Fashion show lighting

[rthvella]

Im currently looking into the potential of a space and whether it is possible to hold small fashion events in. However the main problem is that it has a vaulted ceiling with the highest point being 2.7m. Is that too low to rig lighting to? also it is 12 metres long and 7m wide. Any one can recommend how many lights I should be looking at for this kind of setup? Would really appreciate your help thanks.

[Dave m]

If the height is 2.7 meters then how tall are the models and are you planning a stage/ walkway ?

Five foot ten inches is 1.77 metres. So you have one metre to play with.

I would guess that LED is the way to go both due to heat output and they can be slimmer?

 

 

 

[csg]

Kino-flo etc would get my vote

[Bryson]

http://www.rosco.com/litepad/index.cfm may be of interest.

 

Or "flat" LED pars if you're on a tighter budget.

[rthvella]

Thanks for all your suggestions. I don't have such a deep understanding in lighting but through research I was wondering if LED Par64 at 45 angle beams set 1 metre apart along the whole length of the walkway on each side of the walkway should work, or do they need to be positioned closer together? Also this space is to be used for other events such as weddings, corporate events, so dj lighting would be needed sometimes/ uplighting, thus different lights, including these ones need to be controlled by a dmx512 (we are trying to stick with just led lighting). I am also looking at electric trusses when it comes to rigging as these would help with wiring and health and safety issues etc.. they have 12 x 15Amp Rigid fixed sockets, 6 sockets on every 8m rail?

[csg]

its all down to the look you / the designer wants. From my perspective, the most important factor is an even, shadowless coverage that looks good on camera as well as to audience.

 

with limited headroom, you are going to need a continuous source to achieve this, hence my recommendation on kino-flo or other broad spectrum fluorescent fittings. There are also some good LED sources such as Panalux tektiles.

 

But fundamentally, without knowing your design aims it is difficult to comment further.

[djw1981]

Is this a multi function space you are setting up and want to have a static rug which covers all events in? Or are you looking at a specific space for a specific fashion show?

[Don Allen]

Multi Segment RGB LED Bars will mount very close to the ceiling, allow you to have chases or flow effects, low heat, low power and can be used as other roles in a venue. Won't provide an accurate white to show off the fashion colours, but if it is more an atmosphere event, they may work, check with the designers first.

Second suggestion is 150W halogen floods for an open white wash at start and end of runway.

[david.elsbury]

Good idea Don but they

 

Are very narrow..unlikely to light toe to head for a fashion show?

[adam2]

Is this a multi function space you are setting up and want to have a static rug which covers all events in? Or are you looking at a specific space for a specific fashion show?

 

Rugs are best kept static IMO, the ones that move around are a severe trip hazard !

 

 

 

 

 

[Jivemaster]

If this is for high end fashion, then LEDs and cheap fluorescent lamps will not cut it for colour rendering issues for the cameras. I'd actually suggest a LOT of birdies with halogen lamps and open white. Most cameras will accommodate this light colour as aprox 3200k and take a good colour picture. High quality fluoros probably from the movie industry will give OK colour rendering but cost a lot.

 

A fashion show rig is quite specific and will not be much use for anything else, it's aim is to fill the runway with a very even very white light so that the models and clothes can be seen and photographed in good colour, it's usual to deliberately let light spill onto the front row of invited guests, as they will be celebs on whatever regional scale.

[csg]

Interestingly the panalux flobanks that I have used several times on national level fashion shows use very standard sylvania T5 tubes in what ever colour temperature the designer wants and the colour rendering on camera is excellent, so I'm not convinced that there is a problem with cheap fluorescents per se, but off course the look of such fittings is a much more subjective matter. Even with birdies you will have to be very careful that you don't end up with a very patchy light field on the models, constantly going from hotspot to dark as they go up and down the runway. Such tungsten arrays work very well when focused well but you do need sufficient hight for the light field to blend well.

Fashion lighting Can be very specific if you want the clean, shadowless light so loved in that industry so the kit you need here is unlikely to be kit that will be suitable for DJ type lighting. If a more patchy shadowy look is fine, then so be it.

[djw1981]

Is this a multi function space you are setting up and want to have a static rug which covers all events in? Or are you looking at a specific space for a specific fashion show?

 

Rugs are best kept static IMO, the ones that move around are a severe trip hazard !

doh, autocorrect rig / rug

[Just Some Bloke]

Just out of interest, I note that the OP did not mention cameras yet we seem to be recommending lights that work best on camera. Is this required or are we just looking at something suitable for real people?

[sandall]

Just out of interest, I note that the OP did not mention cameras yet we seem to be recommending lights that work best on camera. Is this required or are we just looking at something suitable for real people?

I've never done a fashion show where SOMEONE isn't videoing it, but I've always had enough space to rig tungsten, so no compromises needed. As a crude rule of thumb, if the inevitable video people are being paid, you light for them; if not, you don't.