Just as certain make-up is used for different skin tones and colors, lighting professionals face many of the same challenges when providing illumination for TV, film and theatre performances, along with weddings, special events and corporate engagements. Lighting specialists must “paint” all the actors or subjects with light that shows them to their best advantage.

Lighter skin colors tend to reflect light, while darker colors tend to absorb it. The different colors also create different levels of shading and shadowing and poor lighting choices will make an individual appear an entirely different shade than their actual skin tone. Those disparities become even more pronounced when shooting under certain conditions.

The color of the garments an individual is wearing also affects how a studio or venue will be lighted. An element that many individuals don’t account for is skin texture. Even with make-up, imperfections and flaws are more obvious on darker skin. It’s just one of the variables that Frank Gatto & Associates, Inc. works with every day. The award-winning lighting specialists have provided illumination for high-profile celebrities, politicians and CEOs around the world.

The issue becomes even more complex when providing lighting for two or more people of different colors, tones and textures. The light has to flatter and highlight while maintaining the integrity of color. When the use of colored lighting is required, it becomes much more complicated. Some colors can’t be used with certain skin tones or the subject looks washed out, sallow, and unhealthy.

Lighting plays a significant role in the psychology of the way a still image or film is perceived and the same is true of the subject. Colors have an emotional impact on the viewer and lighting can be used to show that someone is healthy, vibrant or down on their luck using different lighting techniques for any skin color.

While color correction methods are available and regularly used in the film industry, it’s not an option when filming live and it adds significantly to post-production costs. When working in those types of situations, appropriate illumination requires professionals like Frank Gatto & Associates, Inc.

Frank Gatto & Associates, Inc. are specialists in lighting for television events of all kinds.  If you have an event that needs expert lighting, please call us today to see how we can help.

Phone: 561-368-0101

Email: frank@frankgattolighting.com 

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