Designing with Color and Intensity
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Immersive Theatre Lighting Design course at Stanmore School of Business. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Additive Color Mixing #
A method of color mixing in which different colors of light are combined to create new colors. This is in contrast to subtractive color mixing, which is used in print and painting. In additive color mixing, the primary colors are red, green, and blue, and the secondary colors are yellow, cyan, and magenta.
Color Rendering Index (CRI) #
A measure of a light source's ability to accurately render the colors of objects and materials compared to a reference light source. A CRI of 100 indicates perfect color rendering, while a lower CRI indicates that colors may appear washed out or distorted.
Color Temperature #
A measure of the color of a light source, expressed in degrees Kelvin (K). A lower color temperature (e.g., 2700K) indicates a warm, yellowish light, while a higher color temperature (e.g., 6500K) indicates a cool, bluish light.
Contrast #
The difference in brightness or color between two areas in a scene. High contrast occurs when there is a large difference in brightness or color, while low contrast occurs when the difference is small. Contrast can be used to create visual interest and guide the viewer's attention.
Cyan #
A cool, greenish-blue color that is created by mixing equal amounts of blue and green light. Cyan is a secondary color in additive color mixing.
Emissive Color #
The color of a light source, as determined by the wavelengths of light it emits. Emissive color is contrasted with reflective color, which is the color of an object as determined by the wavelengths of light it reflects.
Field Angle #
The angle at which a light source emits light, measured from the center of the beam. A narrow field angle (e.g., 10 degrees) produces a tight, focused beam of light, while a wide field angle (e.g., 60 degrees) produces a broad, diffuse beam.
Full Spectrum Light #
Light that contains all the wavelengths of visible light, from red to violet. Full spectrum light is often used in lighting design to create a natural, balanced light that is easy on the eyes.
Hue #
The attribute of a color that allows it to be classified as red, blue, green, etc. Hue is determined by the dominant wavelength of light that is present in a color.
Intensity #
The amount of light emitted by a source, measured in lumens. Intensity can be used to create visual interest and guide the viewer's attention.
Magenta #
A cool, purplish-red color that is created by mixing equal amounts of blue and red light. Magenta is a secondary color in additive color mixing.
Monochromatic Color Scheme #
A color scheme that uses only one color, along with different shades, tints, and tones of that color. Monochromatic color schemes can create a harmonious, cohesive look.
Red #
A warm, vibrant color that is one of the primary colors in additive color mixing. Red is often used to create a sense of drama or excitement.
Reflective Color #
The color of an object, as determined by the wavelengths of light it reflects. Reflective color is contrasted with emissive color, which is the color of a light source.
Saturation #
The purity or intensity of a color, determined by the amount of white light that is mixed with it. A highly saturated color is pure and vivid, while a desaturated color is dull and grayish.
Secondary Colors #
In additive color mixing, the colors that are created by combining equal amounts of two primary colors. The secondary colors are cyan (created by combining blue and green), magenta (created by combining blue and red), and yellow (created by combining red and green).
Shades #
Darker versions of a color, created by mixing the color with black. Shades can be used to create a sense of depth or mystery.
Tertiary Colors #
In additive color mixing, the colors that are created by combining a primary color with a secondary color. The tertiary colors are green-yellow, blue-green, blue-purple, and red-purple.
Tints #
Lighter versions of a color, created by mixing the color with white. Tints can be used to create a sense of lightness or innocence.
Tones #
Intermediate shades of a color, created by mixing the color with gray. Tones can be used to create a sense of subtlety or complexity.
Warm White #
A type of white light that has a lower color temperature (e.g., 2700K) and appears yellowish or orange. Warm white is often used to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
White Light #
Light that contains all the wavelengths of visible light, from red to violet. White light can be created by combining equal amounts of the primary colors of light (red, green, and blue).
Yellow #
A warm, bright color that is created by combining red and green light. Yellow is a secondary color in additive color mixing. It is often used to create a sense of happiness or energy.