Frequently Asked Questions for Lasers and Laser Light Shows
What is a laser light show?
A laser light show is a live performance using laser light to produce a display in the air or on a surface. This display can vary, but a laser light show generally refers to a presentation similar to a movie or concert. Most shows are presented with lighting displays that match the emotion and texture of sound and are played on time with live or pre-recorded music but can also be silent and match other visual cues.
Do you do laser shows?
Yes, Dynamic FX is an industry-leading provider of laser light shows and is equipped to handle multiple events and venues. We offer turnkey packages with all necessary equipment designed to drop into events with as little planning as possible.
Can you do a laser show outdoors & where can you do laser shows?
Yes, we can do laser shows indoors and outdoors in spaces of all sizes. Outdoor shows are subject to weather conditions; the laser projectors ARE rated for outdoor use. However, laser light requires an atmospheric vapor (fog, haze, mist, etc.) to become visible, and this vapor can get carried away by excessive wind or air turbulence. Larger areas can require more atmospheric generating equipment. Outdoor shows are also subject to FAA regulations; we can perform outdoors with proper termination points (trees, walls, tents, etc.) or with paperwork arranged in advance.
Why is fog or haze needed to see a laser?
For any light to be visible, it needs to pass through some atmospheric particle, such as when you see radiant sunlight shining through clouds or a streetlamp on a damp, foggy night. The light you see enters your eye after the particle refracts it. Refraction is the redirection of a wave (the light) as it passes from one medium (the particle) to another (the air).
Why do we need to look in the direction of the laser projector and not where they are pointing?
As light waves travel through atmospheric particles and refract, their exit direction will attempt to mirror the entrance direction. This is due to the momentum affecting light particles (photons). The closer the exit point is to a straight line from the entry point, the more light travels in that direction. Simply put: More light is visible from the opposite direction a laser projector is shooting.
Why does it need to be dark to see a laser?
Imagine a candle illuminating a dark room on its own, then compare that same candle and room while bright halogen lights are on. It becomes challenging to tell if the candle is even emitting light. Light adds together and creates a collective illumination in a given area. This illumination can change the perceived colors of our lasers and render them harder to see as our eyes intake the collective light and cannot differentiate individual light sources.
Are the lasers dangerous to look at?
Laser light is only dangerous on direct contact, if it enters your eye directly from the emission point and not due to viewing the light as a result of particle refraction or reflection off opaque surfaces. Laser light from a perfectly reflective surface should be scattered enough to avoid permanent eye damage from short-term exposure, but repeated exposure is not advised. Audience Scanning refers to a laser that is purposely and safely allowed to scan or project past an ordinarily safe area due to lenses over the laser aperture that scatter directed light and power output adjustments before operation. This is only allowed under these circumstances with a proper variance and signage, which Dynamic FX can provide.
Where is the best viewing location to watch a laser show?
Lasers emit from an aperture in a cone shape, and as light particles, or photons, travel from this point, they scatter, rendering the light less visible over time, therefore the best viewing location exists in between the point where the cone becomes wide enough to determine shapes and the point where the light becomes less visible. This is generally between 30ft to 300ft from the laser projectors.
How many colors can your laser make?
14.1 million – either as solid colors or color combinations.
Do you handle permits?
Yes, Dynamic FX files all necessary paperwork for state regulations, local permits and all federal compliance, including the FAA if applicable.
What is the lowest price you can do a laser show for?
There is no “one size fits all” for pricing; every show is unique and requires an assessment of needs and capabilities. In general, pricing is a product of variables that include equipment, labor, transportation, location, custom programming, and dates.
Can I see examples of your work?
Dynamic FX displays its work on our website, www.dynamicsfx.com,
Videos on YouTube, www.youtube.com/user/dynamiclasers,
and social media @DynamicSFX.