Photosynthesis by Andrew Mayne

[haroldross]

Photosynthesis by Andrew Mayne is a simple effect that does look cool in certain circumstances.

Here is the ad from andrewmayne.com:
"A spectator signs a card. They're given an undeveloped photograph to hold. The card is lost back in the deck. Before their astonished eyes they watch as the photograph develops into an image of a hand holding their signed card.

Photosynthesis is a powerful way to reveal a word, an image or a signed card.

No camera required!
No refills needed!

Comes complete with the Photosynthesis gimmick and a 24 minute instructional DVD including several routines.

Photosynthesis is a utility prop you can use to make startling revelations. It looks like an ordinary undeveloped instant photograph but will reveal anything you like including words, cards, images and even signatures.

Photosynthesis gives you the magic of instant photography revelations without the need for film or an instant camera. Completely reusable, it's heat activated and can be held in a spectator's hands."

What is stated above is basically true. The gimmick will not stand up to much examination if any. This is a problem since the most powerful reveal for this is in the spectator's hand. Again, under the right circumstances, with the right person, it can be a powerful effect. It is reasonably priced but would be of little use to most magicians since there are better ways to do the revealing than this gimmick. The gimmick is very delicate and sometimes does not always work well. The idea is great in that you have the 'signed card' or prediction appear in a 'polaroid' looking gimmick.

My philosophy of a magic effect is this: Magic should be done in three Acts; The Pledge (setup of effect and introduction of the ordinary), The Turning (having the ordinary do the extra-ordinary), and finally The Prestige (bringing the audience back to reality). This effect falls short of this philosophy in that it ends in the second Act. Take the signed card for example. Act 1 is where it is signed and placed back in deck. In Act 2 the card is revealed in the gimmick. For Act 3 to be done, the actual card would need to be revealed. Remember that this is how I personally approach and perform a magic effect. There are many great magicians who would take issue with me over this philosophy, and that is okay. I never make a coin or object vanish without having it re-appear- it may appear later on in the show but it does re-appear.

I doubt that I would utilize this in my shows but for some it may be just what they want. It is very simple to use but the gimmick is delicate and finicky. I would rate it three stars out of five. I would think hard about purchasing this since it may be one of those cool things that stay in the BMMP (box of misfit magic props). I'll bet my BMMP is bigger than yours!

[MRmagic591]

Is this a good trick?? looks epic

[haroldross]

What do mean by, 'Is it a good trick?'

It can be a pretty impressive trick if done right. There are a few sleights that you will need to master to make it work well. The gimmick can be a bit difficult to learn to handle well. It is self-working but you will need to learn to load the gimmick with the item of your choice.

For $25.00 most magicians can get their money out of it. I have not used it in a real performance yet since I have not worked out a routine to use it in.

I will attempt to answer any specific type questions short of revealing the secret.