This crazy purse concept is essentially an LED flash built-into a clutch purse. When it senses a flash it will send out a brighter flash to blind the camera – and, presumably, the cameraman – and prevent the picture from coming out. The result? A ghostly halo around the subject but no facial features.

Although Harvey began developing the device for his class, he wasn’t able to perfect it, and since last fall he has continued to refine the design. Currently the wiring and batteries fit in a ladies’ clutch, but he hopes to continue reducing the size of the device to the point that it could be worn in something as small as a pendant or tie tack. In its current form the device is activated by powering it on and then tilting the clutch. The sensor will register a flash being fired from up to a 45 degree angle each way.

The device works at up to 1/125 shutter speed, thus effecting slower, low-light shots.