The Right Lights: The Importance of Lighting Design
by: Diandra BautistaInterview by Andy Uyboco
Photos courtesy of Joseph Matheu
2007-07-19
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| LIGHT IT UP! Parties are not very different from concerts—It's one big shindig! |
This is what directors scream at the top of their lungs when shooting a film. These three words give us a very quick rundown of things he needs to make his picture outstanding.
If you are planning an event, you may call yourself the director. The action will be provided by the guests, the camera is your own eye, and the lights… well… you can never really substitute anything for the lights.
While some people may not see the importance of proper lighting in events, it makes your event more memorable by enhancing the mood and creating strong feelings.
HotOccasions.com was able to interview Joseph Matheu, lighting designer and proprietor of Hues n Cues Lights + Sounds. He explains that lighting is “more than flipping the on/off switch,” it is a science of creating a visual environment by illumination; the art and craft of Lighting Design.
Blinded by the light
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| MOCKED UP. This is an example of a scale stage model that Lighting Designers use to aid them in the craft. |
Joseph reveals that the customers of the lights and sounds industry are somewhat jaded and some of the suppliers are actually taking advantage of this. So he makes it a point to educate people about what Lighting Design really is.
There is a big difference between a bona fide Lighting Designer and your usual Light and Sound Rental supplier.
Light and Sound Rental outfits merely provide the equipment and, often times, an operator. They will probably only set up the lights in a standard fashion, without any real understanding of how to set the mood or ambience. They may not even know how to follow a script, talk to the director, or make suggestions.
“Lighting Design is a craft,” stresses Joseph. A Lighting Designer first talks to the director or organizer, studies the venue, layouts the position, color and brightness of the lights to be used, and a lot more activities to ensure that the lights will suit the event and will focus on whatever needs to be highlighted.
He then gives a more specific example dealing with a store window display where a mannequin is holding a bag (the main product). Despite the mannequin’s gorgeous dress, the whole ensemble was lighted in such a way that the bag was the center of attention. That is what good lighting design is all about.
Another difference he points out between a lighting designer and a light supplier is that, with lighting designers, “You only pay for what you need.” Unlike lighting suppliers who give out quotations for rental of equipment you may not even need, lighting designers only give out quotations after the entire process of laying-out the lights, ensuring that all the equipment you rent will be used in the event or show.
Where light should be
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| AMBIENCE, AMBIENCE. Stage plays use lighting to set a particular mood. Parties and events can also be given the same treatment. |
Lighting design has generally been used mostly in stage plays, concerts and fashion shows. But it is now beginning to extend its reach into other, more personal events such as debuts or weddings.
In general, excellent lighting design improves the ambience and sets the mood to match the theme of the event. This helps photographers in getting the proper amount of light they need to capture the subjects.
In weddings, one can set a romantic mood by using soft dim lights to focus on the bride as she walks down the aisle to meet her groom. It can also give the church a different atmosphere, one that you don't feel every time you attend mass on Sunday, and that gives special meaning to the event happening that day.
Debuts can also benefit from the effects of lighting design. The people will always focus on the debutante and one can create a theatrical impression when applied during the cotillion.
Lastly, you may spice up your birthday celebrations by organizing a mini-concert where friends and family of the celebrant will perform. Good lighting design will surely help add production value and maintain a festive mood throughout the celebration.
The end of the tunnel
The craft of lighting design is not that much recognized in the country because it cannot be distinguished from plain lights and sounds rentals which is why Joseph Matheu shared his views via this interview with HotOccasions. He hopes this knowledge will help you become aware of what lighting design is and what it can do for you.
For more information on lighting design and Hues n Cues, you may call up Joseph Matheu at 371-5002 and 0915-966-4228.
If you have any comments and suggestions, you may send them to info@hotoccasions.com. We'd love to hear from you.
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