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Landscape Lighting Has Evolved A Long Way
By | July 4, 2008
Landscape lighting has evolved a long way since people first tried “Malibu” lights with multi - colored lenses. The systems we install today feature brass, bronze and copper materials for durability, a myriad of fixture designs many of which add interest to the garden even when not illuminated and specialized bulbs for long life and specific applications.
Low voltage lighting starts with a “transformer” that converts high voltage household current to “low” 12 volt current which is delivered to light fixtures in the garden via direct burial cable. Consequently, the electrical current in the garden is so safe that neither you nor your dog can be electrocuted even if you chew on the cable when the lights are on.
Most of the systems we install include timers which enable you to choose the times the lights come on and off automatically. Recently, however, we have been installing more and more dual purpose systems in which part of the system is timed and part is switched.
For instance, your yard may include a barbecue and outdoor eating area for which you want specific lighting only when you use it. We have wonderful new low voltage lights that are individually switched and designed to be mounted on the barbecue counter top. We can install overhead switched low voltage lights to illuminate the eating area. We even can design systems that can deliver layers of light to garden areas: tree lights could come on automatically while path lights are switched on manually when you want to walk in the garden. One client who entertains frequently wanted a “wow” effect so we designed a three layer switched system in which he could add layer upon layer of light as he activated the switches.
Systems can be split for other reasons. At my own home, for instance, I want to fly an American Flag off the garage but, being forgetful, the flag spent too much time not flying or too many nights not stowed. Since it is legal to fly the flag 24 hours if it is illuminated at night, I set up a one spot light system that shines on the Flag beginning at dusk and ending at dawn while my garden lights turn off when I do at about 10 PM.
On the other hand, security might be an issue for you and landscape lighting can keep vulnerable areas of your property illuminated all night for less cost than high voltage lights.
The most important aspect of landscape lighting is the dimension of beauty it brings to your home at night. Trees can be lit up from below to show there structure or the areas beneath trees can be bathed with a moonlit effect from above. Individual plants, garden ornaments, architectural features on your house can be highlighted. Steps can be lit for safety, pathways for navigation. Shadows can be created on walls, or shadowy areas illuminated.
The light fixtures themselves can add interest. Choice will depend on individual taste. I personally prefer path lights with glass globes that cast ambient light in an area. Others prefer path lights that cast pools of light beneath them to highlight the textures of stone, gravel or plants. Styles can range from traditional to craftsman to contemporary. Finishes include verde, brass, bronze, copper, gun metal, rusty and more.
Whatever requirements you have, we can design and install low voltage lighting systems that will?. well?.light up your garden life.
About the Author:
Roger’s Gardens has the largest collection of Christopher Radko Ornaments, holiday decor, folk art and Christmas ornaments, as a wealth of gardening information.
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Landscape photography can be a challenge, but with the right composition and good natural light it can be made a bit easier.
All the world?s cameras, films and other photographic equipment are no more than tools for making landscape pictures. Cameras don?t think for themselves. Whether we use digital or film camera, the same photographic principles apply.
We don?t have to stick to many rules to produce great landscape images, but knowing what they are will make your pictures more successful. There are two salient points in landscape photography: how to compose your image, and how to use available natural light in any given situation.
Lets start off with light: There are three basic qualities of light: intensity, direction and colour.
Intensity: refers to the strength of light. If the sun is high in the sky, light can be harsh and too strong. Cloudy days bring soft and defused light.
Direction: this refers to light placement. There are three categories of light placement: front, back and side-lighting. Side lighting produces more texture between light and shade.
Colour: the colour of sunlight varies depending upon conditions and time of day. If the sun shines at the beginning or the end of the day, the colour of the light will be much warmer, and will lead to a much more dramatic scene.
Understanding natural light will develop your ability to see. You will start to see the beauty of light in a different and exciting way.
In landscape photography it is very important to take care with composition. A normal scene can be transformed by paying close attention to detail. Composition is all about how you arrange the elements in front of you.
Here are a few ideas in which you may find useful.
Lead with lines: To lead with lines into the main part of the scene will draw your viewer into your image. These lines don?t have to be straight. Lines, such as tracks, riverbanks or fences, may work successfully.
Foreground interest: Simple foreground objects can give your landscape a greater sense of depth. Use a small aperture (f/22) to keep the entire scene in focus.
Natural frames: Frame your scene with the elements all around you. This will focus attention on the main part of the picture. Trees make great natural frames.
These are just a few essential guidelines, and combined with a good eye, you have all you need to get the best out of photography - especially landscape photography. These are just a few rules to get you started, but like all rules, they are there to be broken.
About the Author: TJ Tierney. Award winning Irish Landscape photographer. If you are looking for more photo tips visit http://www.goldenirishlight.com/photographytips.html To view some of his images visit his on line gallery @ http://www.goldenirishlight.com
