Where have we come?
Imaging has become a constantly expanding event. But good lighting is a constant. The short 150 years of silver halide is past. Cameras have become unrecognizable. Mein fantastische Deutsch lenses are now a small drop of their former glory. The "priesthood" of schooled "pros" are gone, and replaced by the legion of "Everyman" with his/her smart camera. . . oh, now, smart camera phone, camera tablet, camera pen - in fluid motion or in still - all aimed, not at paper and print, but at the iridescence of web, blog and social netscapes. Only lighting remains the constant, and even that, in a controversial fashion.		  

The digital revolution not only changes everything, but changes everything, every day. The tools of the imaging trade, its medium and its intended audience shift as we write. And the logistics to create and move the tools of imaging from their makers to the new image maker - anywhere in the world - morphs even quicker. Yet, quality lightweight and clever, easy traveling and affordable light delivery systems – for DSLRs, iPhones, iPencils and/or . . .tomorrow's next capture tool - is still required for crisp, clean, good looking images.

What is the ÆCHROMX Project? The paradigm shift not only forces a re-think of the art and medium but also the means. As the "value" end of the imaging market turns from mush to quicksand, is there room for original ideas and product tweeks? I write this in the middle of the CES Las Vegas 2012 and see from this rented chair at least seven manufacturers of copies of my Chimera designs - circa 1982. My product Cocoon had several copies within 10 months, the three lamped "TriLight" even faster. Can a high-end lighting equipment designer and photographer bring innovation in this morass?

Please wander on the beta site of the AECHROMX Project by Plume Ltd. Enjoy its ideas and innovations offered at good value. Please call or write.

All products may not be immediately available - please check the "BUY" tab for ready items.

Thanks, Gary Regester,
Plume Ltd, Colorado USA,
photographer (Art Center, Los Angeles)
designer, Chimera and Wafer softboxes, Lowel Scandles and EGO and such.