Mental Photography Deck by Eric Tate

Created by: Eric Tate

Mental Photography Deck is a high-impact close-up and parlour mentalism and card magic trick where the magician presents a deck of blank cards. Through the power of their mind, they can make a single chosen card or the entire deck 'print' itself—the card faces or backs visibly appear as if by magic. This effect uses a gimmicked deck with 'psychic ink' and a reverse-cut design for clean, deceptive displays. It requires minimal sleight of hand, making it accessible for beginners yet powerful enough for professionals, and is often used as a strong opener or closer in routines.

Where to buy

Monster Magic

Mental Photography Deck

£10.99

🇬🇧

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Key features

Uses a gimmicked deck with 'psychic ink' for visual printing effects
Reverse-cut design allows for clean and deceptive displays
Minimal sleight of hand required, making it accessible
Suitable for single-card revelations or full-deck transformations
Versatile for close-up, parlour, and strolling magic
Restaurant-tested and used professionally for years

Pros

High visual impact and baffling for spectators
Easy to perform with minimal practice
Versatile for various performance settings
Durable and reliable for professional use
Can be combined with other tricks for a full routine

Cons

Requires a specific gimmicked deck, limiting impromptu use
May not be suitable for purists who prefer sleight-of-hand only
Budget considerations if building a full act around it

Effect

The Mental Photography Deck creates the illusion of printing cards with your mind. A spectator names any playing card. You show a deck of blank cards. You focus your thoughts. The named card visibly appears printed on a previously blank card. You can make one card print or the entire deck transform. The effect is a visual miracle of thought becoming reality.

Full details

The Mental Photography Deck is a gimmicked deck of cards. It uses a special system often called psychic ink. The cards look blank until you perform the secret action. Then the chosen card image appears. A reverse-cut gimmick improves the method. This allows for cleaner displays. The deck works for single card revelations. It also works for a full deck transformation. You can control which side of the card prints. Eric Tate states he has used this trick professionally for 20 years. It is known for restaurant-tested reliability. The effect combines card magic with mentalism.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is for magicians who want high-impact visual magic. It suits performers who work in close-up or parlor settings. Penguin Magic Shop notes it works as a strong opener or closer. Alakazam Magic UK recommends it for budget strolling acts. It is good for magicians who prefer minimal sleight of hand. Working professionals will appreciate its proven performance history. It is also ideal for those who like gimmicked decks that are easy to carry.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Mental Photography Deck requires minimal sleight of hand. The method is mostly self-working. Penguin Magic states that handling, timing, and misdirection are taught. The trick is accessible to beginners. It still delivers a powerful effect. You need to learn the specific actions for the gimmick. Practice is required for smooth performance. The difficulty level is low to moderate. You do not need advanced card skills.

What magicians say

Eric Tate calls the Mental Photography Deck "one of the most powerful pieces of card magic you'll carry in your pocket." He considers it his favorite card trick ever. Penguin Magic Shop describes it as a high-impact illusion suitable for routines. Alakazam Magic UK highlights its versatility and strong audience reactions in strolling acts. They note it helps build a budget-friendly act with maximum engagement. Magic TV praises its use as a theatrical opener with strong audience impact. Craig Petty analyzed a performance and emphasized its presentation value.

What people are saying about Mental Photography Deck

AlakazamMagicUK says...

The Mental Photography Deck steals the show with its versatility and strong reactions, perfect for magicians looking to perform on a budget without sacrificing impact.

magic-tv says...

The mental photography deck opener is praised for its theatrical presentation and strong audience impact, a masterclass in making classic tricks feel fresh and engaging.

penguinmagicshop says...

The tutorial covers handling, timing, and misdirection techniques to enhance the illusion, making it suitable as a high-impact opener or closer in card magic routines.

penguinmagictricks5930 says...

Eric Tate has used this trick professionally for 20 years, attesting to its performance value. It requires minimal sleight of hand, making it accessible while delivering high-impact mentalism effects.