"Uplighting" is a term that has been on everyone's lips for several years now. And rightly so: with skillfully applied and well-thought-out uplighting, even the dullest clubhouses can be flooded with atmosphere. However, to arrive at an appealing and almost universally applicable uplighting concept, you must first ask yourself a few questions. Let's take a look at the topic together and examine various aspects.
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1. What types of uplighting are there, and which is best suited for my events?
The term uplighting initially describes the vertical illumination of walls or architectural elements like columns from bottom to top. In principle, you can use any spotlight for this purpose, but some models are naturally better suited than others. Devices typically sold for uplighting purposes can usually be very easily set up using brackets or stands so that their light shines upwards. Depending on the desired effect, there are light bars or LED bars that, placed close to a wall, cover a larger area in (colored) light due to their width, and spots, which with their focused beam produce a narrower strip of light, excellently highlighting columns, for example. Nowadays, there are also many models with built-in batteries that can be used independently of existing power outlets in the room, making them particularly suitable for mobile DJs and events in changing locations.
If you can't decide between "broad or focused light," it is advisable to look for an uplight that has two or more beam angles. These models often come with an interchangeable frost filter that changes the beam angle, allowing for broader light.
2. Are there certain colors that work particularly well for uplighting?
The answer to this question is yes and no. Basically, uplighting is possible in any visible light color, and there is a use case for every color. However, uplights are most commonly used in classic colors like warm white, red, and blue. At weddings, a vibrant pink is sometimes used—the creativity here knows no bounds, and ultimately the choice of color is up to the couple and the DJ or lighting technician. When selecting the "right" uplights, you should consider in advance what you will primarily use the devices for. If you assume that you will often be handling weddings where red and warm white are used, you should look for a nicely mixed warm white and avoid pure RGB color mixing. On the other hand, if you know that the uplights will mainly be used at corporate events for a specific company whose colors are green and blue, there's nothing wrong with choosing a simpler uplight with RGB color mixing.
3. Can I use uplighting outdoors, for example, at garden parties or weddings?
Yes! Using uplights at outdoor events can provide a fantastic visual effect. For example, exterior walls can be excellently highlighted with weatherproof uplights. This way, a building can quickly and easily become an eye-catcher. For outdoor use, however, the uplights should meet certain requirements: of course, the devices must be weatherproof if they are to stand outside for an extended period. Uplights with an IP 65 protection rating can withstand a sudden rain shower. Additionally, we recommend attaching a mechanical anti-theft device, especially for wirelessly operated devices. Many models already have designated loops where Kensington locks, for example, can be attached.
4. Conclusion
Uplighting is undoubtedly one of the simplest and most effective concepts to create an appealing atmosphere at any event. Choosing the right uplighting device depends on many factors, including the type of event, color preferences, and, of course, the weather if the event takes place outdoors. For mobile DJs, uplighting is a quick way to give any event a unique touch. While acquiring suitable spots in sufficient numbers requires a certain investment, the results are definitely worth it. With uplighting, they can not only significantly enhance the mood but also stylishly highlight the venue's architecture and even reflect the corporate colors of a company event.
