Patent Publication Number: US-11042075-B2

Title: Lighting system for photography station

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/657,092, filed on Jul. 21, 2017, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Portrait photographs are often taken in a portrait studio. Such a studio typically includes one or more lighting units that illuminate a subject, and a film or digital camera is used to capture the subject&#39;s image while the subject is posing in the studio. A variety of artificial lighting units can be used to create quality portraits with various lighting effects. 
     Flash light sources, such as xenon flashtubes, are typically used as photographic strobe lights. Such flash light sources themselves are highly directional and as a result generate a harsh light that can, for example, create undesired shadows highlighting any imperfections in the subject. As a result, flash light sources typically require various additional components, such as light modifiers, to create a desired light distribution on the subject and scene of the portrait. Some examples of such light modifiers include diffusion panels, soft boxes, reflectors, and reflective umbrellas. The combination of a flash light source with a light modifier is typically quite large, and has the drawback of taking up quite a large amount of space, particularly when used in a small photo studio. 
     Further, multiple light sources are typically used in a portrait studio to create various lighting scene designs. As the number of light sources increases, however, it is more complex for a photographer to arrange and control such multiple light sources together to create a desired lighting effect to a subject, and the combination of multiple light sources takes up even more space in the photo studio. 
     SUMMARY 
     In general terms, the present disclosure relates to a lighting system for a photography station. In one possible configuration and by non-limiting example, the lighting system includes a panel light device configured to generate a diffused light toward a subject arranged in a photography station. Various aspects are described in this disclosure, which include, but are not limited to, the following aspects. 
     One aspect is a photography system. The photography system includes a camera, a studio frame, and a panel light device. The camera is arranged and configured to capture an image of a subject. The studio frame includes a wall frame, and defines a subject arrangement area therein for arranging the subject during photography. The panel light device includes a plurality of light panels mounted to the wall frame. Each light panel is configured to generate diffused light toward the subject at the subject arrangement area. 
     Another aspect is a photography method comprising: setting up a photography station by: arranging a camera with respect to a subject arrangement area; arranging a light assembly with respect to the subject arrangement area, the light assembly configured to generate diffused light toward the subject at the subject arrangement area; and connecting a controller to the camera and the light assembly; operating the controller to control the light assembly in a continuous light mode, the light assembly generating a continuous light with a first light intensity in the continuous light mode; and operating the controller to switch the light assembly from the continuous light mode to a strobe light mode, the light assembly configured to generate a strobe light with a second light intensity, the second light intensity greater than the first light intensity. 
     Yet another aspect is a photography system including a camera, a subject arrangement area, a panel light device, and a controller. The camera is arranged and configured to capture an image of a subject. The subject arrangement area is configured for arranging the subject during photography. The panel light device includes a plurality of light panels and a plurality of power control units configured to control the plurality of light panels, respectively. The controller is configured to selectively operate at least one of the plurality of light panels in a continuous light mode through the plurality of power control units. The controller is further configured to switch at least one of the plurality of light panels from the continuous light mode to a strobe light mode. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective diagram of an example photography station. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic perspective diagram of an example station assembly. 
         FIG. 3  is another schematic perspective diagram of the station assembly of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic perspective view of an example light panel. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the light panel of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a functional diagram of the photography system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic block diagram of an example camera. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic block diagram of an example controller. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an exemplary architecture of a computing device which can be used in the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic block diagram of an example power control unit for each light panel. 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart of an example method for operating the photography station of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 12  illustrates example modes of operation of a panel light device. 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart of an example method for operating the panel light device in a continuous light mode. 
         FIG. 14  is a flowchart of an example method for operating the panel light device in a strobe light mode. 
         FIG. 15  is a flowchart of another example method for operating the panel light device in the strobe light mode while the panel light device is in the continuous light mode. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates an example relationship between a continuous light signal, a strobe light signal, and a light output signal over time. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates an example relationship between a strobe light signal and a shutter operation of the camera. 
         FIG. 18  schematically illustrates an example user interface for controlling the light panel device. 
         FIG. 19  illustrates example photographs captured in different operations of the panel light device. 
         FIG. 20  is a schematic perspective diagram of another example station assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. 
     In general, a photography system of the present disclosure includes a lighting system configured to provide a lighting scene that mimics natural sunlight coming through a window, which is diffused and is artistically desirable. In certain embodiments, the system includes an array of light panels configured to simulate a wall of windows that receive natural, diffused, and consistent sunlight, such as a large window facing the north. 
     Such a natural window light effect provided by the light panels can help to reduce undesirable shadows on a subject and provide softening effect on the subject. The natural window light effect of the light panels can also be more forgiving in terms of light exposure, in contrast to a point source of light. For example, the natural window light effect can provide a good quality exposure in a large physical area. 
     Further, in at least some embodiments the system reduces space, cost, and energy required for light sources in a photography studio by removing typical flash light sources and light modifiers, such as reflectors, reflective umbrellas, and soft boxes, which require a larger space, are more expensive, and consume more energy. 
     Each of the light panels is configured to generate diffused light. The light panels are configured to provide a continuous light and selectively generate a strobe light. In some embodiments, the light panels can operate in different modes of operation. Example modes of operation include a continuous lighting mode and a strobe mode. Further, the light panels can be used in a video capture mode. 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective diagram of an example photography station  100 . In one example, the photography station  100 , which is also referred to herein as a photography system or photography studio, includes an image capture system  102  and a station assembly  104 . In some embodiments, the image capture system  102  includes a camera  112 , a controller  114 , and a computing device  116 . In some embodiments, the station assembly  104  includes a station frame  120  and a light assembly  122 . 
     The image capture system  102  operates to capture an image of one or more subjects in the photography studio, and, in some embodiments, to control the overall operation of the photography station  100 . For example, in some embodiments, the image capture system  102  performs a setup process to ensure that the photography station  100  is properly set up, to capture digital images of a subject, and to monitor the operation of the photography station  100  while the images are being captured to alert the photographer to potential problems. 
     The camera  112  is typically a digital camera that operates to capture digital images of one or more subjects. In this document, a subject is referred to as a single subject or a group of subjects. An example of camera  112  is described and illustrated in more detail herein with reference to  FIG. 7 . The camera  112  can be handheld for photography. Alternatively, the camera  112  can be mounted on a tripod or other support structure. 
     The controller  114  operates to control and coordinate the operation of various components of the photography station  100 . The controller  114  can operate to synchronize operations of the camera  112  and the light assembly  122 . In some embodiments, the controller  114  is configured to be manually operated by a user (e.g., a photographer) with or without connection to the computing device  116 . With this configuration, the controller  114  can provide a user interface, such as a button or knob, for a user to provide an input (such as turning on or off the light assembly  122  or adjusting the light intensity of the light assembly  122 ) to the controller  114 . In other embodiments, the controller  114  is used to receive commands from the computing device  116  and control the camera  112  and the light assembly  122 . An example of controller  114  is described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 8 . 
     In this example, the controller  114  is electrically connected to the camera  112 , the computing device  116 , and the light assembly  122 , via, for example, one or more wires or data communication cables. In another possible embodiment, wireless communication is used to communicate between a wireless communication device of the controller  114  and a wireless communication device of the camera  112  and/or the light assembly  122 . An example of a wireless communication protocol is the 802.11 a/b/g/n communication protocol. Other embodiments use a custom wireless communication protocol. Wireless communication includes radio frequency communication, infrared communication, magnetic induction communication, or other forms of wireless data communication. 
     The computing device  116  operates, in some embodiments, to interface with a user, such as a photographer. An example of the computing device  116  is described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 9 . In some embodiments, the computing device  116  generates a graphical user interface, such as to provide instructions to the user, warn the user of potential problems, display a live video feed preview from camera  112 , and display an image after it has been captured. 
     The computing device  116  also operates to receive input from the user in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the computing device  116  includes a keyboard, a touch pad, a remote control, and a barcode scanner that receive input from the user. 
     In some alternate embodiments, one or more of the camera  112 , the controller  114 , and/or the computing device  116  are configured as a single device. For example, in some embodiments, the camera  112  and the controller  114  are configured as a single device that captures digital images and performs control operations of controller  114 . In another possible embodiment, the controller  114  and the computing device  116  are a single device. In yet another possible embodiment, the camera  112 , the controller  114 , and the computing device  116  are all a single device. Other combinations are used in other embodiments. Further, in yet other embodiments additional devices are used to perform one or more functions of these devices. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 1 , the station assembly  104  is used to arrange a subject and provide desired light during photography. The station assembly  104  includes a station frame  120  and a light assembly  122 . 
     The station frame  120  is configured to provide a subject space (such as a subject arrangement area  130  in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) for arranging a subject during photography. As described herein, the subject space can be any location in the station frame  120 . An example of the station frame  120  is further described and illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
     The light assembly  122  is configured to illuminate a subject arranged in the station frame  120 . The light assembly  122  can be synchronized with the camera  112 . In some embodiments, the light assembly  122  includes a panel light device  200  configured to generate a diffused light toward the subject at the subject arrangement area. A diffused light is a soft light with neither the intensity nor the glare of direct light. The diffused light is a light that is scattered and comes from all or multiple directions. The diffused light can wrap around the subject and does not cast harsh shadows on the subject, thereby assisting creating pictures with vivid details without sharp shadows that distract attention. In some embodiments, the diffused light includes a non-directional light which provides light from a multitude of different directions. An example of the panel light device  200  is further described and illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the station assembly  104  is further described, which includes the station frame  120  and the light assembly  122 . In particular,  FIG. 2  is a schematic perspective diagram of an example station assembly  104 , and  FIG. 3  is another schematic perspective diagram of the station assembly  104 . 
     In some embodiments, the station frame  120  provides a floor  132 , one or more wall frames  133  (including  134 ,  136 , and  138 ), and a ceiling frame  140 . The floor  132  includes the subject arrangement area  130 . In some embodiments, the subject arrangement area  130  can be any location with any size on the floor  132 . 
     The wall frames  133  (including  134 ,  136 , and  138 ) can be used to mount the light assembly  122  and other devices used for photography. For example, the panel light device  200 , other light devices, devices of the image capture system  102 , and/or one or more photographic scenes can be mounted to the wall frames  133 . 
     In the illustrated example, a first wall frame  134  provides a structure to which one or more light panels  210  of the panel light device  200  are mounted, and a second wall frame  136  similarly provides a structure to which one or more light panels  210  of the panel light device  200  are mounted. 
     A third wall frame  138  provides a structure that can be used to support a photographic scene  142 , such as a background scene. For example, a photographic scene  142  is hung at a top portion of the third wall frame  138 , or attached to the top portion and/or side portions of the third wall frame  138 . The photographic scene  142  can be supported in other manners in other examples. The photographic scene  142  provides an area or scenery behind a subject standing in front of the image capture system  102 . The subject can be arranged between the image capture system  102  and the photographic scene. In some embodiments, the photographic scene  142  includes a background scene and a floor scene. 
     The ceiling frame  140  can be used similarly to the wall frames  133 . For example, the ceiling frame  140  provides a structure for mounting the light assembly  122  and other devices for photography. For example, the ceiling frame  140  is used to arrange the panel light device  200 , other light devices, devices of the image capture system  102 , and/or one or more photographic scenes can be mounted to the ceiling frame  140 . 
     In some embodiments, the light assembly  122  includes a panel light device  200 . The panel light device  200  can be used as different types of light used for photography. Examples of such different types of light include a main light, a fill light, a background light, an edge light, and other lights suitable for various photographic effects. For example, the panel light device  200  can be selectively operated as one of such different types of light or as two or more of the different types of lights together. 
     In some embodiments, the panel light device  200  is the only light source as the light assembly  122 . In other embodiments, the panel light device  200  can be used with one or more other lights arranged apart from the panel light device  200 . In yet other embodiments, the panel light device  200  are primarily used as a subject light for illuminating the subject in the station frame  120  with or without other lights. 
     The panel light device  200  includes one or more light panels  210 . As described herein, the light panels  210  can be arranged and mounted to one or more of the wall frames  133  and the ceiling frame  140 . The light panels  210  can be arranged in various configurations. An example structure of the light panel  210  is described and illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
     In some embodiments, the light panels  210  are mounted vertically to one or more wall frames  133 . In other embodiments, the light panels  210  are mounted horizontally to the ceiling frame  140 . In yet other embodiments, the light panels  210  are mounted to one or more of the wall frames  133  and the ceiling frame  140  at an angle. In the illustrated example of  FIGS. 2 and 3 , eight light panels  210  are arranged in two rows and four columns and mounted to a larger side of the station frame  120  (such as the second wall frame  136 ), and four light panels  210  are arranged in two rows and two columns and mounted to a smaller side of the station frame  120  (such as the first wall frame  134 ). In the example of  FIG. 20 , eight light panels  210  are arranged in two rows and four columns and mounted to a larger side of the station frame  120  (such as the second wall frame  136 ), and two light panels  210  are mounted to the ceiling  140 . In some embodiments, the light panels  210  at the ceiling  140  can be arranged at an angle. Such an angle can be adjusted as necessary, such as to generally direct the light panels  210  toward the subject. 
     It is understood that various configurations of light panels are possible, such as by changing the number of light panels, the size of each light panel, the light intensity of each light panel, the light characteristics (such as light temperature) of each light panel, the arrangement of light panels, and/or the control scheme of each light panel. 
     The light panels  210  arranged in different walls of the station frame  120  can provide different types of light or light effects. For example, the light panels  210  arranged on the first wall frame  134  can work as a main light for generally illuminating a subject while the light panels  210  arranged on the second wall frame  136  can function as a fill light for removing undesirable shadows on the subject. Alternatively, the light panels  210  arranged on the first wall frame  134  can work as a fill light while the light panels  210  arranged on the second wall frame  136  can function as a main light. 
     In some embodiments, each of the light panels  210  is configured to generate diffused light as a whole. As described herein, the light panels  210  of the panel light device  200  can be independently operated and thus provide a variety of lighting effects during photography. For example, the panel light device  200  can adjust a lighting ratio in a captured photograph by selectively controlling the light panels, such as by choosing which of the light panels  210  are turned on or off for any given exposure that the camera operates to capture. 
     Although it is primarily described in this document that the light panels  210  are mounted to the walls and/or ceiling, it is also possible that the light panels  210  are configured as standalone panels set up around the subject during photography, or arranged vertically with a stand or other structures that supports the light panels vertically. An example operation of the light panels  210  is described in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 11-17 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , an example light panel  210  is described in more detail. In particular,  FIG. 4  is a schematic perspective view of an example light panel  210 , and  FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the light panel  210 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the light panel  210  is configured in the form of a slim panel that is conveniently mounted to the station frame  120 , occupying much less space than typical light sources, such as flashtubes with light modifiers, such as reflectors, reflective umbrellas, and soft boxes. By way of example, the light panel  210  has a thickness DT that ranges between about 5 mm and about 30 mm, a width D W  that ranges between about 100 mm and about 1500 mm, and a length D L  that ranges between 100 mm and about 1500 mm. Other ranges of the thickness, width, and length of the light panel  210  are also possible in other embodiments. 
     The light panel  210  can be of various types. In one example, the light panel is configured as a LED panel. In other examples, other types of lighting elements can be used to make the light panel. 
     In some embodiments, each light panel  210  can be controlled via a power control unit  250  (also shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). The power control unit  250  is provided to each light panel  210  and configured to supply power to the LED strips (such as the LED strips  218 ) in the light panel  210 . An example of the power control unit  250  is described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 6 . 
     As described herein, the light panel  210  can be operated in different modes of operation, such as a continuous light mode and a strobe light mode ( FIG. 12 ), and provide different lighting effects without requiring additional devices that would otherwise be required with typical light sources. 
     The light panel  210  is configured to generate a consistent light in a normal operation. In addition, the light panel  210  can generate a diffused light without adjustable light intensity. As such, a set of one or more light panels  210 , when mounted to a wall frame of the station frame  120 , can simulate natural, diffused, and consistent sunlight coming through a wall of windows facing the north. 
     Such a natural window light effect provided by the light panels  210  can help reducing undesirable shadows on a subject and provide softening effect on the subject. The natural window light effect of the light panels  210  can also be more forgiving in terms of light exposure, in contrast to a point source of light. For example, the natural window light effect can provide a good quality exposure in a large physical area. 
     The light panels  210  can eliminate needs of using natural lighting as a light source for photography. Natural sunlight has several disadvantages when used as a light source of photography. For example, when using natural lighting as a light source for high quality portraits, a high level of artistic and technical skills are required to operate camera equipment. Further, desirable natural lighting for portraits is typically available for a limited period of time and may not be consistent and repeatable over time. In contrast, the light panels  210  can conveniently provide a natural and diffused light effect by replicating a window light in indoor studio arrangement. 
     Further, the light panels  210  help reducing space, cost, and energy required for light sources in a photography studio by removing typical flash light sources and light modifiers that require a larger space, are more expensive, and consume more energy. 
     As described herein, in some embodiments, the light panel  210  can be overdriven for a short period of time to be operated as a strobe light or flash light. Such an overdriving operation can be performed to operate the light panel  210  in a strobe light mode as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the light panel  210  includes a body frame  212 , a cover plate  214 , a light guide plate  216 , one or more LED strips  218 , and a body plate  220 . 
     The body frame  212  is an edge cover configured to protect other components of the light panel  210  and provide thermal conductivity to the light panel  210 . The body frame  212  can be made of various materials. In some embodiments, the body frame  212  is made of aluminum, which provides improved heat dissipation. In other embodiments, plastic, such as PVC, can be used for the body frame  212 . 
     The cover plate  214  is a transparent or semi-transparent plate that is placed on or over the light guide plate  216 . In some embodiments, the cover plate  214  includes a light diffusing structure or element that diffuses light output. The cover plate  214  can include an anti-glaring structure or element. The cover plate  214  can be made of various materials, such as PMMA (acrylic) or PC (polycarbonate). 
     The light guide plate  216  is configured to achieve a uniform light illumination. In some embodiments, a reflective plate or polarizing film is provided to the light guide plate  216 . 
     The LED strips  218  are arranged on opposite edges  224  and  226  of the light panel  210 . In some embodiments, the LED strips  218  are arranged adjacent and along the edges of the light panel (such as the light guide plate  216  and/or the cover plate  214 ) such that the light from the LED strips  218 . In some embodiments, the LED strips  218  can be oriented to face inwards of the panel. In some embodiments, the LED strips  218  can be controlled to have different light temperatures. 
     The body plate  220  is arranged back of the light guide plate  216  and configured to cooperate with the body frame  212  to house the components of the light panel  210 . In some embodiments, the body plate  220  includes a flexible layer, such as a sponge mat or foam, which is configured to protect the components of the light panel  210  and improve heat dissipation from the light panel  210 . 
       FIG. 6  is a functional diagram of the photography system  100 . As described herein, the photography system  100  includes the image capture system  102 , which includes the camera  112 , the controller  114 , and the computing device  116 . The photography system  100  further includes the light assembly  122 , which includes the panel light device  200 . The panel light device  200  includes a plurality of light panels  210  and a plurality of power control units  250  for the light panels  210 . 
     The power control unit  250  is connected to the light panels  210  and configured to supply power to the light panels  210 . The power control unit  250  can be controlled by the controller  114 . In the illustrated example of  FIGS. 2 and 3 , each of the power control units  250  is connected to, and configured to supply power to, a single light panel  210 . In other examples, at least one of the power control units  250  is configured to be associated with two or more of the light panels  210 . An example of the power control unit  250  is further described with reference to  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 7  is a schematic block diagram of an example camera  112 . The camera  112  is typically a digital camera including at least an electronic image sensor  302  for converting an optical image to an electric signal, a processor  304  for controlling the operation of the camera  112 , and a memory  306  for storing the electric signal in the form of digital image data. 
     An example of the electronic image sensor  302  is a charge-coupled device (CCD). Another example of the electronic image sensor  302  is a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) active-pixel sensor. The electronic image sensor  302  receives light from a subject and background and converts the received light into electrical signals. The signals are converted into a voltage, which is then sampled, digitized, and stored as digital image data in the memory  306 . 
     The memory  306  can include various different forms of computer readable storage media, such as random access memory. In some embodiments, the memory  306  includes a memory card. A wide variety of memory cards are available for use in various embodiments. Examples include: a CompactFlash (CF) memory card (including type I or type II), a Secure Digital (SD) memory card, a mini Secure Digital (mini SD) memory card, a micro Secure Digital (microSD) memory card, a smart media (SM/SMC) card, a Multimedia Card (MMC), an xD-Picture Card (xD), a memory stick (MS) including any of the variations of memory sticks, an NT card, and a USB memory stick (such as a flash-type memory stick). Other embodiments include other types of memory, such as those described herein, or yet other types of memory. 
     In some embodiments, the camera  112  includes three main sections: a lens  308 , a mechanical shutter  310 , and a CCD element  302 . Generally, the CCD element  302  has relatively rapid exposure speeds. 
     The lens  308  is located in front of the shutter  310  and is selected to provide the appropriate photographic characteristics of light transmission, depth of focus, etc. The lens  308  has an aperture  320  through which light travels into the camera body. The size (“diaphragm”) of the aperture  320  is expressed in f-stops and adjustable through an aperture controller  322 . The aperture controller  322  is used to mechanically adjust the size of the aperture  320  to set different f-stops of the digital camera  112 . 
     A zoom controller  314  is also provided in some embodiments to mechanically adjust the lens  308  to cause the digital camera  112  to zoom in and out on a subject. The zoom controller  314  typically includes a motor that adjusts the lens  308  accordingly. 
     In some embodiments, the lens  308  is selected between 30 and 350 mm, with the image taken at an f-stop generally in the range of f5 to f22. This provides a zone focus for the image. It also generally eliminates concerns regarding ambient light. However, it will be appreciated that other numbers of lenses, focusing, and f-stops may be employed in connection with the present invention. 
     The camera  112  provides a camera control interface  324  for controlling operation of the camera  112 . In addition, in some embodiments, the camera control interface  324  can be used to control the light assembly  122 . For example, an operation of the shutter  310  of the camera  112  can be synchronized with an operation of the light assembly  122 . 
     In some embodiments, the camera control interface  324  includes a shutter release for activating the shutter and capturing a photograph, a controller (e.g., jog dial) for adjusting aperture and/or shutter speed settings, a shooting mode controller (e.g., shooting mode dial) for selecting shooting type (e.g., Program Auto Exposure, Aperture-Priority, Shutter-Priority, and Manual), a zoom controller (e.g., a zoom ring) for zooming in and out, a focus controller (e.g., focus ring) for manually adjusting focus, an ISO setting button for adjusting ISO settings, and other buttons, controls, switches, and levers for changing different photography settings and features. In other embodiments, the camera control interface  324  is at least partially implemented on a touch-sensitive display of the camera  112 . 
     For example, a photographer uses the camera control interface  324  to control the lens  308  and the shutter  310 . To control the shutter, the processor  304  can receives a corresponding user input through the camera control interface  324  and generate a signal (e.g., a shutter release signal or a shutter speed adjustment signal) that is communicated to the shutter controller  312  of the camera  112 . Upon receiving a user input of controlling the aperture, an aperture adjustment signal can be generated from the processor  304  and communicated to the aperture controller  322 . Upon receiving a user input of zooming, a zooming signal can be generated from the processor  304  and communicated to the zoom controller  314 . Other embodiments can use other methods and devices to initiate the image capture and control various features of the camera. 
     In some embodiments, the digital camera  112  includes a data interface  318 . The data interface  318  is a data communication interface that sends and receives digital data to communicate with another device. For example, in some embodiments, the data interface  318  receives image capture messages from another device that instructs the digital camera  112  to capture one or more digital images. The data interface  318  is also used in some embodiments to transfer captured digital images from the memory  306  to another device. Examples of the data interface  318  are USB interfaces. 
     In some embodiments, the camera  112  includes a light control interface  326  configured to connect one or more lights and synchronize operation of the lights with capturing of photographs. In some alternative embodiments, the light control interface  326  allows the camera  112  to directly control the operation of the light assembly  122 . In such embodiments, the light assembly  122  can be connected to the camera  112  through the light control interface  326  and controlled by the camera  112 . For example, a photographer can at least partially control the light assembly  122  through the camera control interface  324  such that a shutter release of the camera  112  is synchronized with illumination of the light assembly  122 . In this example, the light control interface  326  can provide a physical interface or port. 
     The light control interface  326  can be of various forms. In one example, the light control interface  326  is a hot shoe, which is typically a mounting point on the top of the camera to attach a flash unit and other compatible accessories. The light assembly  122  can be connected to the hot shoe of the camera  112  through a cord or cable. In another example, the light control interface  326  is a wireless communication interface which wirelessly connects between the camera  112  and the light assembly  122 . 
     In some embodiments, the light control interface  326  is a send only interface that does not receive return communications from the lights. Other embodiments permit bidirectional communication. The light control interface  326  is operable to selectively illuminate one or more lights at a given time. The operation of the camera  112 , such as a shutter release, is synchronized with the illumination of the light assembly  122 . 
       FIG. 8  is a schematic block diagram of an example controller  114 . In this example, the controller  114  includes a processor  402 , a memory  404 , a light control interface  406 , a computer data interface  408 , an input/output interface  410 , a camera interface  412 , and a power supply  414 . In some embodiments, the camera interface  412  includes a data interface  416  and a video interface  418 . 
     The processor  402  performs control operations of the controller  114 , and interfaces with the memory  404 . Examples of suitable processors and memory are described herein. 
     The light control interface  406  allows the controller  114  to control the operation of one or more lights, such as the light assembly  122 . In some embodiments, the light control interface  406  is a send only interface that does not receive return communications from the lights. Other embodiments permit bidirectional communication. The light control interface  406  is operable to selectively illuminate one or more of the light panels  210  at a given time. The controller  114  operates to synchronize the illumination of the light assembly  122  with the operation of the camera  112 . 
     As described herein, the controller  114  operates to transmit a continuous light signal  420  or a strobe light signal  422  to the panel light device  200  through the light control interface  460 . The continuous light signal is used to operate the panel light device  200  in a continuous light mode, and the strobe light signal is used to operate the panel light device  200  in a strobe light mode. 
     The computer data interface  408  allows the controller  114  to send and receive digital data with the computing device  116 . An example of the computer data interface  408  is a universal serial bus interface, although other communication interfaces are used in other embodiments, such as a wireless or serial bus interface. 
     One or more input devices, such as a remote control, are coupled the processing device  402  through the input/output interface  410 . The input devices can be connected by any number of the input/output interfaces  410  in various embodiments, such as a parallel port, serial port, game port, universal serial bus, or wireless interface. 
     The camera interface  412  allows the controller  114  to communicate with the camera  112 . In some embodiments, the camera interface  412  includes a data interface  416  that communicates with the data interface  318  of the camera  112  (shown in  FIG. 7 ). Examples of such interfaces include universal serial bus interfaces. Other embodiments include other interfaces. 
     In some embodiments a power supply  414  is provided to receive power, such as through a power cord, and to distribute the power to other components of the photography station  100 , such as through one or more additional power cords. Other embodiments include one or more batteries. Further, in some embodiments, the controller  114  receives power from another device. 
     In some embodiments, the controller  114  is arranged and configured to provide a trigger pulse at the start of the integration of the first image. This pulse may be used by the controller  114  to synchronize the light assembly  122 . Various types of triggers and pulses may be used. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an exemplary architecture of a computing device  500  which can be used in the present disclosure. The computing device  500  illustrated in  FIG. 9  is used to execute the operating system, application programs, and software modules (including the software engines) described herein. 
     The computing device  500  can be of various types. In some embodiments, the computing device  500  is a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or other devices configured to process digital instructions. In other embodiments, the computing device  500  is a mobile computing device. Examples of the computing device  500  as a mobile computing device include a mobile device (e.g., a smart phone and a tablet computer), a wearable computer (e.g., a smartwatch and a head-mounted display), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld game console, a portable media player, a ultra-mobile PC, a digital still camera, a digital video camera, and other mobile devices. 
     In some examples, at least a portion of the computing device  500  can be used to implement computing devices used in the photography station  100 . It is also recognized that at least some of the architecture illustrated in  FIG. 9  can also be implemented in various computing devices used to achieve aspects of the present disclosure. For example, the controller  114  and the computing device  116  can be configured similarly to the architecture of  FIG. 9 . 
     The computing device  500  includes, in some embodiments, at least one processing device  502 , such as a central processing unit (CPU). A variety of processing devices are available from a variety of manufacturers, for example, Intel or Advanced Micro Devices. In this example, the computing device  500  also includes a system memory  504 , and a system bus  506  that couples various system components including the system memory  504  to the processing device  502 . The system bus  506  is one of any number of types of bus structures including a memory bus, or memory controller; a peripheral bus; and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. 
     The system memory  504  includes read only memory  508  and random access memory  510 . A basic input/output system  512  containing the basic routines that act to transfer information within the computing device  500 , such as during start up, is typically stored in the read only memory  508 . 
     The computing device  500  also includes a secondary storage device  514  in some embodiments, such as a hard disk drive, for storing digital data. The secondary storage device  514  is connected to the system bus  506  by a secondary storage interface  516 . The secondary storage devices and their associated computer readable media provide nonvolatile storage of computer readable instructions (including application programs and program modules), data structures, and other data for the computing device  500 . 
     Although the exemplary environment described herein employs a hard disk drive as a secondary storage device, other types of computer readable storage media are used in other embodiments. Examples of these other types of computer readable storage media include magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital video disks, Bernoulli cartridges, compact disc read only memories, digital versatile disk read only memories, random access memories, or read only memories. Some embodiments include non-transitory media. 
     A number of program modules can be stored in secondary storage device  514  or memory  504 , including an operating system  518 , one or more application programs  520 , other program modules  522 , and program data  524 . 
     In some embodiments, the computing device  500  includes input devices to enable a user to provide inputs to the computing device  500 . Examples of input devices  526  include a keyboard  528 , a pointer input device  530 , a microphone  532 , and a touch sensitive display  540 . Other embodiments include other input devices. The input devices are often connected to the processing device  502  through an input/output interface  538  that is coupled to the system bus  506 . These input devices  526  can be connected by any number of input/output interfaces, such as a parallel port, serial port, game port, or a universal serial bus. Wireless communication between input devices and interface  538  is possible as well, and includes infrared, BLUETOOTH® wireless technology, 802.11a/b/g/n, cellular, or other radio frequency communication systems in some possible embodiments. 
     In this example embodiment, a touch sensitive display device  540  is also connected to the system bus  506  via an interface, such as a video adapter  542 . The touch sensitive display device  540  includes touch sensors for receiving input from a user when the user touches the display. Such sensors can be capacitive sensors, pressure sensors, or other touch sensors. The sensors not only detect contact with the display, but also the location of the contact and movement of the contact over time. For example, a user can move a finger or stylus across the screen to provide written inputs. The written inputs are evaluated and, in some embodiments, converted into text inputs. 
     In addition to the display device  540 , the computing device  500  can include various other peripheral devices (not shown), such as speakers or a printer. 
     The computing device  500  further includes a communication device  546  configured to establish communication across the network. In some embodiments, when used in a local area networking environment or a wide area networking environment (such as the Internet), the computing device  500  is typically connected to the network through a network interface, such as a wireless network interface  550 . Other possible embodiments use other wired and/or wireless communication devices. For example, some embodiments of the computing device  500  include an Ethernet network interface, or a modem for communicating across the network. In yet other embodiments, the communication device  546  is capable of short-range wireless communication. Short-range wireless communication is one-way or two-way short-range to medium-range wireless communication. Short-range wireless communication can be established according to various technologies and protocols. Examples of short-range wireless communication include a radio frequency identification (RFID), a near field communication (NFC), a Bluetooth technology, and a Wi-Fi technology. 
     The computing device  500  typically includes at least some form of computer-readable media. Computer readable media includes any available media that can be accessed by the computing device  500 . By way of example, computer-readable media include computer readable storage media and computer readable communication media. 
     Computer readable storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any device configured to store information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer readable storage media includes, but is not limited to, random access memory, read only memory, electrically erasable programmable read only memory, flash memory or other memory technology, compact disc read only memory, digital versatile disks or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired information and that can be accessed by the computing device  500 . Computer readable storage media does not include computer readable communication media. 
     Computer readable communication media typically embodies computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” refers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, computer readable communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency, infrared, and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above are also included within the scope of computer readable media. 
     The computing device illustrated in  FIG. 9  is also an example of programmable electronics, which may include one or more such computing devices, and when multiple computing devices are included, such computing devices can be coupled together with a suitable data communication network so as to collectively perform the various functions, methods, or operations disclosed herein. 
       FIG. 10  is a schematic block diagram of an example power control unit  250  for each light panel  210 . In this example, the power control unit  250  includes a continuous light power supply  600 , a strobe light power supply  602 , and a mode control circuit  604 . In some embodiments, the power control unit  250  is supplied with power from an external power source  606 . 
     The power control unit  250  is connected to the light panel  210  and configured to control power supply to the light panel  210  based on a signal from the controller  114 . The power control unit  250  can receive two different signals, such as a first signal  420  and a second signal  422 , to control the light panel  210  in two different modes of operation. In this document, the first signal  420  is also referred to as a continuous light signal  420  because it is used to control the light panel  210  in a continuous light mode, and the second signal  422  is also referred to as a strobe light signal  422  because it is used to control the light panel  210  in a strobe light mode. 
     The continuous light power supply  600  operates to supply power to the mode control circuit  604  so that the power is used by the light panel  210  in the continuous light mode. In some embodiments, the continuous light power supply  600  receives the continuous light signal  420  from the controller  114  and supply power to the mode control circuit  604  based on the continuous light signal  420 . In other embodiments, the continuous light signal  420  can be directly transmitted to the mode control circuit  604  so that the mode control circuit  604  operates, based on the continuous light signal  420 , to provide the power from the continuous light power supply  600  to the light panel  210 . 
     In some embodiments, the continuous light power supply  600  includes a current power supply  610 . The current power supply  610  operates to supply a current based on the continuous light signal  420  from the controller  114 . In some embodiments, the current power supply  610  is configured to supply a constant current based on the continuous light signal  420  in order to the light panel  210  generates a constant light. 
     The strobe light power supply  602  operates to supply power to the mode control circuit  604  so that the power is used by the light panel  210  in the strobe light mode. In some embodiments, the strobe light power supply  602  includes a voltage power supply  612  and an energy storage device  614 . 
     The voltage power supply  612  operates to apply a voltage to the energy storage device  614  so that the energy storage device  614  stores energy therein. In some embodiments, the voltage power supply  612  is configured to apply a constant voltage to the energy storage device  614 . In some embodiments, the energy storage device  614  can include one or more capacitors that are connected to the voltage power supply  612 , and thus store electrical energy in an electric field generated by the voltage power supply  612 . 
     The mode control circuit  604  operates to selectively supply power from the continuous light power supply  600  and the strobe light power supply  602  to the light panel  210 . In some embodiments, based on the continuous light signal  420  and the strobe light signal  422 , the mode control circuit  604  operates as a switch so that either the power (e.g., a constant current) from the continuous light power supply  600  or the power (e.g., an electrical energy stored in the energy storage device  614 ) from the strobe light power supply  602  is provided to the light panel  210 . In other embodiments, the mode control circuit  604  is configured to supply a constant current from the current power supply  610  to the light panel  210  until or unless the mode control circuit  604  receives the strobe light signal  422  from the controller  114 . If the strobe light signal  422  is transmitted to the mode control circuit  604 , the mode control circuit  604  can stop supplying the power from the current power supply  610  to the light panel  210  and operate to supply the power from the energy storage device  614  to the light panel  210 . After a short period of the strobe light mode, the mode control circuit  604  operates to supply the constant current from the current power supply  610  to the light panel  210  again so that the light panel  210  returns to the continuous light mode. 
     In some embodiments, the continuous light signal  420  is a pulse-width modulation signal. The pulse-width modulation signal is transmitted to the current power supply  610  and used to enable the current power supply  610  to supply a constant current to the light panel  210  (through the mode control circuit  604 ) so that the light panel  210  operates in the continuous light mode where a constant light is generated. In some embodiments, such a constant light can be a dimmed light or ambient light. 
     The strobe light signal  422  is transmitted to the mode control circuit  604  and used to enable the mode control circuit  604  to switch a power supply source from the current power supply  610  to the energy storage device  614 . The energy storage device  614  stores and releases an electrical energy sufficient to drive the light panel  210  to generate a strobe light, which is also referred to herein as a flash light. With the energy from the energy storage device  614 , the light panel  210  can illuminate the subject with a very strong light for a very short period of time, as with a xenon flash light. In some embodiments, the electrical energy stored in the energy storage device  614  can overdrive the light panel  210  for a short period of time so that the light panel  210  can generate a strobe light. 
       FIG. 11  is a flowchart of an example method  700  for operating the photography station  100 . In this example, the method  700  begins at operation  702  in which the photography station  100  is set up with the panel light device  200 . 
     At operation  704 , a mode of operation of the panel light device  200  is selected. As described herein, the panel light device  200  can be operated in a plurality of modes of operation, such as a continuous light mode of operation and a strobe light mode of operation. Examples of such modes of operation are further described with reference to  FIG. 12 . In some embodiments, a mode of operation of the panel light device  200  is manually selected by a user, such as a photographer. For example, the user can select a mode of operation through a user interface of the controller  114 , a user interface of the computing device  116 , and/or a user interface of the camera  112 . In other embodiments, a mode of operation of the panel light device  200  is automatically selected during photography. For example, a particular mode of operation of the panel light device  200  (e.g., a strobe light mode) is synchronized with a shutter operation of the camera  112 , so that the panel light device  200  automatically switches to the particular mode of operation at the time that the shutter of the camera  112  is released. 
     At operation  706 , the panel light device  200  is operated in the selected mode of operation. At operation  708 , the camera  112  operates to capture a photograph as the panel light device  200  is in the selected mode of operation. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates example modes of operation  710  of the panel light device  200 . In this example, the modes of operation in which the panel light device  200  can operate include a continuous light mode  712  and a strobe light mode  714 . The panel light device  200  can selectively operate in either the continuous light mode  712  or the strobe light mode  714 . 
     In the continuous light mode  712 , the panel light device  200  operates to continuously provide a light for the ambient light in a studio. In some embodiments, the panel light device  200  generates a consistent light density in the continuous light mode  712 . The continuous light mode  712  allows a constant exposure on the scene and enables the camera to expose based on ambient lighting conditions. In some embodiments, the light panels  210  are selectively adjusted to provide comfortable lighting on the subject in the continuous light mode  712 , thereby preventing undesired facial expression (e.g., squinting eyes) of the subject that would be caused by harsh lighting on the subject. The continuous light mode  712  can be advantageous to a subject who is light sensitive. In the continuous light mode  712 , the panel light device  200  can provide the photography station with a desired level of ambient light by adjusting the light intensity of the panel light device  200  (i.e., the light panels  210 ). An example method for operating the continuous light mode is further described with reference to  FIG. 13 . 
     In the strobe light mode  714 , the panel light device  200  creates a brighter illumination for a very short period of time. In the strobe light mode  714 , the panel light device  200  can operate in a manner similar to a xenon flash light. In some embodiments, the light from the panel light device  200  in the strobe light mode can be synchronized to the capturing operation (e.g., a shutter operation) of the camera  112 . 
     The strobe light from the panel light device  200  in the strobe light mode  714  can reduce the effect of ambient lights on capturing a photograph. The light in the strobe light mode  714  has a light intensity that overpowers undesirable ambient lights which cannot be easily controlled during photography. Such undesirable ambient lights include security lights that cannot be turned off. 
     In some embodiments, as described herein, the strobe light signal  422  from the controller  114  is transmitted to at least one of the power control units  250 , and causes at least one light panels  210  associated with the at least one of the power control units  250  to operate in the strobe light mode. One example of the strobe light signal  422  includes a pulse signal. As described herein, a moment in time that the strobe light signal  422  is generated or transmitted can be synchronized with a shutter operation of the camera  112 . 
     As such, in the strobe light mode  714 , the light panels  210  can be operated to strobe for a very short pulse, approximating xenon-flash strobe lights. The ambient light for the scene can be at a very comfortable level for the subject, and at the time of image capture, a short burst of light illuminated the scene. The light in the strobe light mode can also overpower any other non-ideal ambient light sources in the environment, such as security lights or other sources. As described herein, an energy storage system (e.g., the energy storage device  614 ) is used for storage from a constant voltage power supply. When the system requires a strobe event, the stored energy is released to the light panels  210  all at once, to create a strobe effect. For example, LED elements used in the light panels  210  respond fast enough to be used as a strobe light source in photography. 
     In addition, the panel light device  200  can operate in a video light mode  716 . In the video light mode  716 , the light panels  210  can be adjusted to generate a light intensity that is compatible with a video capture mode of the camera  112 . In some embodiments, the light panels  210  are controlled to generate a higher light intensity (e.g., a brighter light) in a continuous manner than a light intensity of the continuous light mode  712 . In this regard, in some embodiments, the video light mode  716  can be considered to be part of the continuous light mode  712  without different light intensity settings. 
     As described herein, one example of lighting elements for the light panels  210  includes LED elements. With this configuration, the light panels  210  can be driven by a constant current power supply, which operates the LED elements at a stable level without creating interference with video camera sensor readout such as rolling shutter or interlaced scanning. Thus, the light panels  210  can provide a constant, stable light that can allow a video camera to capture quality videos. 
       FIG. 13  is a flowchart of an example method  730  for operating the continuous light mode  712 . In some embodiments, the method  730  can be performed by the controller  114  and/or the power control unit  250  in the panel light device  200 . In other embodiments, other devices in the system  100  can be used to at least partially perform the method  730  with or without the cooperation of the controller  114  and/or the power control unit  250 . 
     At operation  732 , the controller  114  transmits a continuous light signal  420  to the power control unit  250 . In some embodiments, the continuous light signal  420  is a pulse-width modulation signal and is provided to the current power supply  610  of the power control unit  250 . In some embodiments, the current power supply  610  can supply a constant current in direct proportion to the continuous light signal  420  or in inverse proportion to the continuous light signal  420 . The constant current from the current power supply  610  is supplied to the mode control circuit  604  of the power control unit  250 . 
     At operation  734 , upon receiving the continuous light signal  420 , the power control unit  250  operates to supply a constant current to the associated light panel  210 . As described herein, in some embodiments, the current from the current power supply  610  is supplied to the light panel  210  through the mode control circuit  604 . The mode control circuit  604  allows the current to be supplied to the light panel  210  until the mode control circuit  604  receives a strobe light signal  422 , at which time the mode control circuit  604  stops the current from being supplied from the current power supply  610  to the light panel  210 . 
       FIG. 14  is a flowchart of an example method  750  for operating the panel light device  200  in the strobe light mode  714 . In some embodiments, the method  750  can be performed by the controller  114  and/or the power control unit  250  in the panel light device  200 . In other embodiments, other devices in the system  100  can be used to at least partially perform the method  750  with or without the cooperation of the controller  114  and/or the power control unit  250 . 
     At operation  752 , the controller  114  operates the panel light device  200  in the continuous light mode  712  to provide an ambient light in the photography station, which simulates a constant, diffused sunlight coming through a wall of windows from the north. 
     At operation  754 , the controller  114  receives a signal of a shutter operation of the camera  112 . In some embodiments, when a photographer presses a shutter button of the camera  112 , a signal representative of the shutter input is generated and transmitted to the controller  114  to inform that the shutter of the camera is being operated. 
     At operation  756 , the controller  114  operates the panel light device  200  in the strobe light mode  714  based on the signal of the shutter operation. In some embodiments, the controller  114  synchronizes the strobe light mode  714  with the shutter operation. The strobe light mode  714  of the panel light device  200  can be synchronized with the shutter operation in various methods. Examples of such synchronization are described and illustrated with reference to  FIG. 15 . 
     At operation  758 , the controller  114  operates the panel light device  200  back to the continuous light mode  712 . In some embodiments, the panel light device  200  returns to the continuous light mode  712  once the shutter operation of the camera  112  has been done. In other embodiments, the panel light device  200  returns to the continuous light mode  712  as soon as the strobe light mode  714  is over. Other methods are also possible in other embodiments. 
       FIG. 15  is a flowchart of another example method  770  for operating the panel light device  200  in the strobe light mode  714  while the panel light device  200  is in the continuous light mode  712 . In some embodiments, the method  750  can be performed by the controller  114  and/or the power control unit  250  in the panel light device  200 . In other embodiments, other devices in the system  100  can be used to at least partially perform the method  750  with or without the cooperation of the controller  114  and/or the power control unit  250 . 
     At operation  772 , the controller  114  transmits a continuous light signal  420  to the power control unit  250 . In some embodiments, the continuous light signal  420  is a pulse-width modulation signal and is provided to the current power supply  610  of the power control unit  250 . In some embodiments, the current power supply  610  can supply a constant current in direct proportion to the continuous light signal  420  or in inverse proportion to the continuous light signal  420 . The constant current from the current power supply  610  is supplied to the mode control circuit  604  of the power control unit  250 . 
     At operation  774 , upon receiving the continuous light signal  420 , the power control unit  250  operates to supply a constant current to the associated light panel  210  of the panel light device  200 , thereby enabling the light panel  210  to operate in the continuous light mode  712 . As described herein, in some embodiments, the current from the current power supply  610  is supplied to the light panel  210  through the mode control circuit  604 . The mode control circuit  604  allows the current to be supplied to the light panel  210  until the mode control circuit  604  receives a strobe light signal  422 , at which time the mode control circuit  604  stops the current from being supplied from the current power supply  610  to the light panel  210 . 
     At operation  776 , while the power control unit  250  supplies a constant current to the light panel  210  to operate the light panel  210  in the continuous light mode  712 , the power control unit  250  applies a constant voltage across the energy storage device  614 . Therefore, an electric energy is saved in the energy storage device  614  while the light panel  210  operates in the continuous light mode  712 . The saved energy is to be used to operate the light panel  210  in the strobe light mode  714 , as described below. 
     At operation  778 , the controller  114  receives a shutter signal from the camera  112 . The shutter signal indicates that the shutter of the camera  112  is operated. In some embodiments, when a photographer presses a shutter button of the camera  112 , the shutter signal is generated and transmitted to the controller  114  to inform that the shutter of the camera is being operated. 
     At operation  780 , upon receiving the shutter signal, the controller  114  transmits a strobe light signal  422  to the power control unit  250 . In some embodiments, the strobe light signal  422  is transmitted to the mode control circuit  604  in the power control unit  250 , and the power control unit  250  can operate to switch between the continuous light mode  712  and the strobe light mode  714  of the light panel  210 . 
     At operation  782 , upon receiving the strobe light signal  422 , the power control unit  250  operates to stop supplying the constant current to the light panel  210  of the panel light device  200 . Therefore, the light panel  210  stops operating in the continuous light mode  712 . In some embodiments, upon receiving the strobe light signal  422 , the mode control circuit  604  can open a circuit that connects the constant current to the light panel  210  so that the light panel  210  is not supplied with the constant current that has allowed the light panel  210  to operate in the continuous light mode  712 . 
     At operation  784 , the power control unit  250  operates to release the energy saved in the energy storage device  614  to the light panel  210  so that the light panel  210  operates in the strobe light mode  714 . The energy released to the light panel  210  amounts to drive the light panel  210  to generate a flash light that appears as a xenon flash light. In some embodiments, the electrical energy stored in the energy storage device  614  can overdrive the light panel  210  for a short period of time so that the light panel  210  can generate such a flash light. 
     At operation  786 , the strobe light mode  715  ends as the capturing of a photograph has completed. In some embodiments, the strobe light mode  714  ends as the energy stored in the energy storage device  614  has been completely used up or substantially used so that the energy left in the energy storage device  614  is not enough to drive the light panel  210  in the strobe light mode  714 . In other embodiments, the power control unit  250  operates to stop supplying the energy from the energy storage device  614  to the light panel  210  when a predetermined threshold is met. Such a predetermined threshold can be at least one of a duration of the strobe light mode, a duration of a shutter release, a level of the energy left in the energy storage device, and an amount of the energy supplied to the light panel. 
     When the strobe light mode  714  ends, the method  770  can return to the operation  772  so that the light panel  210  returns to the continuous light mode  712 . 
       FIG. 16  illustrates examples of the continuous light signal  420 , the strobe light signal  422 , and a light output signal  790  over time. As illustrated, the continuous light signal  420  is a pulse-width modulation signal and transmitted to the panel light device  200  until a first time T 1 . The panel light device  200  is in the continuous light mode  712  by the first time T 1 . 
     In this example, the strobe light signal  422  is a rectangular pulse signal starting at the first time T 1  and ending at a third time T 3 . This pulse signal can cause the power control unit  250  to release the energy from the energy storage device  614  to the panel light device  200  so that the panel light device  200  operates in the strobe light mode  714 . In one example, the pulse duration of the strobe light signal  422  can be about 10 ms. Other pulse durations of the strobe light signal  422  can be also possible. 
     The pulse signal can generally define a duration of the strobe light mode  714 . As illustrated, the light output signal  790 , which can represent a light intensity from the light panel  210 , indicates that a light intensity that is much higher than the light intensity in the continuous light mode is created in the strobe light mode between the second time T 2  and a fifth time T 5 . Therefore, the strobe light mode  714  can generally be defined as between the second time T 2  and the fifth time T 5 . Although the strobe light signal  422  ends at the third time T 3  shortly before the fifth time T 5 , the strobe light mode  714  can continue until the fifth time T 5  due at least in part to signal lag. In other embodiments, the panel light device  200  is controlled to continue the strobe light mode  714  until the fifth time T 5  in order to allow the shutter a desired amount of light. In some embodiments, the fifth time T 5  can be controlled to be adjusted for various purposes, such as in view of a shutter operation of the camera  112 . 
     Once the strobe light signal  422  is terminated at the third time T 3 , the continuous light signal  420  returns. In this example, a fourth time T 4  that the continuous light signal  420  is back is slightly later than the third time T 3  that the strobe light signal  422  ends, due at least in part to signal lag. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates an example relationship between the strobe light signal  422  and the shutter operation of the camera  112 . As illustrated, a shutter characteristic (e.g., an effective shutter speed) can vary based on characteristics (e.g., duration and intensity) of the strobe light signal  422  and characteristics (e.g., duration) of the shutter being open. 
     In the illustrated example, the shutter of the camera  112  is open between a first time T 1  and a second time T 2 . The strobe light mode  714  of the panel light device  200  can be adjusted to provide different shutter characteristics. For example, a first strobe light mode  714 A has a first light intensity  794 A for a first time period ΔT 1 , and a second strobe light mode  714 B has a second light intensity  794 B for a second time period ΔT 2 , which are different from the first light intensity  794 A and the first time period ΔT 1 . In the first strobe light mode  714 A, an effective shutter speed  796 A can be defined based on the first time period ΔT 1  with or without regard to the actual duration of the shutter being open ΔT 3 . In the second strobe light mode  714 B, an effective shutter speed  796 B can be defined based on the second time period ΔT 2  with or without regard to the actual duration of the shutter being open ΔT 3 . Further, an effective exposure in the first strobe light mode  714 A can be affected at least by the first time period ΔT 1 , the actual duration of the shutter being open ΔT 3 , and the first light intensity  794 A. An effective exposure in the second strobe light mode  714 B can be affected at least by the second time periods ΔT 2 , the actual duration of the shutter being open ΔT 3 , and the second light intensity  794 B. 
     In some embodiments, the duration of strobe light can be set to be shorter than the shutter time, as illustrated in  FIG. 17 . When the strobe light duration is shorter than the shutter window, it can effectively freeze the subject (such as a moving subject) at the moment of capturing the subject. 
     Also found in  FIG. 17 , the intensity of the strobe light can be adjusted by changing duration of a pulse signal that triggers the strobe light, relative to duration of the camera shutter being open. For example, if the duration of strobe light pulse signal is half of the time when the shutter is open, the intensity of the strobe light is half of the intensity of a strobe light whose duration matches the time when the shutter is open (assuming that the strengths of the strobe light pulse signals are the same). 
       FIG. 18  schematically illustrates an example user interface  800  for controlling the panel light device  200 . In some embodiments, the user interface  800  is provided to the controller  114  and/or the computing device  116 . In other embodiments, the user interface  800  can be provided to the camera  112 . The user interface  800  includes a light intensity adjustment section  802  and a light panel selection section  804 . 
     The light intensity adjustment section  802  provides a control element  806  to adjust a light intensity (e.g., brightness) of one or more light panels  210  that are selected in the light panel selection section  804 . 
     In some embodiments, the light intensity adjustment section  802  provides multiple control elements  806  for different types of lightings, such as a main light  808  and a fill light  810 . In some embodiments, the plurality of light panels  210  can be grouped into different types of lightings, such as the main light  808  and the fill light  810  in this example. By way of example, in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the four light panels  210  arranged on the first wall frame  134  can be predetermined as a main light while the eight light panels  210  arranged on the second wall frame  136  can function as a fill light. In this example, the control element  806  for the main light  808  is used to adjust light intensity of at least one of the four light panels  210  on the first wall frame  134 , and the control element  806  for the fill light  810  is used to adjust light intensity of at least one of the eight light panels  210  on the second wall frame  136 . Other configurations are also possible in other examples. 
     The light panel selection section  804  provides control elements  812  corresponding to the light panels  210  set up in the photography station  100  and enables an operator to select one or more of the light panels  210  through the control elements  812 . In the illustrated example of  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the four light panels  210  arranged on the first wall frame  134  can be represented by a group of four control elements  814 , and the eight light panels  210  arranged on the second wall frame  136  can be represented by a group of eight control elements  816 . 
     In some embodiments, the control elements  812  are arranged and configured similarly to the light panels  210  actually set up in the photography station  100 , and further operated to indicate whether the corresponding light panels  210  are turned on or off, and/or in which mode of operation the corresponding light panels  210  are operated. 
     In some embodiments, the user interface  800  further provides a control element  820  for performing an auto under level function. The auto under level function enables the camera to operate a predetermine number of f-stops underexposed. For example, the camera can operate two f-stops underexposed over ambient light. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates example photographs captured in different operations of the panel light device  200 . For example, in the example setting of  FIG. 1 , a first photograph  850  is captured when all the light panels  210  are turned on and operate in the strobe light mode, and a second photograph  852  is captured when some light panels  210 B are turned off while the other light panels  210  are turned on and operate in the strobe light mode. Such different operations of the light panels  210  can generate different lighting effect on the subject, such as different shades on the face of the subject, between the first photograph  850  and the second photograph  852 . 
     As such, the present disclosure provides a panel light device including a plurality of light panels that are configured and operated in various arrangements and configurations. The panel light device can provide greater forgiveness of exposure than a point source of light, regardless of a location of the subject relative to the panel light device. The photography station allows arranging the subject in any location in the station and capturing quality photographs of the subject without changing the location of light panels. The photography system of the present disclosure provides a light assembly that can replace a typical main-fill strobe light system. The light assembly can generate a light that wraps around the subject and eliminates a harsh shadow on the background even when the subject is located near the background. Such a harsh shadow would otherwise be created by a typical light system. 
     In certain embodiments, the panel light device of the present disclosure can also be controlled for a multi-capture mode. In some embodiments, a plurality of light panels  210  can be independently and selectively operated to be in the strobe light mode at different points in time, and a sequence of photograph capturing can be performed over the duration of time. By way of example, the computing device or the controller stores and runs a series of image capture sessions and automatically synchronizes each session with a predetermined lighting option that is implemented by the light panels. 
     In certain embodiments, the panel light device of the present disclosure can be configured and operated to be used for background replacement. 
     The panel light device of the present application can create a lumen density (lumens per watt) that is similar to or better than typical xenon flashtubes. Thus, the panel light device can operate as point sources of light and generate strobe light effects as typical xenon flash light sources. 
     Although the panel light device is primarily described herein to be used with a stationary photography studio or station, it is also possible to use the panel light device with a portable photography station. In some examples, the light panels can be made flexible to make it more portable by rolling up, and thus make it easy to carry the components of the photography station and set them up in any location. 
     The various examples and teachings described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the examples and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure.