This lovely photo was taken during Trinity's production of Three Penny Opera. There is a clear spotlight seen here center stage on the two characters Macheath and Tiger Brown. There is a distinct edge and a clear difference in color temperature between the spotlight and the rest of the lights, insisting we focus on the two characters.
This is another example of different color temperature creating focus. This is from the extremely popular Broadway musical Hamilton. Even though Aaron Burr is doing the similar choreography as the other characters onstage, the fact that his light is significantly different from the rest of the stage makes him the focus of the scene, in addition to him being center stage. There isn't a clear sharp edge on his spotlight, but the color difference is enough to make him the focus.
I agree with your assessment of both of the photos. I think it is interesting that the other actors in the background of the first photo are in more light than those in the second photo but those in the second photo (I assume because they are dancing) are more involved in what is taking place in the scene. The spotlight on Macheath and Tiger Brown is also larger than the one on Burr probably because they are two people and he is one but I also think it was an intentional choice because in the first photo their is light from the spotlight spilling onto the ground even touching their shoes while in the second photo the light stops just below his pants. Overall I would say these are two good examples of focus with light
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comments about the second photo. All the characters seem to be doing the same dance but the focus is clearly placed on the individual in the center. I like that other colors like the shades of blue are used as a compliment to the spot light being shined on the main character. I also agree with you that although a spotlight is not shined directly onto the main character, it is easy to tell that the lighting in this scene was designed to highlight him.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you on the second picture--the scene at hand is Burr's big "The Room Where It Happens," where he finally admits to himself that he really only wants to be part of big goings-on in the government, but just can't seem to get his foot in the door! It makes sense that he would be put at center with a selective spotlighting all his own, while the faceless ensemble backs him up.
ReplyDeleteI think you are 100% spot on in your analysis of these photos. Though I feel like the first photo would have possibly been a bit better if there wasn't the harsh ring that was created by the spotlight, but if something like the second photo was done, where the main actor is illuminated slightly more, but in a different shade of light as well.
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