ilumiscope for iPhone

About Ilumiscope and what it does

Ilumiscope is an iPhone app that lets you view and record Richard Wilks’ 3D zoetrope sculptures without needing a strobe — it works outdoors in daylight. The application uses your device’s camera and adjustable exposure settings to reproduce the rotating-animation effect, so you can capture the motion directly on your phone.

Quick start — getting the app running

• Install Ilumiscope from the App Store and launch it on your iPhone.
• Aim your device at the artwork you want to view.
• Tap the Start button to begin the live capture.
• Adjust brightness and shutter speed until the animated sequence appears smoothly.

Practical tips for the best results

Point the camera steadily and avoid rapid movement while you fine-tune the exposure controls. Small changes to shutter speed can make a big difference in how clearly the animation reads; experiment gradually until the motion looks continuous. If possible, position yourself so the artwork fills the frame — this helps the effect resolve more cleanly.

Where to follow the artist and alternative tools

• Follow Richard on Instagram at @richard_wilks to find updates on the locations of his installations and new pieces.
• CapCut — free video-editing app (useful if you want to edit or enhance recordings you make with Ilumiscope).