spotlighting

Spotlighting is a lighting technique that uses a highly directed beam of light to illuminate a specific area or subject, creating emphasis and visual focus while leaving surrounding areas darker. It is widely used in stage productions, film and television, photography, and architectural displays. In theatre, a spotlight (often called a follow spot) is a powerful, controllable light that can be aimed to track a performer. The operator adjusts position, beam width, intensity, and color to isolate the actor for visibility from the audience. Modern spotlights include ellipsoidal reflector spotlights (ERS), Fresnel spotlights, PAR cans, and moving-head spotlights; many are LED-based. Control is via dimmers and lighting consoles, and beam shaping may employ shutters, an iris, and gobos for texture or patterns. Color is added with stage gels or built-in color mixing.

In practice, a spotlight is used as a key or focal light within a broader lighting plan, often in combination with fill and back lighting to sculpt depth and contrast. In film, television, and photography, spotlights help model subjects, separate them from the background, and guide audience attention. In display and architectural lighting, spotlights highlight particular features or objects.

Spotlighting involves safety and design considerations, including heat generation, glare, spill light, and electrical requirements, as well as rigging and maintenance of lighting equipment. The term is sometimes used metaphorically to describe drawing public attention to a person, topic, or issue.