EDITED TO ADD: There’s a giveaway going on for one at Bizziemommy.com that ends on Nov. 12th. Check it out!

EDITED: From the folks at Lightscoop!! If anyone reading this would like to try out lightscoop, we are happy to offer a discount. For 10% off when you purchase Lightscoop – use code TNEWFOLPROMO when you checkout here http://is.gd/2c6of.

It’s hard to get photographers gifts because everything is so dang expensive but the Lightscoop comes in just under $35 and would make for a great gift.

I was asked to review and since I have a SLR camera, I accepted.  It comes with a brief but informative manual, complete with photos and all to show you how to use it.  I read through it all but decided to use my normal settings and just go!  It was super easy to place on the camera and using it was a breeze. From the website:

Lightscoop is a smart low-tech device that creates soft, flattering light by redirecting your camera’s pop-up flash to a ceiling or wall.

Don’t let your convenient little pop-up flash ruin your photos with evil red eye, ugly shadows, hot spots, bleached out faces, underexposed colors, and blurry movement that exist only in your photographs, not in the real world.

Slip a Lightscoop on your camera and never miss out on another fabulous picture! Lightscoop creates soft, natural light and lets you capture the scene the way you see it.

That’s a better description of what I could give you. The best thing I can do is show you the difference it made.  There are times when I’ve wanted to take a picture of the cover of a book or photo inside. I’m weird that way.  I chose this photo of a book we have called, Pitchfork Country-The Photography of Bob Moorhouse.  My brother-in-law is on the cover of that book as well as inside it.  It’s a great picture and I’m a sucker for wagons.  (just in case you need gift ideas for me..just sayin’. )

As you can in the before photo, without the Lightscoop and with the regular flash, it’s very washed out and you can see the light reflection on the book. Not a good photo.

I attached the Lighscoop to my camera and viola!  Now THAT is a HUGE difference!  I’m already sold and that was just the first comparison I did.  I still need to play with it more to get a good feel of what it’s really capable of doing but judging by this photo alone, I’d say it’s worth every cent and I wholeheartedly recommend it to all.

It hooks up to your TV or PC so that your child can do simple drawings or even create they’re own family tree with pictures.  It has a super cool digital camera that will take a picture of the child sitting at the desk and if using with a pc, your little one can send creations in email or even create ecards or even print!   Your child can take a picture and then literally drag and drop little clip-art to place on the picture.  Even my 12yr old was intrigued!!

I’m wowed at the features this little Vtech toy has and how far kids toys have come today.  Having a fun, interactive toy that brings out creativity??? What more can you ask for.  It incorporates the following:

• Drawing
• Creative Play
• Puzzle Logic
• Hand Eye Coordination
• Photography

The only drawback of the KidiArt Studio I found is that it uses batteries.  I would much prefer a wall adapter instead to keep the cost down.  Other than that, this is a must have toy.  Give your child something that they can learn from.  Let their creative juices flow.  You know it’s fun if we ALL tried it here in the house;)

This is appropriate for children ages  4-7.  While my little guy was a bit to young for it, he instantly picked up how to take the pictures and how to drag a piece of clip art over onto the picture.  Genius?  Maybe, but I bet it has something to do with how easy it is to understand the features.

Price for this creative toy?  A cool $79.99.  Not bad when you consider all that it is capable of doing. This has already won awards by the way…..that should tell you something.

2008 Toy of The Year Award
Creative Child 2008 Toy of the Year Award

My little artist!