassembled for movement between different locations, and it is sufficiently rigid to remain self-supporting when the light source is moved around or redirected. The system further includes a collapsible light container or snoot (10) telescopically coupled to the soft box for adjusting the amount of diffusion of the light to contain or direct the diffused light to a general area on the set.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for illuminating objects, in particular those to be recorded by a video camera, having at least one lamp, the light of which a condenser system projects onto an optical system, which directs said light onto the object or objects to be illuminated, and a control means for controlling the intensity of the illumination with which the object is illuminated.The present invention is distinguished by the control means moving, respectively pivoting, the lamp, the condenser system and/or the the optical system in the direction of the optical axis of the condenser system, respectively of the optical system and/or perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: An attachment for a camera which produces a flash of increased intensity to enable the lighting of objects at great distances. The attachment includes a first housing with a flash lamp and a condensing lens, and a second housing with a diffusing lens.

Abstract: A reflector used in a strobe device has a rounded reflecting portion, a first pair of planar reflecting portions and a second pair of planar reflecting portions. A shape of the rounded reflecting portion is defined by a portion of a cylinder and by the rounded reflecting portion contacting a portion of an outer surface of a light source used in the strobe device. The first pair of planar reflecting portions is connected to the rounded reflecting portion, such that the first pair of planar reflecting portions is tangential to the outer surface of the light source. The second pair of planar reflecting portions is connected at a distal end of the first pair of planar reflecting portions. An opening of the reflector is defined between the distal ends of the second reflecting portions.

Abstract: A strobe device is provided, including a light source and a reflector which reflects part of the light emitted from the light source. The reflector is provided with a reflecting surface that is shaped to form virtual images of the light source behind the reflecting surface.

Abstract: A lighting system and method with variable light intensity for use in motion picture photography. In the lighting apparatus, light emitted from a source is passed through an aperture and then through a section of a movable, neutral density filter. The preferred filter is specially designed to have a variable density, continuously increasing from one side of the filter to the other. By changing the position of the filter, selectively placing higher or lower density sections in the light path, the intensity of the light emitted by the lighting apparatus may be varied. The neutral density filter is selected to be generally color neutral so that the color quality of the light passing therethrough remains unchanged. To ensure complete light blockage, a douser of opaque material is provided which is selectively interposed in the outgoing light path.

Abstract: A variable angle flash for a photographic camera has a flash tube and a reflector that are relatively movable along an optical axis. A linear motor in the camera drives a follower connected with one of the flash tube and reflector members for moving the flash tube (or reflector) along the axis to vary the illumination angle of the flash. Optionally, the motor is a linear form of ultrasonic wave motor of which the follower forms a movable portion. An elastic body engaging the follower and fixed to the camera case carries piezoelectric elements that undulate the body when subjected to ultrasonic alternating currents, causing the body to move the follower and drive the flash tube (or reflector) along the optical axis and thereby vary the illumination angle.

Abstract: A light modifier is disclosed for use in photography, comprising a frame and a screen supported by the frame. The frame comprises a spine member with first and second limbs pivotally connected to the spine member at spaced apart locations thereon. The frame is mounted on an external support with the first and second limbs retaining in screen supporting positions substantially orthogonal to the spine member such that the screen is tensioned between the first and second limbs. The first limb is seated in a first bracket attached to the spine member and the second limb is seated in a second bracket attached to the spine member. The first and second tubular collars are slidingly mounted on the first and second limbs respectively, the first and second tubular collars fitting when the first and second limbs are in the screen supporting position, over apexes of the first and second brackets respectively so as to prevent pivotal movement of the first and second limbs.

Abstract: A photographic lighting system provides both direct and modified light to a target from a single light source. The light source itself comprises an electrical bulb having an electrical connection inner end, a light emitting outer end and a light emitting sidewall between the inner end and the outer end of the bulb. The system further includes a mounting assembly which mounts the bulb in the system and the system includes a light modifying material fitting region which receives material positioned to modify light emitted from the side wall while allowing direct light to be emitted from the outer end of the bulb.

Abstract: A flash lighting apparatus effects proper lighting for different portions of an object field by the use of a light control device disposed on an optical path between a flash light emitter and the object field. In one embodiment, the flash light control device has a plurality of main control portions and at least one sub-control portion adjacent to main control portions. An adjusting circuit adjusts the quantity of light projected by the control portions so that the quantity of light projected by a sub-control portion may be between the quantities of light projected by the adjacent main control portions. In one embodiment, a single booster circuit provides boosted voltage for use in a light emission control circuit that causes flash light emission and also for use in a control circuit for a light control device. In one embodiment, a photometering circuit photometers areas of an object field, and the number of light control portions is greater than the number of photometered areas.

Abstract: A gate for a lamp which is particularly suited for illuminating rectangular objects comprises a holding element defining a light-passage opening which can be mounted on the lamp. Four gate wings are mounted on the holding element about the light-passage opening for defining a gate opening having substantially the approximate shape of an even-leg, or isosceles, trapezoid.

Abstract: A reflector is supported for movement between a direct flash position for reflecting light output from a source of flash illumination directly towards a subject to be photographed and an indirect flash position for reflecting light output from a source of flash illumination onto a nearby surface and thence directly towards a subject to be photographed. The reflector has an integral reflective portion that is substantially smaller than, and fixedly angled with respect to, the remainder of the reflector to reflect a substantially minor percentage of light output from a source of illumination directly towards a subject to be photographed when the reflector is in its indirect flash position, whereby combined direct and indirect illumination of a subject to be photographed can be achieved.

Abstract: A portable and demountable photography booth including a plurality of vertical and horizontal frame elements releasably fixed to one another to form an open, generally rectangular frame structure having a frontal light source and a forwardly disposed light reflecting surface detachably mounted to the frame elements in a predetermined position selected to provide appropriate facial and upper torso photographs. The reflecting surface is a single continuously curved surface in which the radius of curvature is approximately equal to the distance from the reflecting surface to a designated position of the face of the person to be photographed to align its reflected image adjacent to the curved outer boundary of the iris of the person being photographed.

Abstract: A light panel as used by photographers comprises a framework and a fabric sheet attached releasably to the framework. The framework is produced by interconnecting a plurality of elongated frame members provided at their ends with jointing elements of annular form which can be coupled in face-to-face relationship in a plurality of relative angular configurations. Plugs are fitted in the aligned bores of the jointing elements; the plugs include spring-loaded push-buttons which are pressed to permit separation of the coupled jointing elements.

Abstract: A lighting system and method with variable light intensity for use in motion picture photography. In the lighting apparatus, light emitted from a source is passed through an aperture and then through a section of a movable, neutral density filter. The preferred filter is specially designed to have a variable density, continuously increasing from one side of the filter to the other. By changing the position of the filter, selectively placing higher or lower density sections in the light path, the intensity of the light emitted by the lighting apparatus may be varied. The neutral density filter is selected to be generally color neutral so that the color quality of the light passing therethrough remains unchanged.

Abstract: A frontal illumination system includes a light source and a finite plurality of reflecting surfaces. The reflecting surfaces can be characterized as the inner surfaces of a set of conical frustums arranged to approximate the illumination coming from the inner surface of a hemisphere. The light source is located within or adjacent to at least one of the reflecting surfaces. It emits light that is reflected off opposing portions of at least one, and preferably all, of the surfaces. The system is capable of illuminating the object from a very large solid angle, even though it is disposed in a substantially short axial space.

Abstract: The photographic light control system includes a plurality of structures for causing a particular, selectable convergence of light emanating from a photographic light source such as a flash unit. The system is essentially generic in nature by accommodating a variety of light sources, such accommodation being produced by a sleeve of the system which includes a drawstring engagement thereon for accommodating various sized light source housings.

Abstract: A synchronized filter mechanism is intended for a use with a camera, which has a flash synchronizer, and plural stroboscopic light sources. The filter mechanism includes a filter holder, which holds plural filters in optical alignment with the camera, a subject and the light sources. The filters may be selected to have differing optical properties. A drive mechanism is provided for driving the filter holder. A control circuit is provided for controlling the drive motor and for triggering the light sources at predetermined times relative the optical alignment of the camera, the filters and the light sources.