Illuminating textures in the landscape

Illuminating textures in the landscape

By Mike Gambino

Lighting textures can be fun, challenging and dramatic. One of the great things about textures is that they can be found all throughout the landscape.  Also, when done well, illuminating a texture can transform an ordinary scene into something visually striking. What to Look For in a Potential Texture

Not every texture makes a good subject when illuminated but with time and practice a professional designer develops an eye for what works and what doesn’t. First, there has to be some depth which will allow for shadow.   Shadows create the look of dimension, without which your texture will appear flat like a drawing   Also, there has to be an interesting or appealing pattern, decent composition, and sometimes beautiful colors.  When all of these elements come together just right, the result can be quite stunning.

What subjects have naturally great Textures

Certain species of trees, specifically trunks, branches, leaves all have unique and varying degrees of special texture qualities. Trees such as Oak, Sycamore, Birch, Arbutus, Chorisia, Japanese Maple species with their intricately cut leaves, some Palms come to mind first as some real good subjects to highlight for their texture. Wall and ground features, waterfalls made of Stone and brick with their irregular surfaces also make for excellent subjects. Boulders and other special accent features throughout the garden should be stufied and considered as a possibility for texture accent.

What fixtures and lamps Do You Need for accenting Textures?

Consider the subject when deciding what distance to place the light source.  If you are lighting a large brick wall, it might be a good idea to stand back and get as much of the light beam on the wall as possible.  Conversely, when lighting something with a very intricate pattern, it is best to get as close as possible to capture all of the detail.  Rough bark on a tree looks great very close-up as would the detail on a finely patterned leaf. Generally, ground mounted narrow or wide beam angle bullet light fixtures are best.  You can try using optic lenses and filters to create special effect. The best results are usually found with a clear lens and a good quality controlled beam light source like that of an MR-16 halogen or LED lamp. Light quality with a flattering color to the subject is another very important consideration.  Shining a light source straight ahead on isn’t usually the best for accenting textures since the result will often turn out flat and without dimension.  Shining light sources at acute angles is the best for accenting textures outdoors, since it will create strong shadows and depth.  An quality artificial light source is essential for creating dimension in your texture.  As previously stated you would need to place it off to the side of your texture and there may be situations where more than one light source is desired for creative effect.  Also, make sure that your light source isn’t creating an unattractive reflection on the surface of your texture or annoying glare to viewers.  Whatever you do, don’t shoot light straight at the subject as this will flatten your image.

Mix It Up!

It is advised when first starting out to position light sources at various angles, and if possible with different light directions, so that you can choose the very best ones later.  Sometimes, the most amazing effects will be captured this way and will often not be the one you thought would work best while you were experimenting.  This is especially true for the beginning landscape lighter, since this method can be used to learn what works and what doesn’t over time.

What Is the Texture For?

When lighting textures for focal point, it is best to focus more on the texture itself and reserve the brightest illumination for that.  So, forget about the artistic use of light to bring depth that will draw attention away.  Instead make sure that the texture is both visually very appealing as well as making it obvious it’s the primary subject of focus throughout when viewed.  Also, it’s important not to over use the effect and reserve original textures in order to get your point across.

This landscape lighting blog is published by Mike Gambino of Gambino landscape lighting inc. all rights reserved. Mike is a professional landscape lighting system designer/ builder and has been designing, installing and maintaining landscape lighting systems for more than 20 years. Mike resides in the Los Angeles area with his wife and 2 sons. To visit his website go to www.gambinolighting.com . To inquire about hiring Mike please click here . Blog articles may be published with permission on other websites without editing or removing links.

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