How to Light a Catwalk
Catwalks, or runways, allow fashion models to model original designs by fashion designers. Lighting design is important as the buyer needs to be able to clearly see the designs. Catwalks do not need to be boldly lit; you can use lighting to add character and style to the fashion show. Investigate the ambiance different catwalk shows and cater your lights to each set. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Determine your budget. You will have different resources to work with. Analyze which lights, rigs, crew and insurance costs you can afford.
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Analyze your location. Research the venue of your catwalk show. If your show is outside, you will need minimal lighting design, but you will still need to highlight the principal model. If you are working with a traditional runway, research the length, width and design of your catwalk. Research if the catwalk is vertical, horizontal or includes curves. This will help you identify where you need to situate the lights.
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Investigate the atmosphere and type of catwalk show you will be lighting. If your fashion show is featuring industrial, edgy designers, sharp, dark and shadow lighting will be important. If the catwalk show is about fun, flirty and girly clothes, bright colors and flashy lights will be important.
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Sketch out the layout of your catwalk design. Draw all the exact measurements of the catwalks and highlight where the audience will sit. Label each light with a different number. Sketch four central lights down the center of the runway and two colored lights at the end to highlight the featured at the end of the catwalk.
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Sketch various lighting designs; for each design, experiment with different lighting patterns. Add lights on each side of the catwalk, varying in color with three principal white lights that highlight the end of the catwalk to draw attention to the model.
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Once you have designed a few lighting ideas, pick your favourite design and pull your lighting team together to put your plan into action.
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Tips & Warnings
Always research and be specific to each catwalk design you are lighting. Think about atmosphere and ambiance.
Always buy good insurance and use a well-trained rigging team when putting your lighting in place.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images
