Photo Lights

So here's a cool product I first saw referenced on Photojojo's blog: Light Affection. The gist: you upload a photo, they carve it into a translucent sheet of material that is mounted as either a night light or a lamp. Plug in the completed package and - voila - your 'photo' is back-lit to create a very atmospheric, sepia-like effect.

Light Affection allows you to upload images, but also provides an option to mail prints if you don't have the image available in digital format. That's good, as I can see older black-and-white pictures looking great with the treatment their product provides. On the other hand, you need to think carefully before sending a one-of-a-kind print to a vendor. A better option: scan your print and upload the resulting digital file. If you don't have a scanner available, take your print to your local specialty photo shop - they'll be able to help you out.

Prices for Light Affection's products range from $39.95 for the night light to $239 for a framed 8x10 lamp. They also have a gift certificate option if you know someone who'd dig this kind of gift but don't have the actual photo available to close the deal yourself.