The Visual Tech Team, or as I like to refer as the Visible Team, handles lighting, media, video and other auxiliary tools. The goal of the Visual Team is to illuminate and make vision clear. Front lighting is the first step in illuminating the stage areas, up-front persons, art designs and/or fixtures. Back stage lighting is responsible for adding contrast, depth and dimension for space.  There are wide varieties in stage lighting from PAR cans, Pars, Fresnels, Ellipsoidals and Intelligent lighting. Light Operators use multiple light sources to draw the congregation in, as they bring specific stage features out. Color lights evoke mood and tone to the staging elements; they can dramatically change the mood of the room. Warm colors such as red, yellow and orange move toward you; they convey notions of intimacy, sunshine and/or energy. Cool colors such as blue, green and purple move away from you; they convey power, truth and coolness, they also enhance emotions ranging from calming to cheerful. Colors add significance to story, music, drama and other art forms. In addition, color lights can be used in services to highlight seasons of the Church calendar. Above all, be sure to keep your lighting schemes simple, friendly and intentional.  Proper lighting will help avoid washouts and overproducing colors.  Another word of caution, keep lighting patterns away from projector screens as it will also washout screen visibility.

Other great tools for enhancing worship services are found in Media and Video. A few quick notes for each tool: Rear screen projectors work best because they are brighter, but are more expensive and require depth for installation. Matte White is the most versatile and popular fabric for projector screens. Above all, when accounting for room projection, your equipment needs to match the room size and viewable area that you are trying to achieve. Media software and hardware are other key components for smooth and reliable projections of lyrics, messages, video and graphic art. Try before you buy: you can usually find free demo versions of media projection software on the internet. Find a product that is user friendly and agile, along with a reliable computer. In producing media content for a service, here's a buzz phrase: make it clear! Whether displaying lyrics or video, make sure that fonts, backgrounds and images are readable, contrasting and eye-friendly.  Operators on the media/projection equipment are to remain focused, relaxed and proactive as this will encourage participation among the congregation. A word on cameras:  make sure they are eye-level on the upfront leaders/pastors. Fixed lenses that are angled downward or upward convey a sense of inferiority or superiority of the speaker/leader. Multiple video cameras are ideal, whether robotic-controlled (very stream-lined) or having additional operators for various head shots, stage angles and profiles keep live video fresh. Booms are great as long as they do not distract the congregation. One more thing, leave the handi-cam for vacations and family functions - not for worship services - A/V use. For best filming and lighting results, encourage speakers and leaders to avoid wearing all white (except under jackets) as it reflects too much light, all black absorbs too much light. Cool colors and blues usually work the best.