All About Lighting

All about DJ lighting

Lighting can do many things. Much more than just illumination, it can create an image, or stir emotion. As you are considering lighting for your event, I am going to share some ideas for using lights to enhance or focus your event.

Disco Lights/Dance Floor lights

These lights are the mainstay in the DJ toolkit. Think about school dances, a dance club. These lights are about color, and movement. They can be subtle or striking, and can create a fun dance floor for your event. A DJ should be able to offer a variety of lighting effects, including the good old mirror ball, and a variety of flashing or rotating beams of light (even lasers) to create this effect. Versatility should play a role. Not all lights are appropriate for all occasions. I do not usually bring a fog machine or strobe lights to a wedding, but will at a school dance. Customers should be able to customize lights to meet their needs.

Uplighting

Uplights continue to increase in popularity at events. Uplights are stationary fixtures that shine a column of light up to the ceiling, usually along a wall. They can change color or flash, but typically these are a particular color that can complement wedding colors,, a theme, school colors,  or a room's décor. These lights should be LED fixtures, and not standard bulbs, because they are safer and do not generate heat. Little children love to put their hands near the lights and the LED lights will not burn little fingers, nor break if the fixtures are knocked over or bumped.

Gobos

Gobos project an image of some type. They can be random (such as a flower or other decorative design), or customized to have the names of the bride and groom or Sweet 16. They can be on a moving head and move around a wall, rotate, or just project on a wall to be easily seen. These can be be simple or elaborate, and can feature one or several colors. Your budget and imagination are your only limits

How to hire the right DJ

You have a special event coming up? Don't leave the music and emceeing to chance. I hear so many stories about "a friend" who has an ipod or an uncle who wants to host the party. I understand the desire to spend your money wisely, but why spend hundreds to thousands of dollars on the other pieces (venue, food) and not invest wisely in a professional to host and entertain at the event?

So whether you hire me or hire someone else here are some things I want you to consider--especially if this is for your wedding.

• Watch the DJ in action. It amazes me how many events I have booked just through email or phone calls. Even after just a meeting with me. It's almost like buying a car online that you have never driven or even seen in person. Some people do it, but it's a risk. A good DJ is a busy DJ. They shouldn't have to wait 6 months to have an event you can see. Also--be sure the DJ you see is the DJ you will get. Some DJ companies are "multiple operators"--in other words, they may hire a number of DJs for their events. Some are a "single operator" (like me). It's your preference on this one--but you need to see how they work, how they look, and what the party is like when you arrive.
• Check references. Just like any contractor, talk to people who have hired the DJ for similar events recently. Don't rely on a slick webpage, especially with anonymous quotes or reviews. Many websites do have rating services, but this is only one avenue to explore. I offer video testimonials on my sight, where you actually here from the bride and groom, for example, talking at the wedding reception about their experience with me.
• Be aware of hidden charges. A reputable DJ is not going to hard sell things you don't need. They should explain lighting and other available services without pressure. Sometimes a DJ will pre-package these options, or build in hidden charges for travel etc. As with any deal you make, check for fine print.
• Have a written contract. Never pay a penny without a contract. I recently hired a client who paid a DJ they had met and had no contract, and the DJ "disappeared" and refused to return their calls. I was able to help them, but they were not able to recover that money.
• What's a "good price"? The market for DJs is just like any service you might buy. There are are wide ranges between what is out there. Consider: Experience, equipment, music library, and references. Higher cost does not mean a better product. Neither does a "name".

I am happy to provide you with any information you need!
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