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Bentley Meeker Lighting

Mastering Outdoor Lighting: Bentley Meeker’s Illumination Artistry in New York City

May 8, 2024 By Tommy Babil

In the heart of the concrete jungle, where skyscrapers kiss the sky and city lights dazzle, outdoor spaces in New York City are transformed into enchanting realms through the mastery of Bentley Meeker. As a renowned lighting designer, Meeker has elevated the art of illuminating outdoor venues to new heights, creating captivating experiences that leave a lasting impression.

From intimate rooftop gatherings to extravagant park soirées, Meeker’s process begins with a meticulous understanding of the space’s unique characteristics. Each location presents its own set of challenges and opportunities, and Meeker approaches them with a blend of creativity and technical expertise.

One of the key elements of Meeker’s approach is the seamless integration of lighting fixtures into the natural environment. By strategically placing lights among foliage, architectural features, and landscape elements, Meeker creates a harmonious balance between artificial and natural illumination. The result is a magical interplay of light and shadow that enhances the ambiance of any outdoor setting.

But Meeker’s artistry goes beyond mere illumination. He understands the importance of creating a narrative through light, guiding guests on a visual journey that unfolds with each step. Whether it’s highlighting architectural details, accentuating focal points, or setting the mood with color, Meeker’s lighting designs evoke emotion and intrigue, captivating audiences and igniting the imagination.

Moreover, Meeker’s commitment to sustainability is evident in his choice of energy-efficient LED fixtures and innovative lighting technologies. By minimizing energy consumption and reducing environmental impact, Meeker not only illuminates spaces but also inspires stewardship of our planet.

In a city that never sleeps, where every corner tells a story, Bentley Meeker’s outdoor lighting designs add another layer of enchantment to the urban landscape. With his keen eye for detail, unwavering dedication to excellence, and passion for pushing the boundaries of possibility, Meeker continues to illuminate the night sky with his signature style, one outdoor space at a time.

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Illuminating Elegance: Bentley Meeker – The Premier Event Lighting Company in New York City

November 2, 2023 By Tommy Babil

In the heart of the city that never sleeps, where every event is a grand production and every occasion demands a touch of sophistication, Bentley Meeker Lighting stands as the unrivaled luminary. Renowned as the premier event lighting company in New York City, Bentley Meeker has been transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences for over three decades. In this blog post, we will unveil the remarkable journey of Bentley Meeker Lighting, celebrating their iconic work, unparalleled artistry, and why they continue to shine as the best event lighting company in the Big Apple.

A Legacy of Brilliance

Bentley Meeker’s journey into the world of event lighting was serendipitous. His early passion for art, music, and design converged into a career in lighting, and he quickly gained a reputation for his innovative and creative approach to illuminating spaces. The story of Bentley Meeker Lighting is not just about lighting fixtures but a narrative of transforming venues into enchanting realms.

Signature Style and Artistry

What sets Bentley Meeker Lighting apart is the signature style and artistry that graces every event they illuminate. Bentley’s unique approach to event lighting is a harmonious blend of technical precision and artistic expression. Whether it’s a lavish wedding, a corporate gala, or an intimate soirée, Bentley’s designs accentuate the ambiance, emphasize focal points, and create a captivating atmosphere. Each lighting composition is a masterpiece that elevates the event, leaving a lasting impression on guests.

Customized Brilliance

One of the key attributes of Bentley Meeker Lighting is their dedication to customization. Every event is unique, and Bentley’s team recognizes the importance of tailoring lighting solutions to suit the client’s vision and the event’s specific requirements. From intimate candlelit dinners to extravagant corporate celebrations, Bentley Meeker ensures that each lighting concept is a reflection of the client’s dreams and desires. This level of customization transforms even the most challenging spaces into magical environments.

Innovative Technology

While Bentley Meeker embraces the artistic aspects of lighting design, they also keep an eye on the latest technological advancements. Their team leverages cutting-edge lighting technology to create stunning visual effects and dynamic lighting displays. From state-of-the-art LED fixtures to intricate control systems, Bentley Meeker Lighting ensures that every event is a testament to innovation and precision.

Iconic New York City Events

Bentley Meeker Lighting has left an indelible mark on New York City’s iconic events. From lighting up the MET Gala to illuminating high-profile weddings and corporate functions, Bentley’s work has graced some of the most prestigious gatherings in the city. It’s not just about adding light to these events; it’s about crafting the atmosphere, infusing energy, and creating unforgettable memories.

Customer-Centric Approach

What truly distinguishes Bentley Meeker Lighting is their unwavering commitment to their clients. They approach each project with a deep understanding of the client’s goals and the event’s purpose. Bentley’s team collaborates closely with clients, event planners, and designers to ensure that the lighting design aligns seamlessly with the overall vision. This customer-centric approach has earned them a loyal clientele who trust them with their most significant moments.

In the grand tapestry of New York City’s event industry, Bentley Meeker Lighting shines as the brightest star. With a legacy of brilliance, a commitment to artistry, customization, and innovation, and a portfolio of iconic events, Bentley Meeker has rightfully earned the title of the best event lighting company in the city. Their unique ability to transform spaces into enchanting experiences is a testament to their artistry and expertise. For those who seek to make their events extraordinary, Bentley Meeker Lighting stands as the trusted partner in creating moments that will be cherished forever.

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Illuminating the Extraordinary: The Magic of Event Lighting

June 15, 2023 By Tommy Babil

When it comes to creating a truly memorable event, lighting plays a vital role in setting the mood, enhancing ambiance, and captivating attendees. The artistry of event lighting can transform any space into a breathtaking spectacle, leaving a lasting impression on guests. In this blog post, we will explore the world of event lighting and discover some of the most amazing techniques and trends that make events shine like never before.

  1. Dynamic Lighting Designs: One of the most exciting aspects of event lighting is its ability to create dynamic and ever-changing environments. With advanced lighting technology, such as intelligent lighting fixtures and programmable systems, event designers can manipulate color, intensity, and movement to match the energy and theme of the occasion. From vibrant hues and mesmerizing patterns to synchronized lighting effects that dance to the beat of the music, the possibilities are endless.
  2. Transformative Projection Mapping: Projection mapping has revolutionized event lighting by turning ordinary surfaces into canvases for immersive storytelling. This technique allows light and images to be projected onto complex structures, such as buildings, stages, or even furniture, creating a mind-bending visual experience. Projection mapping can transport guests to different worlds, depict stunning illusions, or showcase brand visuals in an unforgettable way, making it a popular choice for corporate events, weddings, and concerts.
  3. Ethereal Fairy Lights and String Lighting: For a touch of enchantment, nothing compares to the delicate glow of fairy lights and string lighting. These twinkling wonders bring a whimsical and romantic atmosphere to any event, whether it’s an outdoor garden wedding or an intimate cocktail party. From cascading canopies of lights to sparkling backdrops and elegantly draped installations, fairy lights add a magical touch that captivates the imagination and creates a dreamlike ambiance.
  4. Dramatic Uplighting and Washes: Uplighting and washes are powerful techniques that can transform event spaces dramatically. By strategically placing lighting fixtures around the room, event designers can illuminate walls, pillars, or architectural features, emphasizing their beauty and adding depth to the space. Uplighting can be tailored to match event colors or themes, creating a cohesive and immersive experience that enhances the overall aesthetic.
  5. Creative Customizations: Event lighting allows for endless creativity and customization. From personalized monograms projected onto dance floors to dynamic light shows synchronized with live performances, event lighting professionals can bring unique ideas to life. Customized lighting can incorporate logos, images, or intricate patterns, ensuring that the event leaves a lasting impression on guests and creates a truly unforgettable experience.

The art of event lighting is a captivating blend of technology, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail. From the dazzling displays of color and movement to the subtle interplay of light and shadow, event lighting has the power to transform any occasion into a mesmerizing spectacle. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a grand-scale celebration, the most amazing event lighting can elevate the atmosphere, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impression on attendees. So, let your imagination soar and let event lighting illuminate your extraordinary moments like never before.

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Everything Is Illuminated For Celebrity Lighting Guru

May 23, 2022 By Tommy Babil

By Wendy Straker – New York Post

At 14, Bentley Meeker dropped out of high school, moved to New York and took his first job, as a photographer’s assistant. Fifteen years later, he started his own lighting company. Today, as CEO of Bentley Meeker Lighting and Staging, he lights more than 1,000 A-list events every year, including private parties for Robert De Niro, galas for the Whitney Museum and the New York Philharmonic, and weddings for celebrities such as Billy Joel and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

You got your first lighting job at age 14; how did that come about?

I came to New York to live with my dad. He needed to find someplace for me to be during the day, so he introduced me to the guy who lived across the hall who was a photographer. My father told him our situation, and just like that he said, “I’ll take him during the day. I’ll pay him $15 an hour.” I was responsible for setting up the umbrellas and the lights and the strobes for his photo shoots. I would also scout locations for shoots. I didn’t really think about it as a career. I was just happy to have a job. And I was happy not to be going to school.

At what point did you discover your passion for lighting?

It wasn’t until I took film classes at Hunter College that I started to really play around with light. That’s when I got a job loading trucks for a company that provided lighting for rock concerts. That exposure to the business helped me learn how things worked. Eventually, I started getting lighting jobs on my own.

Did you seek out any mentors along the way?

I called everybody. I was a persistent little bastard. I called people who were so established that they probably never received cold calls. I annoyed so many people, but Ian the end it worked. Preston Bailey was one of me earliest clients, and a mentor. I’ll never forget when he gave me a shot. He hired me to light a red rosary with red lights. He really took a chance on me.

How has your job changed now that you own on of New York’s top lighting companies?

We do about 1,000 jobs a year, which is a lot. But if you have the right infrastructure and the right apparatus and the right people and design concepts, it works very well. I’m giving much less direction on-site than I ever was two years ago, when we had half as many jobs, and that’s probably one of the most gratifying things for me. Now my job is much more about coming up with design concepts for the company and deciding on the direction of the company. It’s still artistic and emotional, but it’s also strategic and technical, and I like to straddle that line.

Do you have a favorite event that sticks out in your mind?

I’ve lit some pretty amazing events. Celebrity weddings with limitless budgets, the Grammys, fashion shows, you name it. I did a bat mitzvah at the Rainbow Room where Aerosmith, Stevie Nicks, Tom Petty and Don Henley performed. It was unbelievable. There was one moment when Steven Tyler was playing the drums, and he got tired and wanted to take a break. He was looking for some relief, but I chickened out. Then this 16-year-old kid got up there and just rocked the house.

How do you measure your success?

I used to measure it by the number of events I had in a given weekend within the four corners that hold the Plaza, the Pierre, the Metropolitan Club, the Harmony Club and the St. Regis. Then someone gave me some advice, and it stayed with me. He said, “Your not going to look back on your life and think about how much money you made or how many great jobs you got. You’re going to think to yourself, did I spend enough time with my sone?” I always make time for my son. When I have my son, I have my son, and the world just stops.

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Bentley Meeker Lighting & Staging Inc. 465 10th Avenue, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10018 Phone: 212 722 3349 | Photos by Arnold Brower