Lighting is an art that deserves artistic thinking; it is not solely an exercise in technical expertise. Designing compelling and creative outdoor lighting is as much a science as it is an art form. Lighting specialists should be well versed in the art and science of compelling outdoor lighting techniques. Take a look at some of the lighting techniques recommended by the professionals at AMP®.
Up-Lighting – Offering a greater contrast effect than typical wall-washing with floodlights, spotlight fixtures are placed closer to a building for a bolder effect. The goal is to focus the guest’s attention to the most beautiful or intriguing parts of your landscape. This may relate to the architectural features of your home or, features in the landscape such as trees, statues, or fountains.
Silhouetting – By placing a fixture behind the feature, aimed towards an adjacent wall, you can create an illuminated backdrop. This landscape lighting technique creates intrigue by using lighting to make interesting outlines or profiles of features. Similar to up-lighting, spotlights, and well lights work best to create these dramatic shapes.
Shadowing – A similar technique to silhouetting, shadowing also places the fixture towards the base of the feature, aimed towards an adjacent wall. However, the goal is to create a softer shadow, and often works best with a tree that has open, delicate foliage. The effect of the tree’s movement in the wind is sure to add drama to any home facade. Spotlights, well lights, and floodlights can help you achieve this effect.
Moonlighting – Create moonlighting techniques by placing a downlight fixture with a full glare guard high up inside a tree, and angled downwards. This effect looks like moonlight shining down through the branches. It causes attractive shadow patterns on the ground to appear, plus it provides a very natural and beautiful lighting effect. This effect works best with open-branched trees.
Downlighting – The down-lighting technique is similar to the moonlighting technique, although brighter and less subtle. Place a fixture high up, inside a feature like a trellis, tree, or eave, and cast downwards over a large area. Place the light higher if you intend to illuminate a large portion of the yard, and lower if you wish to illuminate a path or garden.
