An optical device for use with an imaging device for taking photographic images of an object includes a light emitting element capable of emitting light, and a lens arranged so as to direct light from the light emitting element to illuminate the object. The light emitting element may include at least two light emitting zones arranged so that light from the light emitting zones can be directed from the lens in respective corresponding spatial angles, and that the light emitting zones can be individually and selectively controlled to emit a controllable intensity of light.