A very effective method of producing a
lightning
effect is by using a special profile-spot with discharge
lamp
and a gobo of a fork of
lightning
. The discharge
lamp
emits light in a slow flash which is typical of lightning. These luminaires also contain a regular lamp, used to focus the gobo
projection
before using the flash. If only one spot is used, the effect can be repetitive. A more realistic effect is created by using several of these luminaires simultaneously or in quick succession.
When sheet
lightning
is required, a simple and inexpensive method is the use of photo flashes, which can be placed at different points around the stage, and released in groups or in rapid sequence producing a very realistic effect, especially when preceded by a rumbling thunder.
