The Camera Trick by Matthew Wright

The Camera Trick by Matthew Wright is the sort of modern magic that makes you wonder if you’ve accidentally wandered into a sci-fi movie. It’s a delightful blend of simple magic and clever tech that’s compatible with both Android and iOS. Your audience will be left with their jaws on the floor (and possibly wondering if they’ve just been a part of something profoundly weird).

Crafted with care by Matthew, this routine gives you the option of two distinct effects or one extended double whammy. A spectator picks a card and signs the back, and as you aim your phone’s camera at it, it magically “sees through” the back to reveal the face of the chosen card. Most tricks would stop there, but oh no, The Camera Trick isn’t done with you! The fun continues with a second selection, and the card on your screen morphs right before their eyes. But wait, there’s a twist – the signed card has changed too, and the magician’s got a little problem: turning it back to the original. Just when you think it’s all smooth sailing, the screen starts glitching like it’s had one too many pints.

Stuck in this digital mess, the card on the screen looks like it’s been through a blender. The trick appears to have gone belly-up. But hold your horses! The magician flips over the signed card to reveal a glorious jumbled mess where the chosen card used to be. Classic!

“Let’s give it another go,” the magician says, as another card is selected and signed (this time, it’s the King of Hearts — you know, the ‘suicide king’ with a sword through his own bonce). The camera goes back to work, and the King materialises on screen. Another card is picked — the Four of Hearts. In a stroke of sheer absurdity, the digital King whips out a blank piece of paper and begins stabbing the Four’s pips (his poor head must be feeling a bit sore). He rearranges them onto the blank card, creating the Four of Hearts. The animation halts, and when the physical card is turned over, it’s the King holding the Four!

This routine is a real showstopper that Matthew has been toiling away on for over three years. It’s easy enough that you won’t need a degree in quantum physics, but don’t be fooled — this is top-notch, professional-grade magic, the kind that’ll leave your audience wondering what the hell just happened.

NOTE: This effect uses Matthew Wright's CTRL'D App. Currently, the app is only for iOS, but an Android version is on the way (patience, my friend).