Whether it is a professional or amateur production, lighting is an essential part of the set-up and based on creative inspiration and logical decisions. The stage lights are part of many different categories, such as those related to beam quality, shape, and size. Here are four of the most popular types of stage lights:
Flood lights
The quality, shape, and size of the beam emitted from flood lights are rigid with no option to make adjustments. It is a popular choice for illuminating skies or backgrounds, but not so desirable for highlighting the actors. Flood lights can operate as a single light or combined with three or four other lights to provide a color mix. Most come with a reflector to make it easier to provide an even wash across a large space.
Soft spots
Soft spots are easier to control with the ability to adjust the beam shape and size. The quality of the light emitted is soft and even edged, and has minimal light spillage outside the intended area. This type of light is more practical for the short throws, and is generally unsuitable for long throws.
Profile spots
The use of profile spots is suggested in the areas of stage lighting that needs precise control. Profile spots can be combined with shutters (hard edge) and iris diaphragm (round edge) to help create the desired shape and size. Also, purpose-made masks can be applied to help build the more unique shapes. Plus, the quality of the edge is adjustable by making changes to the lens setting.
Profile spots can vary from the standard beams to variable beams. A variable beam profile is helpful for those productions that intend to use a lot of edge qualities and beam angles. Also, the ability to make adjustments is more efficient and faster when using the variable spots.
Other options include the profile spots with a cool beam feature which has the ability to increase the output of light and lower power use.
Beam lights
Most of the stage lights are designed to emit a conical beam which means the light spreads wider the further it travels. But this light remains consistent with a beam that remains parallel no matter the distance it is thrown. Plus, this light emitted from this type of light is a lot brighter than a spotlight of comparable strength. Beam lights are great for throwing deep colors because the light creates a deep haze in the air.
