I agree. My area is the same. No one here sees the value of lighting, especially UP-lighting, so there really is not much of a "market" for it. And folks around here would rather have NO lights, than pay extra for them.
That's why I have a very basic, non DMX light show that runs on auto-pilot for most of the night...and it's included in my price.
But I would LOVE to do more with them.
I provide lighting at all weddings for no charge. It only adds about 10 min to setup time. My basic setup is 2 Martn Raptors and a Martin EFX 600. I have never had a client that didn't want lighting, some buy more.
People want lights on the dance floor, I think it make people more likely to dance also.
People want lights on the dance floor, I think it make people more likely to dance also.
They're only valuable if the clients wants or appreciates them. Other wise they could be a pain.
you're lucky, Cam...
most guests around here would rather "hide" in the shadows than be all lit up so people can see them.
Come to think of it, maybe it's better if no one can see them (try to dance)
True, very true... overall at the weddings I've done I've had positive reaction to both the sound and lighting I provide so to me any minor PITA factor is worth it...
G
Guest
Guest
Well, coming back into this discussion, here are my thoughts...
I have no problems with clients that want lights for weddings, I just don't provide them. My job as a DJ is to provide sound and MC skills. I am far from being an expert in lighting. As Dirty Harry once said, "A man should know his limitations" and I know my limitations.
There are plenty of companies around here that provide lighting and they are the experts in it. I will gladly work with them to rock a wedding. There are also plenty of DJs around that do both and, except for one compoany, none of them seem to excel in either lighting or sound.
Do what you are good at. I am good at providing sound and MC skills for weddings.
I have no problems with clients that want lights for weddings, I just don't provide them. My job as a DJ is to provide sound and MC skills. I am far from being an expert in lighting. As Dirty Harry once said, "A man should know his limitations" and I know my limitations.
There are plenty of companies around here that provide lighting and they are the experts in it. I will gladly work with them to rock a wedding. There are also plenty of DJs around that do both and, except for one compoany, none of them seem to excel in either lighting or sound.
Do what you are good at. I am good at providing sound and MC skills for weddings.
That does not surprise me in the least bit. Just as how some feel the client wants them to be invisible.
There is a DJ in my area that only uses a rope light running from speaker to speaker across his table. He uses no facade or front. He says that people don't want or ask for lights. He's been doing this for years and is always booked. I think it's because of his low price. He also still runs cassette tapes the last time I saw him. (What more can I say.)
In one hall that he plays the hall manager praises how little time it takes him to set up/tear down and wonders why it takes me so long. (LOL)
In one hall that he plays the hall manager praises how little time it takes him to set up/tear down and wonders why it takes me so long. (LOL)
WTF?! In what way? "Providing DJ Services" is what you do from event start to event end. Setup of lights happens before that chunk. In what way does it detract? Sure, it may require a minimum of 20-30 extra minutes to setup a basic display and up for larger shows, but how does that "detract" from what you provide at the gig?
I have a bunch of entry-level sound actives, and though I have them priced at $50 as an upgrade, I will throw in 2-3 sound-actives & a fog on a single t-bar for most events. If they want the 10' truss with their choice of my fixtures mix and match, then I double that. I've only done full-truss twice - both times at schools.
Perhaps if I were doing more with lights, ie using real lights, doing DMX, etc., I would be a little more critical of the time involved. But then again, like you, I wouldn't offer something that I don't thoroughly enjoy doing and providing, so I guess it doesn't matter!
Folks, let me ask yas this: what about the bride who is planning an upscale wedding and wants a specific type of effect during her first dance?
If the client asks for some lighting effects, surely you're not gonna turn the show down. I would hope not anyway.
If the client asks for some lighting effects, surely you're not gonna turn the show down. I would hope not anyway.
I'm with you Tommy. Nobody asks or seems to care that they aren't there. I do like the effec of some of those new lights, but still don't see it necessary (especially not for $600+ a light).
You also have to consider the older guests or people prone to vertigo, etc.
You also have to consider the older guests or people prone to vertigo, etc.
Tom -My job as a DJ is to provide music, mc skills and motivate the guests to enjoy themselves. A basic kight show creates an atmosphere conducive to a party imho....
My light show is fairly straight forward and runs on its own....Having started 3 yeras ago with no lights and having done weddings with no lights at the client's request (1 wedding), I much prefer having lights...
Whatever works....
G
Guest
Guest
That's where I was about four years ago. I only used them maybe three times. Then I scaled back and still nobody wanted lights except for school dances and they were not willing to pay extra.
To me, lights are above and beyond the service I provide.
As I stated, I will be glad to hook them up with a lighting company that knows what they are doing with lights and will take the time to make sure the client is provided with they want.
As to detracting from my job as a DJ, I like to make sure everything is perfect. Lights just add a headache for me. I'd rather let an expert in that field handle it while I provide quality sound and MC skills.
Folks, let me ask yas this: what about the bride who is planning an upscale wedding and wants a specific type of effect during her first dance?
If the client asks for some lighting effects, surely you're not gonna turn the show down. I would hope not anyway.
If I client wants lights I won't turn down the event. I will tell them that I am not an expert in lighting and will hook them up with a company that is.
I do motivate my guests to enjoy themselves but that does not have to include lights.
The point was also brought up that if a separate company provides lights then it is two bills. If I provide lights it is one big bill and if my light show sucks (which I think it did when I had it) then clients are be going to question the high bill.
Tom - Whatever works.....I feel it's an integral part of the "party"....you don't
The lights aren't a "crutch"...I allow my client to haave the cake and eat it...
Called it value added DJ'ing
all good!
The lights aren't a "crutch"...I allow my client to haave the cake and eat it...
Called it value added DJ'ing
all good!
G
Guest
Guest
From load in to completely done for one system it is about 45 minutes. I've been doing some multiple systems lately and that can take up to an hour and fifteen minutes.
Actually, Steve, I feel that lighting, if done properly, can be an integral part of the party. I stress done properly in this. I feel that personally doing lighting is a weakness for me and leave it to those that can do it properly. That is why, if a client wants lights, I recommend a company that just does lights.