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Lighting Techniques

Up Lighting

  • Purpose:  To illumnate trees and foliage providing a dramatic effect
  • Fixtures Used:  MR-16 Directional Light, Well Light
  • Considerations:  When the foliage is dense try setting the fixtures back from the tree.  More dense trees usually require more fixtures.  Limit to four per tree.  On less dense trees try grazing the tree trunk to bring out the tree trunk's textures.

Shadowing

  • Purpose:  Placing a light in front of an object which casts shadows onto the object behind it.
  • Fixtures Used:  MR-16 Directional Light, Copper 180, or a Wide Flood Fixture.
  • Considerations:  This technique creates intricate shadows on objects whic is often appealing.  If the object does not have a unique shape, and the shadow is simply a dark spot, this can take away from the system.  Great for breaking up linear patterns on homes.

BackLighting

  • Purpose:  To provide illumination of small trees and bushes from behind the plant.
  • Fixtures Used:  MR-16 Directional Light, Well Light
  • Considerations:  Make sure that the light source is hidden.  Also take into consideration the shape of the object.  Great for objects with interesting shapes.

Wall Washing

  • Purpose:  To provide an even illumniation on walls.
  • Fixtures Used:  MR-16 Directional Light, Copper  180, or a Wide Flood Fixture.
  • Considerations:  Set fixtures 8-10 feet away from a wall. This will help the light wash the wall rather than creating hot spots.  Make sure not to shine the light in to the windows.  This technique is great for lighting signs.

Silhouetting

  • Purpose:  To provide an illumnated surface as a background for another unit object like a decorative tree.
  • Fixtures Used:  MR-16 Directional Light, Well Light, Wide Flood Light
  • Considerations:  Look for trees or objects that have distinctive shapes.  This will help to provide you with more dramatic effects.

Moon Lighting

  • Purpose:  To provide a soft natural looking light from overhead.
  • Fixtures Used:  MR-16 Directional Light
  • Considerations:  When moon lighting, use the extended lens cover provided with the BL22.  Also consider using a 60 degree bulb in this application.  Great for illuminating patios, walkways, driveways, and other dark areas that ned to be softly lit.

Cross Lighting

  • Purpose:  To provide illumination for statues and dark areas above canopies.
  • Fixtures Used:  MR-16 Directional Light, Copper 180.
  • Considerations:  Great for defining focal points.   Consider using honeycomb louvers in this application to prevent glaring.

Step Lighting

  • Purpose:  To illumnate decks, patios, and gazebos.
  • Fixtures Used:  Deck Lights, Step Lights, Wall Lights
  • Considerations:  Use dadoed wood slats to hide wires.  Placement is key.  Make sure you eliminate all dark areas.

Deck Lighting

  • Purpose:  To illuminate decks, patios, and gazebos.
  • Fixtures Used:   Deck Lights
  • Considerations:  Use dadoed wood slats to hide wires.  Placement is key.  Make sure you eliminate all dark areas.

Path/Area Lighting

  • Purpose:  To illuminate pathways, walkways, flower beds, and natural areas.
  • Fixtures Used:  Path and Area Lights
    Considerations:  Use extension poles when areas need more light.  Stagger the placement so you do not get the "run way" effect.

Grazing

  • Purpose:  To illuminate walls, tree trunks, et.  Light shooting straight up accentuates textures on the surface of the object.
  • Fixtures Used:  MR-16 Directional Lights, Well Lights, Wash Flood and Wash Flood Fixtures.
  • Considerations:  Place the lights within one foot from the object you are lighting.  This will help to create the grazing effect.  Always consider placement.  Make sure that all lights are evenly spaced when lighting up walls.