Genesis 1:3 And God said, "Let there be light"
A projection is the replication of an image on a surface using light. For me, there is something amazing about an image forming on a wall from beams of light sent from a projector. The rise of LED screens and large format televisions has cut down the amount of churches that are now using projection, and that makes me sad.
On a weekly basis, we allow the diversity that projection offers us to help give images to ideas.
I was speaking with an artist earlier this year who was asking me about a suitable way to replicate video imagery on tour. We discussed LED and projection, and I admitted that projection was a difficult choice, requiring a more deliberate set up and having limitations with ambient light (all the light in the room around the projector; daylight, spotlights, etc.). The difference I felt lay in the source of the light. With LED a light-emitting diode, you are pushing light into the room. With a projector, the beams of light reflect an image. The source of the light and the image it creates are very different.
"Now Tim, stop right there!" you might say.
"What is this nonsense you are talking about the source of light?!"
I would say the whole reason we are gathering Genesis 1 is the source of the light! A slight disagreement about the source of the light creates the conflict all around us in a world that rejects a creator.
Then let's try a little real-life test; stand in a room with a projector and then stand in a room with a television or an LED screen.
Do you feel a difference? I know I do.
When we started to use projectors as a part of a very large format Environmental Projection setup, that allows us to project more than 300 feet wide in our sanctuary. We found that rather than having the image overwhelm the congregation, the images blended onto the walls, feeling more like a coat of paint than a screen full of images.
On a weekly basis, we allow the diversity that projection offers us to help give images to ideas. Following monthly sermon series, we create graphics that support the message and use the projector to paint these ideas on the walls, reinforcing and illustrating the ideas contained in the messaging our leadership feel called to share.
Moments later, we dissolve into moving graphic images, giving us images that feel like moving lights. Abstract patterns and graphics give dynamics to our worship enhancing songs with movement and color. Then shifting to more reflective moments in service photos and other images of art can be used to shape and create a new mood. We might use a wood texture to create a pattern on the wall that makes our large room feel smaller and more intimate or reflect the grand stained glass of a European cathedral to make the room feel larger than life. I can't think of a medium that allows you to do so much!
When we embraced environmental projection, the technology was still relatively unknown. While it still isn't a simple technology, it is now more accessible than ever. The three "T's" of EP are now easier to access than ever: Teaching; Technology; contenT (which ends with a T).
Teaching: I often refer to the "Holy Trinity" of EP Luke McElroy, Cameron Ware and Stephen Proctor.
Luke has written an excellent book cleverly called "Environmental Projection: The Collision of Modern Technology and Sacred Spaces." A very easy read explaining all the basics and ideas that you need to get started.
Camron Ware has a brilliant website, Visual Worshiper and will even consult with your church to design a system that works for you.
Stephen Proctor might be the coolest he just started a band where he uses projectors as a kind of visual instrument check him out at Illuminate.
Technology: Technology is always moving quickly. There are so many options when it comes to projection that to try and give you a simple formula would be silly. I will say there are many factors that will go into your decision on a projector, there are two I'd like to talk about.
Money and Lumens
Lumens describe the amount of light a projector outputs and the general idea is the more the better, but as with all technology lumens come at a price. Price is going to be the deciding factor for most of us. So I advise that you carefully evaluate how many lumens you really need before you commit even in your own head to a number. I would also suggest you calculate how long you expect to use this projector and what the cost of use over its life will be. With LED and laser projectors on the market, paying for replacement bulbs may be a thing of the past.
You can also read this excellent article:
Media Server & Software
The other piece of technology that I would suggest you look at is the media server that we use for EP the ArKaos Media Master software and their range of media servers are really: EP in a box. They have the mapping software, the display software and room for a content library that has made weekly use of EP possible for us.
Content
Content ends with a "T" and that is good enough for me! The struggle to cover the walls in meaningful content on a weekly basis is the untold struggle of Environmental projection but don't panic! There are some amazing content creators out there who are not charging an arm and a leg to make you look good.
The kings of the game are TripleWide Media. They offer incredible content in various formats single wide double wide triple wide. They sell items individually, but will give you all three formats with each purchase.
It was through TripleWide, that I discovered Church Wide Media. They have a great $99 subscription with a huge variety of useful content
Also a designer for TripleWide, Dan Stevers, is a really unique artist who recently opened his content up through subscription this year. His style is unique and lots of fun.
So there you go, all the motivation and resource you need to dive into the transformation of environmental projection. It's always a good time to learn something new and seek to make beautiful and wonderful the places we worship!