Kickstarter – COVR Photo – An iPhone Case with a Built In Camera Lens – An Interview

Image – COVR Photo – ©Kevin Kuster

Thomas Hurst/COVR: Why is it necessary to remain discreet?

Kevin Kuster: Their is a theory called the Hawthorne effect that refers to a phenomenon whereby workers improve or modify an aspect of their behavior in response to the fact of change in their environment by being observed. The same can be said about photography. People often change when they are being photographed. Once someone knows they are being photographed they “alter” and/or project how they wish to be perceived or viewed in the world.

TH/COVR: Is it wrong to be discrete?

KK:I don’t think there is anything wrong with being discrete in certain circumstances when taking pictures. I try and be as discrete as possible whenever, I photograph my son when he is engaged in an activity that requires his concentration and focus.

I also believe their is no universal correct answer for each photographer about being discrete or to ask everyone you photograph for permission. Asking someone to take his or her picture is perfectly acceptable and one-way of approaching photography.

Salman Rushdie once said,  “A photograph is a moral decision taken in one eighth of a second. ” I always encourage every photographer I meet to know their own boundaries and goals before they begin taking photos.

Image – COVR Photo – ©Kevin Kuster

TH/COVR: What is the biggest benefit of COVR for hobbyist, pros?

KK: COVR allows pros and amateurs both the opportunity to choose to be casually discrete or obvious with their subjects. As photographers we are ultimately visual storytellers and having additional choices and tools to help better express our stories is always helpful when trying to reveal truth.

TH/COVR: What about amateurs?

KK: Amateurs and parents alike will love COVR when photographing their family members and children. Often children stop what they are doing once they see a camera being held up. This unfortunate response often prevents us from capturing those great “real” and “spontaneous” moments that we all desire to capture in our photographs.

TH/COVR: How is the quality of the photos with COVR?

KK: I found the capture quality for my COVR lens to be completely acceptable. Whenever you put any kind of glass in front of the native lens, you are going to have some detail loss. Whatever limited detail loss I experienced from my COVR lens was more than acceptable based on the added benefits of remaining discrete.

Image – COVR Photo – ©Kevin Kuster

TH/COVR: What was / is the best tip you received when you were coming up?

KK: Study classic painters. A great photographer I worked with taught me this lesson because it’s a wonderful way to learn how to read light and how it affects subjects and people.

TH/COVR: How does it feel in your pocket?

KK: Completely comfortable when the lens is forward facing. Although there is a slight incline where the lens is attached to the case, I never found this to be problematic. Whatever “perceived” issues users might have with this aspect of the COVR design is completely eradicated based on the added features and benefits of the lens.

TH/COVR: Do you have to make any adjustments to what you normally do, due to having the case on your phone?

KK: Not really, however, I often had the lens facing up in my pocket and away from my body. By placing the lens in this position in my pocket, the moment I removed my phone, the lens was in the premium shooting position. Often in photography, timing is everything and loosing even 1/1000 of a second can prevent you from getting a great shot. Photography, just like in the Olympics, can be decided by being mere seconds faster.

TH/COVR: Is it worth the price / would you spend your money on it?

KK: Yes. Even if it wasn’t my everyday case, the versatility and additional benefits of the COVER lens allows me to take images I would not otherwise be able to capture. I think of my COVR lens as very similar to a putting club for a golfer. You might not need your COVR lens and putter for every shot, however, when you do need it, nothing can do the job as effectively or successfully.

TH/COVR: What would you change about the COVR Photo Lens Case it?

KK: That I would have invented it!