Walkback
Scanner
The Walkback Scanner is a lightweight yet robust Light Painting tool used for backlight scanning.
Adaptors have been developed to suit the most popular torches used in Light Painting.
There's also an option to have a custom adaptor made to suit your existing torch if required.
Start building your kit
A$65* * A$60 - if you already have the adaptors with a Scan A Beam
One tool.
A different kind of light.
Backlight Scanning (BLS) is a Light Painting technique where a cone shaped modifier projects light sideways to illuminate a scene. The artist stays hidden as they walk back towards the camera while capturing a long exposure.
The Walkback Scanner is a strong 3d printed Light Painting tool designed to easily disassemble for compact travel.
The scanner is a torch attachment built so the light source is hidden from the lens. The larger front cone spreads light evenly as you walk back toward your camera, leaving behind a soft wash of light across the scene.
Pala Teth is the creator of Backlight Scanning (BLS) first demonstrated in his original tutorial.
The Walkback Scanner design has been refined after years of R&D and is sold with Pala’s full permission and support.
Thank you, Pala, for bringing the BLS concept to the community, and for your continued support over the years as the design matured.
4 Supports for strength
Four supports lock the front and rear cone together. The supports elliptical shape provides strength without creating large shadows.
Walk-toward-camera
Built for one technique: walk towards your camera with the scanner aimed directly at the lens.
Hides the source
The front cone shields the light from the camera, and also 'bounces' light sideways and backwards. Leaving soft light through the scene.
There are a few open-source plans available for home made 3D printed BLS. However, if like me you don’t have the time and inclination to build your own and want to purchase a proven design where the R&D has been done for you, then the Walkback Scanner is a fantastic choice.
It is also good value for money.
Three steps to a clean scan
The Planning
Find a dark path, tunnel, or scene. Dark moonless nights are best. Choose your torch, pick the matched adaptor from your kit. Assemble your scanner.
Wearing all dark clothing reduces chances you will be seen in the frame (picture a ninja)
Walk toward the camera
From the starting point, trigger a long exposure.
Begin walking toward your camera while pointing the Walkback directly at the lens.
The front cone keeps the light source hidden from the lens the entire walk.
Versatility in design
To increase the amount of light captured by the image; use the supplied white diffusers, walk slower, or adjust camera settings to suit.
What’s in the kit
(more available in shop)
Will it fit your torch?
Every kit ships with 3 adaptors. Extra adaptors are available in the shop
Adaptors suit torch head diameters from 25mm - 38mm
Our selector below matches your torches with the correct adaptors.
Select your torch to build your adaptor kit, please reach out for assistance, we're here to help.
We also offer a custom adaptor option. If you're unable to find one of your torches listed on the selector below, please tick "I'M UNABLE TO FIND MY TORCH" and complete.
We will assess suitablility, then design and make a custom adaptor for you completly FREE*
*Maximum torch head diameter is 38mm. We check the torch specifications to design custom adaptors and check torch suitability for BLS. Custom adaptor counts in 3 included in kit
We’re dedicated to an efficient design — reducing print waste — and use recycled and biodegradable packaging wherever possible.
We invite you to embrace a Reuse–Repurpose–Recycle philosophy with us.
Find your torch, then tap to add its adaptor
Drag or swipe through the torch models and select up to 3 adaptors for your kit — they'll automatically stack in the band below, and carry straight through to your cart.
If they don't show up for any reason, click 'Copy my selection' and paste it into the order notes at checkout, just in case.
LED Lenser M7 & P7
No Adaptor Required
Torch not listed?
Tick the box below ↓
No fear — I’ll make you an adaptor, completely free. Complete the following:
ALL SHIPPING AT COST
Shipping is charged at cost, rounded to the nearest dollar, using Australia Post rates.
DUTIES AND TAXES INCLUDED: USA, CANADA, GERMANY, UK, SWEDEN AND DENMARK
For orders to the United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, Sweden and Denmark I prepay all import duties and taxes and include them in your shipping price at checkout. There is nothing extra to pay when your parcel arrives.
ALL OTHER COUNTRIES
Shipping covers postage only. Your country may charge customs duty, import tax or a local handling fee on delivery, and these are the purchaser’s responsibility.