Aesthetic Presentation

Most productions involve quite alot of effort and dedication on the part of the director, performers and myriad other specialists such as scenic designers, costumers, choreographers and make-up artists.  Doesn't such an endeavor deserve to be presented in the best light possible?  Good lighting is about so much more than simply illuminating the stage.  Considerations of colour, composition and intensity can add quite alot to a show.

Experience

An experienced lighting designer has worked on many different types of productions , often at many different venues.  They are familliar with all of the types of equipment available to achieve desired effects as well as where to get it.  Additionally, an experienced lighting designer has a well-developed sense of how best to use light to convey the intended mood of a given scene on stage.

Cost Control

Lighting designers work frequently with vendors to procure equipment and supplies for their productions.  Consequently, many designers know which companies offer the best value on specific products as well as which companies might offer the most appropriate equipment for a given application.  Often clients can save a substantial sum if additional equipment is involved with their show and on large-scale productions the savings may outweigh the designer's fee by many times. 

Knowledge

While lighting design is primarily a creative endeavor, it is also highly technical and necessitates the ability to make electrical calculations, colour temperature conversions and choices about field angles, distances and optics.

Professionalism

A lighting designer's main consideration is the provision of an appropriate and pleasing design for the client.  Independent designers are paid by their clients rather than the equipment vendors so their recommendations tend to be more impartial.