PROP LAB: Improve Your Haunt Lighting

Lighting your Halloween yard display or haunted house can be challenging and there's no single solution to get great lighting, but with a few common tools, some plumbing pipe, and my 3D models you can start to step up your haunt lighting game without breaking the bank.
BECOME A SUPPORTER!
Do you enjoy our episodes? Do you want a behind-the-scenes look, exclusive content, and more? Consider supporting my videos on Patreon and help me make even more! / vanoaksprops
Special thanks to Albert Lam at Westcoaster.net and Ben & Emily Auer of Witching Auer for the use of their photos. Check them out on Instagram @westcoasternet and @witchingauer for more amazing photos and Halloween goodness.
FREE 3D MODEL FILES:
----------------------
www.thingivers...
MATERIALS:
----------------------
23mm Eagle Eye LED bulbs: amzn.to/3gCtamW
OFFICIAL VANOAKS PROPS MERCH:
shop.vanoakspro...
LIKE THE MUSIC FROM MY VIDEOS?
www.epidemicso...
INSTAGRAM: @vanoaksprops
FACEBOOK: vanoaksprops
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service via the links provided above I may receive a commission. There is no additional charge to you and it helps to support this channel!
#VanOaksProps #Halloween

[@ngirmang]

Most helpful Halloween video I’ve seen thus far! Thank you!

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks, Shawn!

[@halloweenspecialist133]

Every time I look at one of your videos I feel smarter and my only regret is not finding you 40 years ago . THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO TO HELP OTHERS.

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks so much!

[@warpedg]

A great look for overall yard lighting is to attach lighting within a tree and the leaves and branches create the perfect natural gobo.

[@susanowen1709]

Such a little thing, and it makes such a big difference! Not quite sure how I'll implement this in the yard, but I'm sure I'll come up with something!

[@Zasifras]

You can focus the gobo by having a sliding tube that has a cheap magnifying glass on the end of it. Then you can make it crystal clear and sharp shadows or blur it out a bit to make it fuzzy. We used to do this with a cardboard tube, flashlight, and magnifying glass. Cut the cardboard tube in half and slide one into the other. It'll be a tight fit but by sliding one tube in and out of the other you can set the focus distance. Glue the magnifying glass on one end of the tube and on the other put your gobo stencil on the flashlight lens with the other end of the tube taped to it. With the flashlight on you can move the tube in and out to focus the gobo on the wall until its sharp or back it off to blur just like a projector.

[@TheHauntedMansionArchive]

so THAT'S how Disneyland's Haunted Mansion is lit.. very cool!

[@VanOaksProps]

It may not be exactly the same, but it's a similar idea.

[@603VIL]

Love this Derek. Thank you. You can also use a cricut to cut some card stock in a pattern of your choice. Thanks man🤙

[@VanOaksProps]

Yes, that’s a great tip!

[@freaknstein89]

That was my first thought @hawwkee79

[@jasonp617]

Lol. We just thought of this same idea. Should have read the other comments first!

[@goldenserenity2385]

Freddy Krueger is in the background. This channel is great timing for Halloween

[@VanOaksProps]

You know it!

[@adamczarnik8833]

I’ve literally been trying to do the same thing for years and nothing has worked! Thank you for sharing your files and your expertise!

[@BlanckMortuary]

Hmm I use those goofy clamp lamps with a full-sized led blue or green bulb. I will have to see about attaching a gobo to the aluminum bell housing.

[@VanOaksProps]

Great idea!

[@KerriGilpin]

That’s definitely an easier build with some electrical tape, but be careful it doesn’t get too hot- not all bulbs are created equal 👍

[@jonbraid2520]

Transforms the lightning.

[@asmarteru]

I haven't gotten into that part of my lighting yet. Just now happy with my initial lighting setup after 5 years. Thanks for the ideas. I'm still planning a total rebuild of my display so I have time to learn and experiment.

[@dariaschmidt7612]

I used a Gobo on my "haunt" last year, I say it with quotes because it was really more of a garage sized animatronic diorama. I made fully animated Skeleton dance party. We only had so many skeletons so we needed to get creative. We 3d printed a gobo attachment for my studio lighting that was motorized, there was a pair of custom made gobos of many skeletal arms in sort of a "Rave" setting. Using a Crankshaft we managed to have the pair of gobos bounce up and down to really sell the effect. We rear projected it, gotta say we were pretty impressed with ourselves!

[@jasoncarbone5553]

Another great video Derek. Another way to achieve this effect without creating a gobo pattern is to get some branches, twigs or whatever else you have in hand and place them between your light source and where you want projected texture. Thanks as always!

[@VanOaksProps]

Absolutely. Dead plants are my favorite for creating shadows.

[@robertladrach5545]

A budget friendly solution. Free!

[@GregPackard]

Great idea! I recently acquired through an auction a couple elipsoidal spot lights with gobo capability just for the break up in the graveyard… I got them for $5 each just keep your eyes open and be ready to bid!

[@VanOaksProps]

That’s a awesome score.

[@juneritchie2498]

I have a rope of LED lights that are brighter than I realized they would be. This gives me inspiration to create a series of boxes or tubes to encase it rather than scattering leaves across it. Will have to "think on it" to devise a workable solution that can also be stored easily.

[@VanOaksProps]

I love that

[@SchardtCinematic]

Buy a few pieces of cheap black corrugated drain pipe with the small slits in it for drainage. Than use a jig saw or oscillation tool to cut grroves and shapes through the pipe from some of the slits that should make a goid starting point.

[@juneritchie2498]

@@SchardtCinematic ... Great idea! I already have some short sections to practice with.

[@SchardtCinematic]

@@juneritchie2498 That's cool. Lowes sells 10 foot sections and also 50 foot rolls as well.

[@brymanxl]

What if you wrapped it in something like lace ribbon or something like that

[@trytofinishsomething]

What a simple and great idea! In the past. I have set branches and things in front of the light source to create shadows, but it is not always convenient! This is fantastic!

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks!

[@milesdudleydiyanimatronics6467]

Very Nice Derek!!! I really like this one and will use it this year! I have been using the Eagle eye lights for 3 years now.

[@VanOaksProps]

Right on!

[@GeoFry3]

Very nice. If this is going to be used outside, might want to add a drain hole to the back of the pvc tube so water doesn't build up.

[@VanOaksProps]

Great idea

[@rexcowart7420]

Cool solution, I think I will try some gobos. I just like saying gobos.

[@VanOaksProps]

Go for it! LOL

[@johncooperrider9886]

Derek: inspired as usual! Gobos and their accompanying lights are so expensive and these are great solutions. If you make the body of the fixtures so that it telescopes, you should be able to affect the sharpness of the silhouette edges as you lengthen/shorten the length of the barrel (basically a simple focusing function.) Gobos work best with a SINGLE-POINT light source. If you try to use a multi-LED spot, you MIGHT get multiple projected silhouettes but more than likely it'll just be a blurry mess. Have you tried cutting out any metal gobos on your laser cutter? Such fine precision would allow you to do very detailed gobos like banks of double-hung windows, bolts of lightning, and tree branches. I really enjoy your videos and the MacGyveresque solutions you come up with. Like they say: necessity is the mother of invention. Keep up the good work! p.s.-dynamic gobos can also add interest like... the hand/claw that passes in front of the grandfather clock in the Haunted Mansion...

[@Rightfall]

We are doing a haunted house for a local convention and your videos have been a source of great inspiration and help. Thank you.

[@VanOaksProps]

You’re very welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@VileVisionshaunt]

That is really freaking cool! One of the many reasons you are amongst my favorite haunt tutorial You Tubers.

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks so much!

[@pauldinehart9059]

Way to go Derek shining the light on this idea for the video. I get the same type of results with placing my Firefly lightning kit 20 ft up in my trees in the front yard to illuminate my cemetery. ⚡⚰️

[@stephannieschapiro1816]

This is a great idea. I plan to use these now as the housing for the LED lights that I built from your 'plug and play' light set up. I havent made the pvc pipe tubes yet so I am going to incorporate the go bo's into this!! Thank you for yet another great haunt idea!!!

[@VanOaksProps]

That's a great idea!

[@screaminscott]

You can also put other objects in front of a spotlight or flood light to cast shadows. Think of branches in front of a flood light to cast an image like a haunted forest up onto a building..

[@VanOaksProps]

Yep! I mentioned in the video that dead plants are great for just that reason.

[@screaminscott]

@@VanOaksProps Oops, I missed that!

[@VanOaksProps]

No worries. I just meant it to say that I agree with you 🎃

[@matrixmom31]

Alot of times you can find small metal cutouts in places like Hobby Lobby, Joanns and Michaels on clearance. I have used these as gobos!

[@VanOaksProps]

Good to know!

[@daShare]

Good haunt lighting can be just as much about the shadows than the light itself.

[@VanOaksProps]

Absolutely.

[@Skoden_lures]

You keep reading my mind!! so glad I found your channel

[@andyt1313]

I was completely unaware of this. Thanks for the enlightenment. A simple way to instantly add visual interest.

[@VanOaksProps]

Happy to share the knowledge!

[@screaminscott]

I wonder if you could repurpose a Pringles can as a gobo holder. If you cut out the lid so only the lip remained, you could attach the gobo to that then snap it over the end of the can. Then just drill a hole insert your light in the other end. Now that I think of it, that probably wouldn't be weatherproof. So instead you could use a dog food size cans, and get some of those lids that allow you to cover the can to store leftover dog food in the fridge.

[@VanOaksProps]

That could work!

[@SouthernBelleReviews]

Yayyy! Spooky season is here!!! I'm making all my spooky videos on my channel too and I can use your tips! Thank you! 🎃🕯🎹

[@VanOaksProps]

No problem!!

[@rcredmon]

Meanwhile I'm over here getting angry at shadows cast by my shrubs that I hide lights in. Lol.

[@bcfowler82]

This is great! Never really thought about doing this. I may have to try this out this year if i get around to it.

[@thequeenofhalloween365]

Great idea! I am such a newbie I have to admit I didn't even realize these were effects. I think I always thought there was a tree somewhere in front of the light - even when no trees were around. Guess that shows how well they work LOL. Thanks for the tiip!

[@VanOaksProps]

The beauty of the effect is that it could be just some tree branches. Get creative with it. 👻

[@HLR4th]

Great video and a new word: Gobo!

[@thetree9399]

It stands for "goes on before optics"

[@michaelfrey5175]

As always, great idea Derek! Thanks for your wealth of knowledge. Keep up the great work! Be safe!

[@gabrielagabyrodriguez72]

THis is the first year in many moons I plan to decorate for Hallooween and OMG I'm siked I found your channel. THANKS!

[@VanOaksProps]

Welcome!

[@horses2by]

Fantastic ideas, thanks for sharing 🎃💀🪦🦇

[@dondeemedina5889]

Hi! New subscriber, just want to learn more about your DIY tnks

[@VanOaksProps]

Welcome! Be sure to check out my playlists to catch up on all the videos

[@AuntLALA]

ooooh I'm so excited. I have been purchasing items since Jan for this Halloween party I am throwing!! I can't wait to emerge in to all the vids to help with the party

[@AuntLALA]

*submerge autocorrect 😑

[@MissNiloMac]

Genuinely for the last month I've been trying to figure out my own diy gobo I'm shook that this video came out lmao

[@wolfman75]

I Could Do A Lot!!! It Would Make Sitting Up Stuff Easier!!! Thank You!!!! 🤔👍😎😃

[@skytek7081]

For our haunt we use a precision spotlight to turn off the streetlight that washes out the entire circle with orange light. We replace the function with blue and purple and green spooky lighting for the night.

[@skytek7081]

Only on halloween, obviously, and the neighbors are kept informed.

[@costumesforalloccasions]

Good job Derek!

[@PixPete]

Very cool, Derek. This is awesome! I remember speaking to you on here a while back about making a DIY gobo projector. Your solution here is a good step forward however it's missing some kind of focussing screen. I've seen plastic sheets of fresnel lens going cheap on eBay and wondering if these could some how be integrated into your design? Or a cheap magnifying glass? The problem would be solving how we vary the distance of it to focus the gobo. Maybe mount it to a section of PVC pipe so it can slide forwards and backwards, like the rails on a professional projector.

[@VanOaksProps]

Yes. Exactly. I have some thoughts about and have some parts on the way that may help to figure out the focusing. Stay tuned!

[@AndyDaupert]

I love this! Thanks for the 3d models! I just made up some LED lights last year, this will be so much better.

[@VanOaksProps]

You’re very welcome!

[@roberts1440]

Good stuff. Thank you.

[@VanOaksProps]

My pleasure!

[@markemerson5324]

Thanks for this! I will incorporate it into my next build!

[@VanOaksProps]

Awesome!

[@travisrichardson5366]

Speaking as someone who works professionally in the lighting world, maybe consider using smaller GOBOs. The manufactured ones come in "A" size, "B" she & "M" size. Maybe try the "M" size as they are much smaller & meant for moving lights (think concert lighting). I've never tried this, but they may even be small enough that standard box store pvc fittings, etc. could be modified for it. Good luck!!!

[@VanOaksProps]

Good to know!

[@howtohaunt]

Great examples! Will have to try this in the future.

[@jimepler9347]

Love your videos. You should fabricate one of those gobo housings that fit over the yard lights they sell at Spirit Halloween, you'd make a fortune selling those things! 😄

[@DoktorHalloween]

Love GOBOs. I always knew them as Cookies or a Cookaloris. I"ve unforturnately had sketchy results when I make them. The pattern typically washes out and I haven't figured out why.

[@DoktorHalloween]

@@seanstevenson1668 Thanks for the reply. yeah, I have long since wondered about a polarized light source, a lens and focused light source makes a lot of sense. These start to edge me closer to a bought version, versus trying to make it myself.

[@harrykuheim6107]

Shower drain cover!

[@VanOaksProps]

That could work, too.

[@outdooroutfitters3658]

That's a cool video! Thanks for sharing.

[@23linnie]

Thanks for sharing the great ideas.

[@jasperjanderson]

Nice and simple. And it looks great!

[@windyloweryking1826]

I like learning something new each day. I had not idea this kind of lightimg technique was called a Gobo. Sweet, now the rest of the day will be spent goofing off...actually more laundry but I know one more thing now. :)

[@VanOaksProps]

Glad you liked it! This lighting effect is also referred to as "cookie" or "cucaloris."

[@windyloweryking1826]

@@VanOaksProps sweet!!

[@SchardtCinematic]

I have two huge Maple trees in my yard. Shining a light through the branches should do the trick. Now I just need to get my light 30 feet in the air and pointing downward like a full moon. Lol actually his idea is more feasible.

[@VanOaksProps]

Absolutely!

[@Diana-wg1tm]

You're awsome . I can't get enough!! Lol I love Halloween . Live for it !

[@VanOaksProps]

Thanks, Diana!

[@Diana-wg1tm]

I need someone that loves Halloween as much as I am . Lol and someone that likes to be creative . I think I've seen everyone of your videos several times lol I'm working on the projection crystal ball right now Madame Lolita. Freeport is not the place you want to put your decorations outside your house so all of mine goes in the house. . I can't wait to see your next video. Have a wonderful week and make something. Lol

[@letitgrow1846]

I love the ingenuity! How do you wire those leds though since they don't come with a plug?

[@VanOaksProps]

Like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJW1dYqYabtsrbc

[@Minnesotaqueen1969]

good info, tyvm!

[@VanOaksProps]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jasonp617]

Love this effect! Although we don’t have access to a 3D printer, my wife has access to a “Cricut” printer. We think it’s possible to print out a similar design on vinyl then apply to an acrylic disk for mounting. Not sure if it will work, but thanks for the amazing idea!

[@VanOaksProps]

That’s correct. The smaller size hobo was cut from construction paper on a similar machine, so it’s totally doable.

[@KerriGilpin]

Love that note at the end -“ dead plants make great gobos too” 😂 so accurate! Am I mistaken to have been calling these “cookies” before? I feel like I learned that from a theater person… maybe I’m remembering it incorrectly…or my brain is just mashing up all the random terms I’ve learned 😂

[@VanOaksProps]

"Cookies" is also correct. It's short for cucaloris.

[@KerriGilpin]

Ok thanks, then I’m not *totally* crazy 😂

[@halloweenhaunt3121]

@@VanOaksProps cucoloris

[@jimflood1590]

This is a wonderful tutorial to create a gobo. I've been trying to create a similar device that will create a sharp silhouette, such as a gravedigger, zombie, ghost, etc, but everything I have tried comes out blurry. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Thank you for all the videos!

[@SpaceWizardCosplay]

Very cool and inexpensive! #spookyseason

[@jimmyd2091]

You need a way to focus by moving the light back and forth

[@VanOaksProps]

If you’re looking for crisp edges, yes. If you’re looking for an affordable way to create some texture with light, then no.

[@TheCureThatKillz]

Very cool. But most people don’t have a 3D printer and some of that technical stuff so this project is unfortunately something most people can’t do.

[@VanOaksProps]

Understood, which is why I mentioned that you can place shapes/objects in front of a light source to achieve the same effect.

[@jenniferstadwick2155]

Is there a way to make those multicolor flickering projector Walmart lights easily? They have an underwater look to them, and come in either blue/green, orange/purple or red/orange.

[@VanOaksProps]

Great question. I’ve never had a reason to take one apart, but maybe I do now!

[@zacharyj1004]

Where did you get your hat I love it!

[@VanOaksProps]

It’s a New Era cap with a patch from CreepyCo.

[@roosevelthillscemetery]

I have so many of those Walmart/home depot colored pins already and they are way to bright as is would love to soften up those bright Led so it does not look straight out of a comic book!!!

[@VanOaksProps]

Sanding the lenses would help to help diffuse them. Or if you want a non-permanent solution, use frosted glass spray

[@roosevelthillscemetery]

@@VanOaksProps wow thank you but I also love the gobo effect as well

[@MmmDnBbitch]

I really like the light you are using in your thumbnail. This feels like an odd question, but can I ask what color bulb you used? I realize this could be a painfully obvious answer lol- Apologies in advance!

[@VanOaksProps]

It’s sort of a bluish purple.

[@leedonovan8567]

How about some, indoor tips for Haunted lighting? Great post guys🎃💀👺😈💉☀🎥👻

[@VanOaksProps]

These can be used indoors

[@dawnlamblambkinfarm6938]

Great video thx u

[@VanOaksProps]

You’re welcome. 🎃

[@jprnb83]

Awesome video and thanks for the files! How did you go about wiring the lights? what did you wire them to? How would you change the color to like a red or orange?

[@VanOaksProps]

Here's how they're wired: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJW1dYqYabtsrbc They're powered with a 12v 5amp power supply. As for colors, I use different color LED bulbs.

[@jprnb83]

@@VanOaksProps Thanks!

[@GHILLIESARCADEANDMORE]

Cool

[@enriquesola1923]

You rock! Thank you for this! This is going to make my project so much better! Have you considered creating gobos with moving pieces? Oh and where did you get the Haunted Mansion gargoyle? Did you print one? Ive been trying to sculpt one for months now and they all look off.

[@VanOaksProps]

I have. I made a video about it awhile back. As for the gargoyle, I bought it years ago from a fellow maker.

[@enriquesola1923]

@@VanOaksProps Nice! I’ll check it out! Thank you :P

[@sventer198]

Spooooky!

[@hewster1]

Great video. Could you share how you power the small LEDs? Are you able to daisy chain multiple on the one power source without losing brightness?

[@VanOaksProps]

They’re connected via rca cable to a 12v 5a power supply. You can run about 50 of them without loss of brightness. One of my oldest videos shows the rca connection but not the power, but it’s just plugged in using a female barrel connector.

[@hewster1]

@@VanOaksProps awesome thank you! As many things as I have made, electricity still scares me 😅 last thing I need is for my basement to ignite in a firey blaze with guests partying upstairs

[@PowerChordEPS]

A little word to the wise for anyone who's making their own gobos: Try not to make the lines too thin, or else the effect could be a little too subtle and soft. Play around with different abstract shapes and find what works for your haunt. That said, I love the dead plant idea, especially if you can fit said plant into your set dressing.

[@VanOaksProps]

Great tip. Thanks for sharing it

[@meyer4527]

Can you make a rotating gobo?

[@VanOaksProps]

I’ll see what I can come up with.

[@flywithbart]

I can only do armchair planning right now. Do you think this could still work if adapted to your even smaller LED spots? Talking a tube of 20mm with a very fine gobo pattern on the end of it.

[@VanOaksProps]

I'm not sure, although there are companies who make tiny gobo spotlights. So I'd have to imagine it's possible.

[@flywithbart]

@@VanOaksProps Well thanks for this. another rabbit hole I can research!! lol

[@stacykelly9962]

❤️❤️❤️

[@stoney268]

why not print the shapes too? ive been searching for those shapes but they are expensive and cant really find tbe cloud shapes...

[@VanOaksProps]

Mainly because thin 3D prints are likely to warp from heat. So whether that’s from the sun or from your light, it just didn’t seem like a good idea. The up side is that you can cut them yourself and accuracy isn’t that important because the shadows tend to be pretty fuzzy around the edges.

[@p.j.c.2.0]

Where can I find some of the things you use in this Video !

[@VanOaksProps]

Links to everything are in the description.

[@praestant8]

if only it had proper optics as gobos require.

[@VanOaksProps]

True. However, just as a means to create texture it works well and is really affordable.