Week 4: Blackout!!

This past Thursday, January 26, there was a blackout on my block. At first we thought we blew a circuit, since we know what those are now, but realized that our unit wasn't the only one experiencing darkness.  Our whole apartment complex was dark including the street lights, with the exception of the traffic lights (I'm assuming they have backup for those).  For means of light we lit all the candles we could find.  Luckily, I charged my computer so I used that for light as well, as you can see in the first picture.  Being only in the presence of candles, with the exception of my computer, it's interesting to see how things look and appear: the shadows and the way the light hits things.  It's truly fascinating how raw and natural everything appeared to be.  I also started staring at the candle itself, hence the second picture.  I like looking at the burning wick, how it's base is a hot blue lying in a sea of wax.  I don't know what it is but candles are always just so peaceful.  It also brings people together.  Not being able to be distracted by TV or video games every once in a while is nice.

Weeks #3 & 4- World of Color

I visited Disneyland this past week and had was able to see the World of Color show. I'd seen it before, but now that I've begun class I was able to have even more appreciation for the work designers put into this show. For those who haven't seen it... you should! The show is entirely made up of light and projections on water, set to music. Though these pictures are poor quality, you can clearly see the vast amount of lighting instruments that had to be used (especially in pictures one and two). There are multiple times where large soft brush strokes are used to create a color wash, but much of the time the strokes are focused and precise. The moods these lights create are magnificent! The audience constantly "oohed and awed."

After class the other day when we discussed electric theory, I couldn't help but think how much planning had to go into keeping this show safe. A greater part of the electrics and instruments live underwater. Maintenance on this show has got to be one hell of a job! Beyond that, programming this show must have taken weeks, if not months.

Needless to say, this show is a lighting design feat! I left feeling excited to learn more in class and with a greater appreciation for lighting designers.

I'm telling you, if you're at Disney's California Adventure, GO SEE THIS SHOW!!!!

-Ashley Henley

Bright light and Butterflies

I went home to visit my family this weekend, and while I was walking through Prospect Park I noticed a group of butterflies flying near my sister and me. 

I was able to snap this photo before it flew away and I was surprised how well it turned out.

I love the lighting and colorization that was captured here. The bright light hitting the green leaves gives a variance of color: different greens, yellows, white, and even blue. 

The background of this photo reminds me of lighting that could be achieved by using prismatic or colorizing GOBOs. I really enjoy the mash up of different colors and I think the way the colors interact with one another give a nice texture to the photo.

Week 2: Warmth on a Cold Night

This is a picture that I took near my home in downtown Riverside. The warm and cool tones of the picture parallel how that evening felt to me. I really like that the color emitted from the street lights gives of a very warm and inviting hue, which makes me miss my home and leaves me reminiscing about good times. On the other hand, it was a very brisk night and we were all shivering so I really like how the crisp, clean blue is so defined among all of the warm colors in this picture because it is a reminder of how bold of a chill the air had. I also like how the warm colors are more subtle and blended whereas the blue stands out with very prominent lines to say that although this is a very inviting location, the cold is always front and center (or slightly off center).

Week 2: The Tech World of Award Shows

I recently attended the People's Choice Awards with a friend of mine. To start, I have never been to an awards show of this caliber, really one of any caliber, so this whole experience was extremely surreal. Although I was a bit starstruck to be in the same vicinity as some major celebrities (Morgan Freeman, Neil Patrick Harris, my girl Betty White), I was more in awe of all the technical elements happening all at once all around me. The speed at which lights were shifting, sound was going, and transitions were happening was uncanny and all I kept thinking about was what a paper tech or a dry run of this event must be like. The picture above is just a taste of what it was like to be there. The whole time I was fascinated with the probably hundreds of Source 4s, movers, spinners, and LCD screens constantly shifting, changing, and creating the atmosphere in the theatre. The lights were bold and exciting while creating a very energetic and buzzing space. The lights shifted for each presenter, each musical act, and even between the show during commercial breaks. I felt sucked in and almost jumpy being there from all the energy and colors being used. Needless to say, the lighting designer in me was in heaven and hell at the same time.

A Cool Afternoon - Week 2

This picture was taken just outside my apartment at a little past noon. The sun, though covered by cloud, is still shining quite brightly through them. From this angle, the trees and buildings cast a shadow against the ground. The shadows seem to have a cool, light blue quality to them. The light here seems very refreshing and relaxing. I like how the sunlight still passes the clouds and through the leftmost edge of the tree on the right. I also find it interesting that the shadows seem rather bluish despite the sky being covered up. I would think that shadows would only appear blue because they reflect the colors of the sky. Do outside shadows normally look blue in natural lighting, even if the sky is covered up? This makes me rather curious, and I'm probably going to be watching the way colors look under shadows now.

Rainy Day Reflections - Week #2

As I was walking to rehearsal this morning I couldn't help but notice the awesome reflection in the usually boring sidewalk that runs between the Studio Art and Drama buildings. I was originally struck by the reflection of the trees at the far end of the shot, but as I stopped to take the picture my friends kept walking and I really enjoy how their reflections add to the upside-down world that the rain created.

I love the grey-on-grey look of the clouds and the sidewalk. It gives the whole thing kind of a bleak, empty look, even making the colorful umbrella look less vibrant. However the opposite can be said of the plants, which look even greener in the wet. I wonder why that is?

Flowers and Shadows - Week 2

In class we've been learning about different lights and it made me think about how these lights create different sharpness to the object in front of it. I took this picture when the sun was starting to go down and I realized that I loved this kind of setting because the shadows seems so much sharper and the colors in different objects seem to pop out more. I'm might be over analyzing this, but the sunlight might resemble LEKO light. The shadows created by this dim sunlight resembled that of an actor when infront of a LEKO light.  I loved the details of shadow and light within the rose. You can see the that the darker the lighting within the flower the more denser and pigmented the colors look. You can see this within the folds of the flower the more crisps the color and the petals seem to look. I love shooting in different light setting because it exposes not only different shadows but how different light exposure expose different pigments of color. Not only that, but this picture seems to insight a nostalgic emotion within myself. I took this picture when I was visiting home a couple days ago and now looking back at this it's evident that this dim setting does help spur nostalgic memories. In short I realized that lighting is so essential to how an image is perceived by a viewer. It can change the object's shape, color and change the emotions of the person viewing the picture.

Week 2: Approaching the Island...

While on a ferry trip ride over to Balboa Island, I managed to capture this snapshot of the approaching island and its fantastic reflection on the ocean below. The lights on the buildings created a diffused look through the ripples of the water, producing a brush stroke effect. This photo is very much like a painting in which the artist has used small brush strokes to accentuate the reflection of the solid buildings in the water. It goes back to our discussion in class about translating “light” as brush strokes. What also intrigued me about this photo was the fact that a big portion of this picture is in darkness thus drawing the eye to the main source of light in the photo. In my eyes this comes across as very theatrical considering that in many productions we start with an unlit stage, a clean slate if you will, where once lighting comes to play we can light key features on stage, bringing attention to the beauty of the scenery or the performance. Yet using the element of darkness is very powerful in sense that it creates a strong contrast between what is lit and what is not. The lighting in this picture is serene as the reflection of light in the water softly blends within each color of light and diffuses out into the dark ocean water.

Week 2: The Top of the World

   I took this picture in Laguna Beach this past weekend when I decided to go on a drive down PCH. I ended up deciding to go up to The Top of the World and watch the sunset and this was the result. I chose this moment because (a) I love the sunset; (b) I love the shades of light that are effected by the suns setting; and (c) I loved the mood it created--very romantic, peaceful, serene, final almost. The aspect that grabbed my attention the most was the way in which the color of the picture changed from the furtherest point, in which the sun was a bright orange color creating a light blue sky, then slowly becoming a darker blue, with the hills at the bottom in complete black and you can merely see the outline of the trees. I loved all the color contrast and the way the clouds added to the effects of the light almost separating each shade of blue. All this combined to make it feel very peaceful and relaxing as well as romantic because of the orangeness of the sun and the softness of the sky surrounding it. It's a great place to think and a great moment to capture.

Outside Clare Trevor Week 2

Hey all, One of the first pictures I wanted to take was of that Pillar by the Claire Trevor at night because I always thought the effect the pillar gave off at night is pretty cool. However people were there and honestly it didn't have that same effect on me that it did some time ago. I looked to the right and the passage heading towards the Mesa Parking lot gave off a very gritty feel, so I decided to shoot a photo. The shadows that cover the plant design on the building really make jumps at you. You really feel that something could happen here. It's not necessarily scary movie status, but it does have some of that feel of something happening. Although the light pole is giving it off light, It really lends to the feel because of it's lack of power. It's a very light wash of light so there isn't any real point of focus. Even the grass in the background, all in different shades of green really lend to that gritty feel. Although you see the photo as it is, When I saw this area, it seemed even darker than I remember on this photo. I'm pretty sure I didn't use my flash but I'm not really a photographer.


Next week I'll be going to New York, so I'll definitely take a few photos there. Till next time!

Jeremy Falla

Week #2- Early Morning

I took this photo from the balcony of my apartment. There's just something about the early morning after a rain that really strikes me. I love how the light bounces off the wet pavement. The reflection has kind of a dull glisten, reflecting the sky above. The morning seems dim, yet the reflective light brightens the atmosphere. This hypocritical feel gives my morning a sense of calming mysticism. I love it! It makes me feel like anything could happen today.

-Ashley Henley

Fire in the Sky

I was able to capture this photo right after a performance during World Premier Weekend. What struck me initially about this image was the natural silhouette appearance that was created when the light hit the trees from behind. I really liked the contrast that it created against the grey clouds and blue sky. What was interesting about this particular location was that the rest of the sky was generally very grey and  nondescript and this seemed to be the one spot of clarity to the sky behind. The other aspect that I enjoyed was the composition of the clouds themselves. It gave the effect of fire coming out of a central point behind the trees and the clouds are the resulting smoke. The overall feeling that it gave me was kind of a sense of majesty with the "fire" rising into a serene sky.

Week 2: Home

I took this photo while waiting for my musical theater class to start on the first day of school. Everything about it seemed perfect to me: the stage, the piano, and the light. The way everything was set up seemed to give me a feeling as if something amazing was about to happen. The empty stage with only the light illuminating the piano and a small empty spot to the right where a singer ought to belong seemed to cry out to me, telling me that I belonged there; I belonged on the stage exactly where the light was hitting it. It's moments like these where I feel like I'm right where I belong. Theater is home.

Vegas' natural treasures

This photo was taken in the midst of the statues in front of Ceaser’s Palace Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. I went this past weekend for a trip with friends. In the midst of the flashing lights of VEGAS, what caught my attention was the way the small body of water caught the sunlight. It wasn’t an incredibly harsh look; rather very definite. I found the slight ripples created a smoothness to the flow of light. There is a clear and obvious focal point in the light, but it’s the effect it creates which makes it interesting. The most interesting thing I found was the very distinct line the sun created. Everything about this is so natural, it becomes accidentally beautiful. It struck my eye.

Week 2: Light Years Away

Okay, so I feel like a dork. For some reason I thought the blog was due next Sunday. Oh well! Lesson learned! Moving on...

So the picture quality isn't that great because I took it on my phone, but that's okay-- the gist is there. I took this picture before class on Wednesday. I had just walked into the class and noticed two of the electrics were down. One of them was shining down on the other and for some reason that was so fascinating to me. In theater, we work so hard to conceal how we do everything. We have so many masking curtains that we need names for them all. So I guess in a way it was sort of enthralling to see them so illuminated and out in the open. It felt like a secret being revealed. The juxtaposition of light versus dark was also an emotion-evoking sight. I love seeing shadows at play.

Week 2 - The Light of Eärendil

Ghost light in the Claire Trevor Theatre

What better place to begin a lighting blog than in the classroom itself-- the theatre? Without this lonely, solitary light, technicians, actors, musicians, and all manner of unsuspecting theatre-wanderers would be lost in the dark. I have been fascinated by the eerie nakedness of a ghost light. When I think of the theatre, I think of a grand, colorful stage with spotlights, loud music, applause, people, and general warmth. This photo represents an entirely different theatre world, one drastically drained of the grand colors and warmth of a performance and left with dark, empty seats, a bare, black stage, and hanging electrics that droop as if abandoned. But in the middle of this dark, vulnerable, cavernous space shines a light of hope, a Light of Eärendil to light Frodo's way, signaling that soon the works will come up, the lights will be gelled and hoisted into position, and the theatre will once again light up to welcome its people.

Week 2: A Glimpse of Heaven

I took this picture this past weekend upon visiting my sister in Encinitas, California. It is a small surf town about 45 minutes south of Newport Beach, where I live. There are some gorgeous look out points along the Pacific Coast highway, and anytime during the day one can see the surfers out on the water trying to catch the waves. I could not believe how brilliant the colors in the sky were. A storm off on the horizon threatened to ruin the perfect evening, but the rays of deep orange, gold, and fuchsia shown through and created a spectacular show. One of the most beautiful facets of this picture is how the clouds in the distance reflect off of the water and the smooth sand so the sea and land almost blend together, creating one massive surface. We cannot even be sure if the surfer is on land or water. This effect is so surreal and looks as though taken out of a dream, especially since the lighting is warmer and soft. The glow of the light is dreamy and comforting.

Week 2: Small Reflections

I was walking to my apartment when I noticed this little fountain. I've pasted this fountain everyday since I moved in September and never noticed how pretty it can be. I always thought it was such a pointless thing to have because it's such a small unattractive looking fountain and a waste of money. But around midday when the sun is high, the light is very soft on the water. The water makes a perfect reflection of light, but I think the casting of the shadows over the fountain makes best effect. I think a tree has a very specific shape and design that creates the best shadows like a gobo. With the movement of the water, the light and the other elements that contribute to this effect like the blue sky and the white buildings, this disguises the ugly brown color of the bottom of the fountain. This made me realize that light can hide and move attention to other places that you wouldn't expect.

Week 2: Expanse of Blue

  I took this picture at Corona Del Mar on Sunday at around noon. I was hoping to get a chance to take some photos of the ocean with the light reflecting off of the water for more of a dazzling, starry look and to see strong definition between the sky and the waves. Instead, I admired the textured, blue ripples created from the ocean's waves and how they mimic the soft, rounded streaks created from the clouds above. If there was a way that they horizon line could be smudged like pastels in a painting, the ocean and sky could be smudged together to create a canvas of blue. The pinks in the sky above add an extra layer of depth to the painting, as if the sun is awakening from a mid day nap, but unable to come to full consciousness yet. The picture reminds me of the vastness of nature, and how grateful I am to be a part of it.

Dana Lillie

Week 2: When there is light...

I took this picture as I was walking back to my apartment on Thursday from class. Initially I was captured by the shadowed outline of an airplane ascending from the John Wayne airport against the pale yellows of the sunset, but by the time I took my phone out, it had disappeared. At first disappointed, my thoughts turned as I became awed by the dark outlines of the trees against the bright sky. It made me think about light and that if there is any sight of light, then there is technically no darkness. If darkness is a complete absence of light, then any presence of light would make it light, not dark. It seems silly but it seemed like a good metaphor for life. That no matter how dark things can get, there's always a trace of light, which means there's hope.The trees seem to be haunting the sky, but the soft glow of the sun setting on yet another day seems to laugh silently in the background saying, "Today, I shined." And that brightened my day.

Week 2: Cold Day with Warmth

I took this picture on my walk home from school this past week, and looking at this sky reminds me of a trip I took to the San Francisco Zoo with my mom. The blue color reminds me of how cold it became on that winter day as the sun faded away. The hints of sunlight trying to peak through, gives me a feeling of some kind of desire for more because the weather had become so unbearably cold, and the surrounding building and dark shadows of the trees gives a sense of shelter from the cloudy sky above.

Sunday In The Park...

    On the Sunday afternoon before the beginning of classes, I took a drive along the PCH to find a beach to walk for some sun and relaxation.  I found a place that I haven't been to yet:  Salt Creek Beach Park.  As I walked down the street that ran along the park, I was struck by the sight of the sloping, open grass area looking down to the ocean.  I loved the bright green of the grass against the serene blue water.  Along with the soft clouds, this image was very reminiscent of Georges Seurat's A Sunday on the Grande Jatte.  The grass, trees and clouds have a soft nature to them that seem to be pointalistic.  The time of day that I saw this completed the famous picture for me.  The low, afternoon sun felt relaxing with the long, lazy shadows pulling away from the people that sit facing the sun basking in its warm, amber glow.  This trip was extremely rewarding for me just for this sight.  I would definitely have to return here at the same time of day to see this great picture again.

-Dan Schreckengost

Poseidon's Light

I recently visited Las Vegas and my friends and I were walking past Caesars Palace when I saw these statues of Poseidon and friends lit in amazing changing colors. We took the obligatory tourist photos standing on the edge of the fountain in front of the statues but when I turned around to look at the light behind me the lights were changing colors in very pleasant shades of blue, red, purple, green, yellow, etc. I really enjoyed this spectacle of light as Vegas can get away with it. I was just thinking if I was standing in front of a fountain in Europe the lighting of the statue would be completely different, subdued. Perhaps, there would be no lighting just a street lamp or atmospheric lights from shops nearby. However, I was standing in front of a fountain in Las Vegas so the brilliantly bright colors changing before me were completely appropriate and creating atmospheric pleasure before my eyes. I stood and took several pictures of the statue to try to get the different colors but this one was my favorite. The cool blue Poseidon stoically posing in front of a warm background of sculptured women. I really liked how the placement of the lights highlighted the curves and cuts of the body on the statues making them look more sculpted and pronounced. However, how some of the lights were focused or pointed, a lot of glare was created. I really enjoyed passing by this fountain and seeing how Vegas could combine a classical looking fountain with a modern lighting design.

---------Stacy McKenney