Thread: Uses for Strobe Lights?

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I got my hands on about 7 electric strobe lights (not the big ones, but the smaller ones they sell for Halloween in generic stores) and I have NO idea what I can use them for! Any suggestions?

I found myself in the same situation when I bought someone's entire haunt. He said he placed about 5 in one room facing all different directions to create a really disorienting effect. He said he also used fog. I always like to use fog with my strobes, as well. I do, however, love to use mini strobes for underlighting, like in bushes and behind props. Sometimes, props especially, it makes them look like they're moving even if they're static props.

If you are going to use strobes, make sure you post a sign at the beginning of your haunt that says so. Strobes can trigger epileptic seizures, which can be life threatening.

Craig

You are right,Craig.I never thought about it,and I used them a lot.
I'm taking note right now to post a sign.
I used them on every prop,when the sound is activated,also the strobe light.Makes a big difference in the scary effect we are all looking for.

I've used them in dark areas on slowest setting, the strobe would pop once & from your eyes being used to dark & an occasional lite snap throws your eyes off & creates it's own disorienting effect !

Originally Posted by thehorrorfinatic

I got my hands on about 7 electric strobe lights (not the big ones, but the smaller ones they sell for Halloween in generic stores) and I have NO idea what I can use them for! Any suggestions?

give'm to eyegore! just fool'n.
Put them in your trees, shining out from behind the leaves!
Neat effect. It also casts great shadows!

Yeah,that sounds good too,Eyegore.But what about the issue on epileptic seizures,How can you be covered against any possible problems?
When CraigInPa mention it,it got my attention.

I've incorporated them into props like Trash-Can-Trauma and MITB style things. Kinda like fog and sound - gives a little extra texture to the experience!

Originally Posted by robalex32

Yeah,that sounds good too,Eyegore.But what about the issue on epileptic seizures,How can you be covered against any possible problems?
When CraigInPa mention it,it got my attention.

Epileptic seizures caused by lights and sound effects affect maybe 1 in 1000 persons. It is more likely in Asian and Eastern Indian ethnicities. Chances of it happening are very rare. But, you can guard yourself with a few posted warning. But, strobes are to be expected with any Haunt attraction or home haunter.

I've read somewhere, can't recall at the moment, that flashing lights with a cyan/aqua color are least likely to cause seizures, as that particular color is the most soothing to the human eye, even when flickering at a faster rate. Epileptic seizures are caused by the brain's inability/ an abnormality in processing multiple synchronous activities. The repetitive motion of a strobe light flickering (even at a constant speed) can still cause epileptic seizures. You can retard the likelihood of it happening, by adjusting either the light color, rate of flicker, or both. If you are planning on using it with music; you'll need to pair it with a musical arrangement that has a slower, less repetitive tempo. Somber graveyard music is OK. House/Techno/Trance probably not a good idea!

Also, by peaking thru tree leaves, behind a bush, behind a prop, etc...the likelihood of someone getting an epileptic seizure is greatly reduced. It's best to diffuse the brightness of the light, by surrounding it with objects (which you'll be doing anyway if you're planning to make static props appear animated) Just post signs and you'll be OK.

Strobes are like the MAIN staple in a haunt. Place them around where ever you have actors. They can make all the difference to a shotty costume into something truely horrifying under a strobe.

Seizures are a personal responsiblity and anyone prone should stay away. Can't mold the world to accomidate every little thing.