Hello

I just read a review of performances of FISM 2003 and there was a comment about some silver props that could not be seen well on stage. Can someone explain what does this actually mean and why?

Thank you.

I believe I may know of the review to which you are referring. I read about acts using CDs not being very visible.

We tend to think that anything silver would reflect the light well, and therefore be easily seen. However it important to remember that silver reflects dark just as it reflects light. This is particularly true of "two-dimensional" items like discs and streamers. They reflect light very directionally, and while they may be very visible from one seat, they can be all but invisible from another.

A mirror-ball can be effective visually because of two things: many small facets and movement. Each of the multiple facets act as an individual reflector, and moving the ball moves the reflections in them.

Really it's all about physics. The angle at which the light strikes a silver or mirrored surface is equal to the angle at which it reflects. So if a silver item is at the correct angle, it may be reflecting the black stage or black curtains, thus rendering it "invisible" or at least difficult to see.