iPhone-Controlled Camera Light Does Entirely New Lighting Tricks [VIDEO]

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What makes a great image? While some shutterbugs believe it's particularly the camera body or the lens, a new Kickstarter project called The Kick is betting on light.

The Kick is a pocket-sized lighting studio for photos or video. It's a handheld, wireless device that emits bright light on demand. The Kick enables photographers to modify light for clearer images. Built-in effects such as rainbow lights, strobes or lighting effects can give photos or video a special touch.

The Kick-connected iPhone app is like a remote -- the effects and lights are adjusted on the iPhone. The phone's camera is ready to use after the brightness and temperature of the light is set.

For now, project backers will receive the advanced Kick Plus with Wi-Fi for $99. The Kick Basic, $89 for initial supporters, comes without Wi-Fi features such as colored light or animated effects. In post-production, the Kick Basic will cost around $100 while the Kick Plus will retail around $150.

The project was created by Morten Hjerde and Pauric O'Callaghan of Rift Labs. The Kick is a working prototype that's been in development for three years. The project is halfway to the duo's initial $115,000 goal with 31 days to go on Kickstarter.