Where Do I Place My Lights? (5 Minutes to Better Lighting)

One of the most important decisions to make when you're working with lighting is this - where do you place your lights? What angles should you use, and which should be your top priority?

0:00 - Introduction
0:39 - Where Do I Place My Lights?
1:20 - Front Lights
3:15 - Back Lights
5:00 - Side Lights
6:13 - Set Lighting
7:43 - Wrap Up

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Comments Policy: Be nice, and treat others well. While my focus is on creating great videos and articles, I do reply to comments about once per week.

Remember, creating these videos takes a TON of time and effort, and I am not always available to answer questions here personally.

[gabriellau]

This video is a very useful video. I am a Uni student and also a light designer in the Drama club in Hong Kong. This maybe the foundation of lighting, but the variation of lighting mostly base on these techniques. Thank you for the guidance!

[kwamesha]

I like this simplistick approach. Thanks for the gear guide too!

[mikkalbreeden]

I use back spot lights for FX patterns which is different than the old par can days. I use washes for set color. I aim the front lights on my band members and manage to keep the color off their faces. So far it’s been real effective. A lot of outside shows without much of a back drop so the spots angle has been the “curtain”.
There was a big debate on the colour of front lights. I use a some blue/white on slow songs and amber/white on most songs. It was a 3 month debate, some members wanted straight white, others wanted warmth. I fought for amber/white cause LED white seems washes out colour. Could be a great discussion video.

[sixsentsoldiers]

100% correct. Front lights are critical.

[vincentmcvay]

I am wanting to do some uplighting on my talent from a troth on the front of the stage....do you have any videos about that?

[DartsandHipHop]

Great video. I’m a DJ. Basic small setup. Small DJ booth 2 tops over 2 subs. Minimal lights but effective. 4 chauvet wash fx hex. Amazing lights especially for my application. And I have a few battery powered pars to light the booth. What is the optimal way to aim all these lights. Every gig I’m using trial And error to find the sweet spot. Thanks

[dukekraus]

This video is great thank you. Can you suggest what brand and model of front lights you recomend.

[stephenlennartz]

Hi! New to your channel. Do you have any videos for lighting smaller groups like a musical duo? Our goals include portable, lightweight, quick setup, and a lighting system that will help us 'pop' visually. Did I mention ''budget friendly'? Thank you in advance for your response!

[faridalkautsar]

where can I get this software?
I am interested in

thaks!

[tracycain]

We are deciding on lighting for our school stage, which is in a gym. What are the recommendations for front lighting when we can not have a permanent structure for front lighting?

[muyiwacaleb]

What software are you using for simulation of these scenario?

[danielrobleto]

Hey David this is Tito from Miami Florida God bless you how are you doing... I was watching couple of videos from your page.. I want to know how far back can I put my lights stage from my church, The church stage is med side.. 23 long and 11 feet Wide.. I want to know how far back to move the lights from the center of the stage.. The ceiling of the church is only 12 feet .. I have eight LEDs fixtures...

[prd]

Should I be mixing coloured lights with clear lights as well?

[NotSoCoolIsCool]

How do i get the app as I need one to modle for my next proformance

[djfameinthemix]

do you have any videos showing how to make all the lights or jyst a few on and off i am we are trying to do songs at church with light, we just have lightkey software and is very good but when it come to worship i have to hit like every bottom to get what i want, is any way that i can set some lights to do like 3 bottom and make it faster

[victortavarez]

Hey what if I have low ceilings but I don’t want my front lights to hit the back wall, how can I still get an even wash?

[shawnbryant]

what software do you recomend for the weekend band?

[oasisofloveministriescityo]

Please how can I install my church light

[kodykyle]

Is there a way to get a dealer price on Capture or a discounted price?

[RaulffRelucio]

Hi! What software or app do you use for designing stage lights? Thank you!