Setting The Stage: DJ Lighting Setup Fundamentals
A growing number of people are hiring DJs for their events. Though it was once mainly for clubs and major blowouts, it’s now a custom for celebrations of all sizes from large-scale corporate events to small birthday parties and weddings. Bringing a DJ into the mix can take an event from mediocre to memorable. It gets people out of their seats and dancing. Besides that, it can set the atmosphere for the entire affair and help break the ice. Those are only a few of the reasons more people are including DJs in their event-planning efforts.
As a DJ, you want to give people the best show possible. You know that your services go well beyond simply helping people build their playlists and giving people music to dance to. Having the right equipment on hand to give clients what they want is essential. Lighting is an important part of the process. Understanding the fundamentals of DJ lighting setup and how they play into the rest of the event can help you give your clients an unforgettable experience.
Important Considerations for Lighting Setups
Some of the main factors to think about are the sizes of the venues you’re playing and the types of events you’re hired for. For smaller venues, more muted lighting is often the best way to go. In larger settings, more is generally better. That means more lights and more dynamics. At the same time, more laid-back events, may call for more subdued lighting effects whereas those with more energy and excitement may require more flashing, strobing, and sweeping. Lighting impacts people’s moods, so consider the atmosphere your clients want to create.
While you’re setting up for an event, remember than placement and positioning are crucial. It’s important to create a setup that covers the venue, or at least the dance floor or stage, evenly. You need to create depth and dynamics while minimizing shadows and gaps. Be sure the different types of lights you use work well with each other rather than drowning each other out. When you’re planning for lighting effects, keep in mind that there’s a fine line between dynamic and chaotic.
Essential Equipment to Have on Hand
Having said all that, certain basic equipment should be part of your repertoire. For one, moving heads can bring plenty of versatility to your shows. These lights tilt, rotate, change colors, and flash different patterns to name a few of their capabilities. They’re available in different sizes and models too. Wash lights are important pieces of equipment as well. They essentially create a broad wash of light and color. They can fill gaps or create highlights depending on what your purpose is. These, too, are available in several varieties.
To create more specialized effects, you’ll need a few additional pieces of equipment. Laser lights can make your shows more exciting and dynamic. Strobes add short bursts of light for emphasis or more psychedelic effects. Of course, if you want to go the extra mile, you can add a fog machine to the mix. Those aren’t appropriate for all situations, but some of your clients may want that extra touch. Beyond those items, numerous control panels and software solutions are available to give you more control and flexibility.
Making Your Shows Pop
Being a DJ means being flexible enough to cater to different types of events, venues, crowds, and client expectations. It also requires a great deal of creativity. Having the right equipment on hand and understanding the fundamentals of lighting setups will make a major difference as well. If you don’t yet have the budget to build up your arsenal, consider purchasing a few multifunctional pieces to give you the versatility you need to give your clients what they want. From there, you can add more equipment over time.
