Lighting up the DJ

[Mark Wild]

Do you currently work in the shadows in the centre of your rig, or do you light yourself up? Do you prefer to work in the shadows or are you the "I'm the DJ" attention seeking sort who points a few par cans at himself :D

The ones who have strategically placed some sort of lighting on themselves, what are your methods and what are you using to do so?

[simon1969]

Think lighting myself up would be a bit freaky and distracts from what your trying to do .....

[WWDJ]

Where i can use smoke / haze then a cluster laser shines from behind me into the audience. it only really works well with smoke and plenty of darkness though so I will be trying alternatives.

EDIT : Looking at the other posts ... i do use Megabars, but this is backlighting rather than lighting me up,

[Dynamic Entertainment]

I never light myself up. I just dont like it. Ive got a racklight at the top of my console which ive never used because its too bright. I actual prefer working in darkness...

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I have a Megabar behind me most of the time. It doesn't really light me up, but certainly looks better than the complete darkness you get otherwise.

[DJWilson]

I'm in the dark, prefer it if im out of sight :)

[Excalibur]

Darkness every time. I've got the face for it.

[funkymook]

As I've got a spare LED parcan I've started having that uplighting the wall behind me (usually on a gradual colour change), so I'm more silhouetted than lighted by it, but my girlfriend says it definitely looks better than me being invisible in the dark - and it gives me a bit of ambient light to find things.

[soundtracker]

Do I need to answer? See avatar, and its two par cans.

[Tony Scott]

I've always lit the DJ area as I think it looks a bit moody skulking away in the dark, I don't mean full on par cans in the face but some sort of ambient up lighting or a general wash effect works well IMO. However if I'm on a really big stage I will fully light it.

Here's a couple of recent pics at the same gig, one with DJ area lighting and one without... which do you prefer?

[DJWilson]

I've always lit the DJ area as I think it looks a bit moody skulking away in the dark, I don't mean full on par cans in the face but some sort of ambient up lighting or a general wash effect. However if I'm on a really big stage I will fully light it.

Here's a couple of recent pics at the same gig, one with DJ area lighting and one without... which do you prefer?


I prefer without, keeps the attention on the dancefloor IMO.

[deltic]

many many moons ago used to dress in white suit and have uv light illuminating same.

[Tony Scott]

I prefer without, keeps the attention on the dancefloor IMO.


I think it depends on the type of gig TBH, when I do proms, youth events or take my big sound system out for Dance music events then I don't bother lighting the DJ as it's all about the dance floor and the music.

However for weddings and family social events it's good to be able to be seen as it makes it easier to build up a rapport with the crowd if they can actually see you. :)



many many moons ago used to dress in white suit and have uv light illuminating same.

Now that's an idea... :D

[Daryll]

For those that have seen me , the answer is obvious :D :D , but usually just the lamp that lights up the shelf.

Daryll

[TONYTIGER]

I all ways light the dj area unless its a club type dance event i am a bit old school and do quite a bit of talking and some one made a comment that it was a voice coming out of a black hole and was it me that was talking so yes makes my pink suit look so:cool:

[DeckstarDeluxe]

usually have uplighting behind the booth. I like to be lit up myself but common sense is used when doing this.

[yourdj]

One par can and t bar usually behind me. Thats enough

[rob1963]

I don't think the DJ should be lighting themselves up, unless they want to be the centre of attention...which in most cases I don't think they should be.

I look better in the dark anyway.

[DJ James Lake]

Because my truss is setup behind me theres enough light on be to not need any additional lighting which I would do if it was the other way round anyway.

[soundtracker]

I think it depends on the type of gig TBH, when I do proms, youth events or take my big sound system out for Dance music events then I don't bother lighting the DJ as it's all about the dance floor and the music.

However for weddings and family social events it's good to be able to be seen as it makes it easier to build up a rapport with the crowd if they can actually see you. :)



Completely agree Tony, its difficult for an audience to relate to someone hiding away in the shadows.:)

[Megamix]

I like to leave an air of mystery

[Leicester Ben]

I think its a good idea to light behind the DJ, it makes me look more approachable I think, when I can be bothered to make an extra trip to the van I'll use a couple of led par 56's.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Rob, I know what you mean but unfortunately, whether we / you like it or not, we / you ARE the centre of attention.

[rob1963]

Rob, I know what you mean but unfortunately, whether we / you like it or not, we / you ARE the centre of attention.

At weddings, I disagree Gary.

The centre of attention is the Bride, and if she's not, there's something very wrong in my opinion.

[Mark Wild]

I think its a good idea to light behind the DJ, it makes me look more approachable I think, when I can be bothered to make an extra trip to the van I'll use a couple of led par 56's.

:lol: proper wind up merchant.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

At weddings, I disagree Gary.

The centre of attention is the Bride, and if she's not, there's something very wrong in my opinion.

turn the music off then see how many people look at you....

then ask yourself the same question

[rob1963]

At weddings, I disagree Gary.

The centre of attention is the Bride, and if she's not, there's something very wrong in my opinion.


turn the music off then see how many people look at you....

then ask yourself the same question

And how many of us turn the music off in the middle of a gig because we want everyone to look at us?

That's a bit like saying shout out "you're a load of mother:Censored:" and see how many people look at you.

In reality we don't do things like that.

Like I said, in normal circumstances, in my opinion if the DJ is the centre of attention rather than the bride, something is very wrong.

[UltraBeat Entertainment]

I've always lit the DJ area as I think it looks a bit moody skulking away in the dark, I don't mean full on par cans in the face but some sort of ambient up lighting or a general wash effect works well IMO. However if I'm on a really big stage I will fully light it.

Here's a couple of recent pics at the same gig, one with DJ area lighting and one without... which do you prefer?

I think it makes a huge amount of different just adding an LED Par or two to light the DJ area. Tony I think your photo's show this off really well. I would pick the first picture any day.

The set-up I've been using recently has a light stand behind me with 4 LED Par's and a cluster laser on. I point the Par's at the dance floor so the audience sees my silhouette and it helps me fine my way around in the dark:)

[Jonathan Ford]

Rob, I know what you mean but unfortunately, whether we / you like it or not, we / you ARE the centre of attention.

With the recent weather, the football, and Wimbledon soon, I fell about as far from the centre of attention as you can get! The gardens and the football are definitely centre until 2230!

[Javlingames]

I think it depends on the type of gig TBH, when I do proms, youth events or take my big sound system out for Dance music events then I don't bother lighting the DJ as it's all about the dance floor and the music.

However for weddings and family social events it's good to be able to be seen as it makes it easier to build up a rapport with the crowd if they can actually see you. :)




Now that's an idea... :D

Totally agree with you. It enables a connection with the audience which is very important for family and social functions i think. I think your picture comparisons says it all. Looks much better slightly lit.

Rob, its all about balance. A good DJ will find the right balance to ensure the guests are entertained by the DJ but the bride and groom remain the centre of attention.

[WWDJ]

I just like to be able to see what I am doing :D

[simonp]

It depends on the sort of gig - with weddings and in keeping with not being the centre of attention I now tend to uplight behind me either with a megabar or parbar.
If it's a younger gig using say the mobile nightclub scenario I use a Kam colourbank mounted directly above me and angled so it light's me and part of the console up.

[Shaun]

Do you currently work in the shadows in the centre of your rig, or do you light yourself up? Do you prefer to work in the shadows or are you the "I'm the DJ" attention seeking sort who points a few par cans at himself :D

The ones who have strategically placed some sort of lighting on themselves, what are your methods and what are you using to do so?

You've met me! With a face like mine would lighting me up be a wise move? :d :d

[Kernow]

I have a pair of Bob Junior flamelights hanging off the rig, so I'm illuminated by the subtle flickering of 'fire'. Seems to encourage the crowd to view me as more approachable. ;)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I don't think the DJ should be lighting themselves up, unless they want to be the centre of attention...which in most cases I don't think they should be.

I look better in the dark anyway.

Why would someone be the centre of attention with a slight wash behind them?


Completely agree Tony, its difficult for an audience to relate to someone hiding away in the shadows.:)

And also, when you announce the bride and groom on to the floor for the first dance, all the audience will see is dark and a voice from the shadows. Not great presentation IMO.


At weddings, I disagree Gary.

The centre of attention is the Bride, and if she's not, there's something very wrong in my opinion.

The focus will be on the master of ceremonies or DJ when they announce the bride and groom onto the dance floor. I'm not sure how that makes us 'centre of attention'?

Is the F&B manager the centre of attention when they announce the receiving line or speeches?

[TONYTIGER]

Why would someone be the centre of attention with a slight wash behind them?



And also, when you announce the bride and groom on to the floor for the first dance, all the audience will see is dark and a voice from the shadows. Not great presentation IMO.



The focus will be on the master of ceremonies or DJ when they announce the bride and groom onto the dance floor. I'm not sure how that makes us 'centre of attention'?

Is the F&B manager the centre of attention when they announce the receiving line or speeches?

Great comments,if you are a shrinking violet don,t be a dj its all about presentation .

[rob1963]

Why would someone be the centre of attention with a slight wash behind them?

They wouldn't, but the OP was talking about lighting up the DJ & pointing a few par cans at the DJ...which is very different to just having "a slight wash BEHIND them", as you put it.


And also, when you announce the bride and groom on to the floor for the first dance, all the audience will see is dark and a voice from the shadows. Not great presentation IMO.


Your weddings must be very different to mine, then, because "all the audience will see is dark and a voice from the shadows" couldn't be further from the truth in my case.

For every wedding where I think it's too dark (all the house lights turned off) there are at least ten more where I think it's too light.

Therefore, people can see me very clearly at nearly all my functions.


The focus will be on the master of ceremonies or DJ when they announce the bride and groom onto the dance floor.

Yes, but only for those few seconds when they/we are speaking, and of course that's unavoidable.

I assume the OP is talking about lighting up the DJ for the majority of the evening, which in my opinion gets them more attention than they should have, probably at the expense of the bride.

[Javlingames]

They wouldn't, but the OP was talking about lighting up the DJ & pointing a few par cans at the DJ...which is very different to just having "a slight wash BEHIND them", as you put it.



Your weddings must be very different to mine, then, because "all the audience will see is dark and a voice from the shadows" couldn't be further from the truth in my case.

For every wedding where I think it's too dark (all the house lights turned off) there are at least ten more where I think it's too light.

Therefore, people can see me very clearly at nearly all my functions.



Yes, but only for those few seconds when they/we are speaking, and of course that's unavoidable.

I assume the OP is talking about lighting up the DJ for the majority of the evening, which in my opinion gets them more attention than they should have, probably at the expense of the bride.


Whats that smell? Cow :Censored: pig :Censored: ....wait a minute its bull :Censored:

sorry rob :D

[WWDJ]

I would imagine that, on the whole the customers don't give a monkeys whether I am lit up or not whether it be a wedding or general birthday and I very much doubt I could ever take the shine off a bride (unless she is the wrong side of 6ft 2 and 23 stone)

This is about personal preference. Nothing more.

[rob1963]

Whats that smell? Cow :Censored: pig :Censored: ....wait a minute its bull :Censored:

sorry rob :D

My post which you quoted was a mixture of my actual experiences and my honest opinions, so I fail to see how you can describe it as :Censored:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I would imagine that, on the whole the customers don't give a monkeys whether I am lit up or not whether it be a wedding or general birthday and I very much doubt I could ever take the shine off a bride (unless she is the wrong side of 6ft 2 and 23 stone)

This is about personal preference. Nothing more.

Good post.

[DazzyD]

I don't light myself up but I do use a couple of PAR cans to light the space behind me.

And backlighting was another very useful tip I got from this forum!!! :approve:

[Mark Wild]

I think general consensus says some kind of subtle uplighting behind the DJ is suffice in most situations, especially weddings? I've done this before, but think I will do it a lot more from now, as the not visible DJ thing imo doesn't look good.
Pic is a wedding I did last year using a visio par bar behind me.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I don't light myself up but I do use a couple of PAR cans to light the space behind me.



This is what I was talking about rather than actually lighting up the DJ.

[Larry B Entertainment]

I don't light myself up but I do use a couple of PAR cans to light the space behind me.

And backlighting was another very useful tip I got from this forum!!! :approve:

Ive done this before. Looks great if the cans are synced to the FOH ones so they change colour at the same time.

[TONYTIGER]

This is what I was talking about rather than actually lighting up the DJ.

My granny told me you have to be seen to be herd .

[STEVE HANLEY]

I prefer it when you can only just see the dj's silhouette but that's just me being nostalgic for my underground clubbing days

[Excalibur]

And how many of us turn the music off in the middle of a gig because we want everyone to look at us?

That's a bit like saying shout out "you're a load of mother:Censored:" and see how many people look at you.

In reality we don't do things like that.

Like I said, in normal circumstances, in my opinion if the DJ is the centre of attention rather than the bride, something is very wrong.
Well Rob, funnily enough, you're totally right , and completely wrong at the same time!! :eek:

We should never be the centre of attention at a weddding. What we say should be , though.


I just like to be able to see what I am doing :D
Illuminate your console, not your fizzog. ;)


I have a pair of Bob Junior flamelights hanging off the rig, so I'm illuminated by the subtle flickering of 'fire'. Seems to encourage the crowd to view me as more approachable. ;)
I've seen your piccies. I'd go with total darkness. ;)

I would imagine that, on the whole the customers don't give a monkeys whether I am lit up or not whether it be a wedding or general birthday and I very much doubt I could ever take the shine off a bride (unless she is the wrong side of 6ft 2 and 23 stone)

This is about personal preference. Nothing more.
I've seen a few of them. Recently I had a wedding where the bride made me look effete. :eek: :eek: :p :p

[Steve the DJ]

I'm so disappointed, I thought from the title this thread would be about which DJs you want to set fire too... :(

[Excalibur]

I'm so disappointed, I thought from the title this thread would be about which DJs you want to set fire too... :(

Start your own thread pal, I'll name 'em. ;) :D :D :D

[yourdj]

Completely agree Tony, its difficult for an audience to relate to someone hiding away in the shadows.:)

Your right.

I finished the night last Sat the other side of the dance floor. I said what i would normally and everybody looked towards the DJ booth although i was behind them with a wireless mic.

people look to the DJ as a power figure or someone to make things happen in my market anyway?

It was really weird as i was behind everyone and had to tell everyone that too see me. it ended up the groom doing a speech in the middle of everyone. :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

people look to the DJ as a power figure or someone to make things happen in my market anyway?



I think you've 'invented' that for yourself Toby.

[sleah]

Darkness every time. I've got the face for it.

Me too;) Now if you look up "Why DJ's should work in the dark", you'll find a picture of Rob:p:p;);):D:D:D:D:D

Seriously, I hate being lit directly, mainly because I'm actually quite shy and don't like being looked at. However, I find at most gigs the background/ambient light is enough that people can see me. If it's especially dark, I may even make a joke about being the "voice from the dark" or "I'm the one hiding in the dark corner":cool: