The popular concept of an engineer is often a bespectacled know-it-all with a pocket protector

and massive graphing calculator tucked away in the basement of Westerman. While this is a
somewhat accurate depiction, engineers are excited about more than just math and science, with
many engineers also interested in areas such as music, athletics, or in this case, photography.
This project brought together the BC Mass Communications and Engineering Departments to
design and manufacture a ring flash camera attachment. A ring flash eliminates undesirable
shadows created during close-up photography by adding a circular light source around the
camera lens, making it an essential tool for portrait and macrophotography. This project began
with the initial product concept requested by Dr. Dennis Dunleavy of the Mass Communications
Department and progressed through the stages of the engineering design process to the
manufacture of the final product. Electrical design was completed using circuit simulation
techniques and with significant support from Professor Myron Fanton of the Engineering
Department. Mechanical design of the physical product was accomplished using 3D modeling
software, and manufacturing of the most significant components was achieved with 3D printing
techniques. The presentation will include an examination of the design process and problems
encountered, a discussion of the manufacturing process and 3D printing, and a demonstration of
the final product.