Lighting has the power to set a specific atmosphere. It can attract attention to information or subjects, completely transform a mood and dramatically shift the quality of a display.
The use of lighting can be seen as an impactful and fundamental tool throughout nearly all trades. The ability to set a mood is crucial; we all know fairgrounds can be the subject of any horror film without the vibrant lights. Likewise, lighting in theatre can set moods or be symbolic of inner thoughts, feelings or truths. For example, in J.B. Priestly’s, An Inspector Calls, a play that hit theatres in 1945, lighting packed a punch, symbolising an omnipresent inspector, bringing all hidden truths to light.
This blog aims to help readers gain a deeper understanding of the importance of lighting throughout many different trades, including theatre, trade shows, and photography.
Theatre lighting
Light production is an essential component of the theatre industry; it can transmit time, atmosphere, mood, and location. Without lighting, theatre performances would not be able to make an impact as they directly inform the viewer of what emotions they should be feeling.
By manipulating the intensity and direction of the light and strategically utilising certain colours specific emotions can be created or enhanced.
Colours
Every colour can be associated with different moods. Blue is usually used to represent sadness or create a night-time effect. Red showcases intense feelings such as love or anger, while yellow will give the audience cheerful emotions.
For example, in the West End’s longest-running musical, Les Miserables, a gentle blue light is typically used to express the heart-wrenching sadness of Fontane’s downfall during the song “I Dreamed a Dream”.
Many theatre productions use colours opposite each other on the colour wheel to represent strong contrasting themes in the storyline. This is commonly used to convey the pursuit of right versus wrong, as it creates a powerful mix of emotions.
Set designers have to be aware that lighting should be used with purpose – too many colours will likely overstimulate the crowd and might appear circus-themed.
Brightness
The brightness of the light will inevitably affect the atmosphere. Low-intensity illumination can create a mysterious effect, while high-intensity like spotlights or full lighting can give focus. High-intensity lighting can be overwhelming if overused, so should be used strategically for high-impact moments.
Creating an Atmosphere
Setting the emotional tone from the beginning of the performance is crucial.
Warm light transmits a cheerful and welcoming mood and is often used in romantic scenes. On the other hand, cold lighting can signal danger, as it evokes a sense of tension.
Lighting in theatre shows has the power to redirect the crowd’s focus to a specific area by using spotlights directly on the object or character. This technique is commonly used as it does not interrupt the narrative of the story.
Lighting in Exhibitions & Trade Shows
Lighting is strategically used on exhibition stands to increase visibility, draw eyes to products and create an engaging display that will maximise return on investment.
Attract the Crowd
The main goal when exhibiting at a trade show is to attract the crowd directly to the stand and draw focus to the products, leading a business to gain more customers and increase sales.
Having a booth with lighting features will make it visible from across the hall, which is crucial when competition is fierce. These features also have the power to draw eyes to specific sections of the stand.
Product display
Highlighting products with lighting is very common, it makes them visually appealing and emphasises the texture and colours.
LED lights, if utilised in moderation on the exhibition stand, can give a clean and modern look, making the products or services look more cutting-edge. However, It can become too powerful if overused.
The ways to use lighting on trade show stands are limitless, one of the most effective designs is the backlit features. It is an element in the display illuminated from behind the stand allowing light to pass through. When this is used correctly, it increases the visibility of messages, logos, and key products and services without overwhelming them.
Exhibition stand design companies like Quadrant2Design, based in the UK are experts in exhibition stand lighting, offering a range of features that ensure both the stand and products are visible and eye-catching.
Lighting in photography
In photography, lighting is the most important factor, as it affects the depth, texture and shape of a subject.
Direction of the light
How a subject is illuminated, with its brightness and shadows, changes the overall results of the photograph.
If the light comes from the front side, the shadows will be minimized, making the picture “flat”. This technique is commonly used in portraits. Light coming from the back of the subject will accentuate its shape, creating a sense of mystery.
Natural vs. Artificial light
Natural and artificial lighting can have a dramatic impact on the final look of a photo.
Natural light, such as daylight, tends to be soft and gives an organic look. However, it is unpredictable as it changes based on the weather and the time of day, so photographers sometimes need to plan a wider window for the shoot. Natural light is often preferred for capturing genuine life events such as weddings. It is also used for soft editorial shoots, however, sometimes the addition of artificial light is necessary.
Artificial light gives the photographer full control over the intensity and direction. It is much more common in editorial shoots, fashion shows and indoor photography.
Conclusion
Lighting is a powerful tool that can transmit emotions, set a mood and also give focus to a subject or product. It transforms sets in theatre, creates the desired mood in photography and ensures visibility at trade shows. Understanding how to strategically use lighting allows designers and photographers to enhance visual and emotional impact.
