Are you a DJ or a Gaffer?

To many ads? Support ODJT and see no ads!
it really depends on the clients

you get some that want lights

you get some that they do NOT want lights

I follow what my clients want
I give them the option on if they want extra its extra $$$
if they dont want it, then I dont discount for not using them
its usually thrown in a basic setup for free
anything over that as mentioned is extra $$$

so there u go
 
Shouldn't part of that "entertaining" including "setting an atmosphere" so to speak. Ray - how would it have been different with out the lighting at your wedding?

I think at $200.00/hour or more, we should be able to do a bit more than "minimum" in terms of both sound and lighting
 
IF one can get twice as much.

It works that way for me. I've been offering it since December and have already paid for my lighting rig. We're talking a 3-month payback and nobody, in this area at least, is giving away up-lighting.

Whatever works for you.
 
I personally can't imagine working any event...especially a wedding without lighting.

Where I live it is quite common for no lighting at weddings. I include a few basic lights, but have some things I charge for.
 
Shouldn't part of that "entertaining" including "setting an atmosphere" so to speak. Ray - how would it have been different with out the lighting at your wedding?

I think at $200.00/hour or more, we should be able to do a bit more than "minimum" in terms of both sound and lighting

I had no lighting at my wedding. Best I can recall, it was just fine. The DJ did a good job. :)
 
Shouldn't part of that "entertaining" including "setting an atmosphere" so to speak. Ray - how would it have been different with out the lighting at your wedding?

I think at $200.00/hour or more, we should be able to do a bit more than "minimum" in terms of both sound and lighting

Are DJs going to start offering Floral arrangements next? :sqconfused:
 
Shouldn't part of that "entertaining" including "setting an atmosphere" so to speak. Ray - how would it have been different with out the lighting at your wedding?

I think at $200.00/hour or more, we should be able to do a bit more than "minimum" in terms of both sound and lighting

Steve;
I offer lighting. My post meant I am neither a DJ or a Gaffer but an Entertainer!
 
I started DJ'ing in 1976 at 13...even then I had lights (albeit homemade). I think lighting and DJ's for the most part are synonymous...

I'm curious as to why one wouldn't offer lighting. Is it just a case on not wanting to do the extra work involved?

I don't have lights, I will mention it as somewhat of an offer. I tell the client that I have another contractor/vendor that works with me, if they want lights they get billed separately. This way I don't beat down in price because I have sound and lighting. My buddy is also my backup and help, he makes money and so do I. I don't have to worry about lighting when I can focus on my mixing and selections.
 
I've set up the 10' truss one time in 5.5 years but do basic sound-active lights all the time with one, or two t-bars if really needed.

I really do want to get into DMX, and supplement my existing rig with one or two cool units, but I just have other priorities centered around equipment before I can do that.
 
I bring a Martin Acrobat and an MC-1 to control it to all weddings. It doesn't take long to set-up and adds 'so much' to the dance floor in terms of mood and movement. A dance floor is all about movement, adding a moving light enforces that. I always have a good laugh when I see footage of a DJ at a wedding announce the first dance and there is no light on the dance floor, nada. Absolutely ridiculous in my opinion. Granted, having a stupid red / green / blue LED light blinking to the music is just plain ugly. I put on a nice slow turning white light effect just as I intro the song, always gets a lot of oooooh's and aaaaaah's. And no, I do not charge extra to bring the Acrobat. Before the Bat, I simply used a pair of slow-turning, white-light ADJ Sparkles to enhance the romance of the first dance; they remained on all night.
 
I always have a good laugh when I see footage of a DJ at a wedding announce the first dance and there is no light on the dance floor, nada. Absolutely ridiculous in my opinion.

:sqerr: Was the DJ getting paid $$$$$ for the Gig? Did they fire him on the spot because he had no lights? Hmmmmmm.... just curious!
 
He hasn't commented again since his OP, but I believe Tom was referencing Uplighting in particular and not Dancefloor lighting.