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Use $3.5 Tube Guards For Epic Light Painting Photography

by 24 Comments

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Eric Pare (previously) just sent in this killer light painting tip. I really enjoy following Eric’s work because he is right there on the verge of science and art. This time he came up with a very clever light saber toy for light painting.

Eric is using tube guards, which are originally meant for florescent bulb protection, as a light painting medium and the results are quit epic:

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Eric explains how he is creating the magic:

Once you got [the tube guards], it’s really simple, you set your camera on a tripod on bulb mode, and you trigger by yourself using a remote. On these 2, I used 2x 300 lumens flashlights inside the tubes, and I simply created the shapes behind Kim. Exposure time: about 3 seconds.

You can buy the tubes for next to nothing at TAP Plastics or on Amazon with various lengths and colors.

Here is what those tubes look like in real life:

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[Thanks for the tip, Eric!]

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  • Uh, buying now!

  • Nice! Any idea what these things could be called on the german Amazon?

  • I bought some tube guides but haven’t done anything with them. Now you’ve challenged me to put them to use. Thanks.

  • Frank Nazario

    Awesome tip… what is the light source you are using for these… any recomendations?

    • any tactical led flashlight from 200 to 600 lumens I guess. I used 2x 300 lumens

      • Frank Nazario

        thanks for sharing Eric..

  • What kind of flashlights is he using and how do you fit 2 in these?

    • small 300 lumens tactical flashlights using 2xAA batteries each :))

  • Oliver Guy

    Just ordered a yellow, red, and clear tube on amazon along with 2x Cree UltraFire 300 Lumen flashlights off of ebay. I already own one of the same flashlights because it zooms. The zoom makes a pattern that is easy to focus on in the dark for my camera. Not sure if this was intentional, but it works really well.

  • Troy Witt

    I’ve got a tip to add to the mix… Take a piece of tinfoil the length of the tube and about 4 inches wide. Crumple it into down to around 1/4 to 1/2″ in diameter, DON’T make it perfect and smooth, as the irregularities help. Then insert the aluminum foil stick into the tube. Make sure it’s not perfectly straight ( some zigzags are good). Essentially, the crinkled tinfoil will catch and reflect parts of the light beam. And since it’s loose in the tube it will constantly give you unique results. I think it gives a great organic feel. Btw, I used a single 870 lumen flashlight with the tube. I taped the tube to the flashlight and then put some tape on the open end of the tube after inserting the foil.

  • Taraxacum

    Any one know a UK supplier?

  • recommendation on the flashlight model?

  • Sobinian

    Great job Eric!
    How did you remove yourself in the pictures?

    • thanks 🙂

      I’m still a bit visible on both of these pictures. Since then, we started doing those only with a dress… huh I mean, for Kim! … and I try to align myself perfectly behind her so I’m not visible. I’m way too lazy to photoshop myself out every time! 🙂 Check out the new ones on https://instagram.com/ericparephoto/

      • Sobinian

        Yeah I see your ghost 😀
        I just did follow you on 500px and Instagram.

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