Eliminating blinking from photos has always been a huge challenge for photographers. And as far as challenges go, we can also add looking in the wrong direction, sneezing, and last-second movements to the list.
So when I ran across the Blink Eradication System, I HAD TO EXAMINE IT. I won’t keep you in suspense until the end of this review…
Their Approach?
I was ready to hollar “waste of time,” thinking that the Blink Eradication System would consist of the typical… “make sure you count to 3 so they know when you’re taking the shot” type of “wisdom.”
Instead, they use a logical 2-Phase Approach that addresses every eventuality:
1. Practical information for “Minimizing” blinking before taking the picture (They actually say Minimize not Eliminate, which gained credibility points, since eliminating it is impossible.)
2. A software tool that easily eliminates blinking afterward, if any blinking made it through
What Do They Do And How Well Do They Do It?
For the “Minimizing” phase, it works pretty well. They begin with a scientific conclusion:
“For groups smaller than 20, divide the number of people by three if there’s good light and two if the light’s bad. That’s how many shots you need to
take.”
Then, they address a lot of ground on how to minimize blinking BEFORE taking the image. Categories include equipment set up, preparing the environment and subjects, and even some posing tips. I give this phase a 4 out of 5.
For the 2nd phase, they knock it out of the park! The software worked flawlessly during the 9 times I used it. Even though they didn’t write the program, they were very upfront about all aspects of it.
Two animated tutorials are provided that eliminate the need of reading Help files. This phase gets a 5 out of 5.
Conclusion
Does it Work as Expected?
Yes, and quite well, with an overall score of 4.5 out of 5.0.
Are There Any Drawbacks?
Note that I can find drawbacks to anything. With that said, the only point to be aware of is the software only operates on PCs that use the Windows XP operating system.
Given the state of Vista, that may not be an issue anymore. If you do use Vista, and would still like to use the software, they provide some ideas for workarounds. The simplest one is to maintain two operating systems on your PC (sounds very scary, but after using their software, you just might be tempted).
Is it Worth It?
If you take nothing but landscape shots, the answer is “no.” But if you take photos of people, especially groups larger than 2; the answer is an unmistakable “yes.”
For what you’re getting, the Blink Eradication System is a bargain. In addition to what I’ve mentioned, they include a clever way to remember everything required prior to taking any photos — two “Cheat Sheets;” one for Indoor, and one for Outdoors. Anyone who doesn’t have a photographic memory will find these helpful.
And, as is the custom of online digital offers, they provide a few bonuses to sweeten the deal. Their 5 bonuses actually provide some value. Plus, they stand behind the Blink Eradication System with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Final Conclusion
Imagine I’m shouting: age-Old photography problem finally solved! The Blink Eradication System is a product that I wish I had 10 years ago. At what they’re charging, all I can say is better late than never.
