FAQ

 

1- ABOUT THE TUBES

1. Q: What are these tubes?
   A: The tubes that I sell are the exact same ones that I use to make all of my pictures. They are based on the DIY version I have been making for years. To make them, we start from stock clear tube and add various layers (reflectors, gels, protectors, covers…) to achieve the different colors and effects. These tubes are made of polycarbonate, making them super light-weight. Each tube is assembled by hand here in Montréal.

2. Q: What is the difference between Reflective (Solid, Holographic & Olympic) and Milky tubes?
   A: The Reflective tubes emit light in one direction (facing the camera). This helps make the light painting disappear, and it creates a more "contrasty" look. The Milky tubes are softer and diffused. They emit light in full 360. They are great in situations where you want a nice glow on the ground, and/or a softer light on your subject. I would usually choose the Milky tubes if I shoot in sand dunes.
   
   
3. Q: What are the Caps used for?
   A: End caps are used for multiple reasons:
   - bounce back the light (glow cap)
   - create a rim around the light painting shape (glow cap)
   - block the light to avoid any line on the ground/ceiling (black cap)
   
   
4. Q: How to use the Sliders?
   A: Sliders are black pieces that you can slide on the tube itself. Use them to block certain part of the light that goes through the tube. You can also use them on holographic tubes, with the opening facing the camera, which gives less light/more colors.

 

2- THE SHOP

1. Q: What warranty is included with the tubes?
   A: The tubes are going to arrive to your destination in perfect condition. If it’s not the case, please contact us so we can figure out a solution. However, these tubes are like paint brushes. Once you start using them, they get altered. The only way to keep them intact is to leave them in the box. Over time, the tubes might get scratched, which is a good thing most of the time. Check out 2.3 for more details.
   
   If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase from lightpainting.store, you can return your item(s) for a full refund (minus any shipping fees) within 90 days of purchase. Returns must be unused, in the state you received them and in the original packaging. Full payback (minus any shipping fees) are made once the item(s) are received at Eric Paré Studio inc, 4001 Berri, suite #202, Montréal, QC, Canada. H2L 4H2.

    

3- SHIPPING, CUSTOMS, PACKAGE

1. Q: When am I going to receive my package?
   A: Production time is currently 3 weeks (updated on Dec 2nd, 2024). That is the time it takes us to finalize the tubes (each tube is assembled by hand). Once we ship your order, it takes from 2 to 21 days for DHL to deliver your package.
   
   **Occasionally, we may experience higher than usual demand, which could result in a longer shipping time. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

2. Q: Where's my tracking number?
   A: Your shipping tracking number is going to be communicated to you by email once your package leaves the studio. 
   
   

3. Q: What custom fees should I expect to pay?
   A: Shipments outside of Canada may incur customs fees depending on the destination country. The fee is beyond our control and may vary depending on your order value, country limits, and other factors based on the product itself. You are responsible for these fees. You can calculate the approximate amount by finding out about regulations for custom fees of your country. Check out these two links for more details: - http://international.dhl.ca/en/express/customs_support/duties_taxes/duties_taxes_receivers.html
   - https://www.avalara.com/vatlive/en/vat-rates/international-vat-and-gst-rates.html
   Please note that we are not responsible for items turned back at local customs.

4. Q: What is the size of the package?
   A: Packages are up to 42” high, and the width varies depending on the number of tubes you are purchasing.

5. Q: How can I request a follow-up about a shipment?
   A: If the package has not arrived after normal delivery time (see #3.1), please drop us an email at admin@lightpainting.store. 

6. Q: In which country do you ship?
   A: We try our best to ship worldwide, but we currently can’t deliver any packages to Russia,  Brazil and Iran.
   *Disclaimer*
   - Shipping to South Korea is possible if you have and provide us your TAX ID.
   - Shipping to Chile is possible if you have and provide us your TAX ID, or if you do no have it, we can send your package by "Canada Post" but this will make the shipping time longer, around 4 weeks (excluding production time)
   - According to regulations in Turkey, orders above $150 are considered to be commercial imports and subject to very high custom fees. Consider placing orders under $150.

4- USING THE TUBES

1. Q: How to use the tubes?
   A: I explain absolutely everything on lightpainting.art/tutorials

2. Q: How to power up the tubes?
   A: You need a flashlight. The tubes by themselves are simply made of plastic. For  actual recommendations, check out lightpainting.art/gear

3. Q: How solid are the tubes? / Why do you recommend to not use them outdoors?
   A: I use the tubes outdoors all the time (at the beach, in sand dunes, in the snow). But they age older by doing so. Is this a bad thing? I don’t think so. A brand new tube is going to give you smooth color all across the length of it. A very dirty tube might give you some lines and/or brightness shifts. Here’s an extreme example using a tube that I used to throw sand around.

4. Q: How can I keep the tubes in good condition?
   A: I am good at beating up my tubes and I don’t mind doing repairs after each trip I make, but if you want to preserve your tubes for years, here’s what I suggest:
   - Never put anything else than caps on top of the tubes (avoid anything that is likely to bend them)
   - Don’t use them in high winds (I bent my tubes way too often by doing so)
   - Don’t use the tubes at the beach: sand and water is super hard to get rid of
   - The end-caps have a heat tolerance of 50°C / 122°F. Don’t leave them on the dashboard of your car when it’s sunny, otherwise they are going to melt.
   
   
   

5- MAINTENANCE

1. Q: How to repair a tube?
   A: If a tube gets bent (visible in the shots), the best trick is to add one long slice of black masking tape to totally cover the back of the tube. This is going to hide the bend mark and also it helps to make yourself invisible. If the tape start to peel off, you can carefully remove it and replace it with a new one.
   
   
2. Q: How about Lithium-ion battery safety?
   A: Check out this amazing safety guide at Budgetlightforum: budgetlightforum.com/node/45314