Outdoor Lighting Techniques

Here are some helpful definitions of common lighting techniques used in landscape lighting.  Use one or more of them to achieve a look that’s natural and mult-dimensional.

Down Lighting – shines light down from large trees or eaves to focus on a particular object and achieve a natural look that simulates sunlight or moonlight.

Up Lighting – places fixtures in the ground and directs light upward to create a dramatic effect that accentuates the texture of leaves on trees or the detail in a trellis or archway.

Front Lighting – postitions light sources in front of an object to highlight important features and details.

Back Lighting – illuminates objects or plants from the back to reveal their shape and form while decreasing texture and eliminating detail.

Side Lighting – aims the light from the side to emphasize texture and create strong shadows.

Area Lighting – uses a floodlight or another source of wide light to illuminate large areas for evening entertaining.

Cross Lighting – lights and accentuates certain objects or areas, like statues or gardens, from two or more points.

Grazing – positions the light source close to a wall or the bark of a tree to bring out its texture.

Safety Lighting – provides light for certain areas, like paths and steps, so people can navigate safely.