Uplighting is a term used when a light fixture is set on the floor, and aimed up, toward a pillar, wall, curtain or ceiling. As the name implies... "UP". Unlike using conventional "par cans" that are mounted in a truss or ceiling fixture, aimed at the floor or object that is to be illuminated from above (more on conventional par cans in a moment).
The effect is a "wash" of the room being "uplit". Here are two classic examples of a wall washed with uplighting:
Conventional fixtures utilize wire filaments that "glow" when a current goes through them (remember Thomas Edison?). The glow is actually the burning of the filament, which causes heat and light. Thus, the conventional incandescent fixtures should NOT be used on the floor... they are designed to be used in the air on a truss. Why? On the floor, they attract children. Can you say "little burned fingers"? Not to mention, they are a heat source for drapery and anything else in close proximity to them. I will repeat: THEY ARE NOT DESIGNED TO BE ON THE FLOOR. Any lighting contractor who uses conventional incandescent fixtures on the floor has a risk factor involved and liability issues. It's not the right way to uplight a venue!
Most folks will recognise conventional pars cans when watching a concert or band at your local night club. Par cans got the name from "Parabolic" reflectors... thus the name. This is a bulb with a glass reflector set at the back of the envelope that reflects the beam out. Just like a car headlight, the beam is directed out away from the reflector.
LED fixtures use a different technology. The contacts inside the LED emit light in a "cool" temperature by the movement of electrons in a semi conductor material. Rather than one filament, LEDs emit light from photons generated inside the plastic envelope. This happens with very little heat, and much less power... therefore, LEDs last much longer and require much less power with little heat dispersion.
So, how does all this affect your wedding? LED fixtures are all the rage right now for uplighting wedding venues. Lots of DJs and lighting companies are providing this service, because of the "look" that is created with washed walls and columns in a reception room. It creates a "mood" that can't be matched any other way.
So, what do you want, and how much should you pay? To properly wash the walls of your venue, placement of the fixtures is one of the key factors in the way it looks. The size of the par can is also very important (some LED fixtures are now flat, and not installed in the chrome or black cans). Par cans are rated by their radius of the circle, and calculated in 1/8 inch increments. A par 64 would then be 8 inches in diameter. And, most par cans used by DJs are in the 1/4 watt size, with a resulting output of about 30 watts per fixture. Some new models are now equipped with LEDs that are one watt, and some with 3 watt LEDs, for a very bright output. Most DJ companies and LDs charge between $25 & $50 per fixture for installing and computer controlling the array (more on computer controlled in a moment).
Assuming your lighting designer (LD) is using the 1/4 watt fixtures, you should place them about 4 to 6 feet apart for best coverage. Doing the math, a 50 foot wall, would require about 10 fixtures. An entire venue, could take up to 50 or more fixtures... but the look would be dramatic.
I've read so many posts about brides who want to do the DIY route with uplighting. Sure, you could do it, and have an acceptable look, but it's sorta like pulling your own teeth, rather than go to an oral surgeon. One adventurous bride posted her own blog about DIY lighting. She showed many options using flashlight batteries and paper props. She even suggested Christmas tree lights. While that will give your venue a "look", it's not going to give the "fairytale" wedding look that most brides are after when talking about uplighting. It can be done right or wrong... what are your desires? How do you want this event to be remembered? What is the picture you have in your "dream". Do you want Prince Charming on a royal white steed, or "Barney Fife" on a mule?
LED uplighting can be used in several ways. Many DJ companies use their fixtures in "sound active" mode. That means the fixtures is set to a function with small switches or buttons, to activate to the sound of their speakers, when music is playing. They do this for one reason... they don't know how to properly program their fixtures with a computer. Yes, these lights are so sophisticated, that they will permit control with a computer hooked to them with a very small cable and a computer language that will allow the fixture to emit up to 16 million colors.
With this program, called "DMX" programming, your lighting can be computer controlled and timed to the music. Most DJ companies don't use this computer control, because it's difficult to learn. Ask your lighting contractor how he/she uses the lights before you hire them. The computer controlled systems will be more expensive (in the $50 per fixture range). Click this link, for an example of this computer controlled look for your wedding or event: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdHBWY6P4rU
Just like there a a lot of new folks entering the DJ and lighting profession, and not all will qualify to create your dream wedding... there are many qualified DJs who are not up to the task of properly lighting your event. Check them out and ask questions before you give such an important job to an unqualified or under qualified provider. A true professional will give it to you straight.
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