Tom really does mean well...

My new camera has issues with lighting - well, actually my house has issues with lighting. Not a big deal for snapshots of the kids, but for my macro (food) photography, it's a problem...

So, I go looking... looks like a ring flash is the answer. No problem - until I see the price *gulp* Ouch! Yeah... lookit http://tinyurl.com/yoe3xv - Yeah, so that's going on my wish list for some long lost rich uncle to buy for me.

They make some cheap knock offs, but I've seen a few reviews of people saying it blew their hot shoe out and one day I want to learn to use external flash, so no way...

So, I show Tom. And remember, we just went to MakerFaire so he's all hyped up with wanting to tinker and make stuff. He proclaims "I can make that!". Off I go to look up people that have made them and sure enough... people have made them. Little ones for what I want and big ones for portraits. Serious hardcore people out there.

Okay, so Tom goes to the store with his friend and 4 hours and some soldering and monkeying around later, they proudly present me with this...


Here's a tip to all you maker dudes... READ THE LABEL

Update: Okay, one of my friends actually sent me a "huh" note... it's red lights. He bought the wrong kind. It should be clear lights to take photos - get it? Is this only funny to me?