ISSUE FOCUS: LANDSCAPE LIGHTING Perfecting Portfolio Photographs

Ideally, an outdoor lighting contractor would hire a professional photographer to take shots of his best work for his portfolio and promotional materials. However, a contractor just adding the service or one who only does it minimally might want to test the waters with his own digital photography before investing in a photo shoot that can cost several thousand dollars.

Amateur photographers beware – nighttime photography isn’t as easy as point and click. Here are some simple tips from photo experts and CAST Lighting’s Media and Marketing Director Steve Parrott.

1. Camera selection. An eight megapixel camera (the highest quality available for less than $1,000) is ideal for an amateur nighttime photographer, Parrott says. When placed on it’s highest quality setting, this camera will allow contractors to shoot photos at 300 pixels per inch – the ideal resolution for high-quality 8½-by-11-inch prints. Remember, a camera’s memory card may hold only a few images taken at this level; contractors should purchase the largest memory available or keep several cards on hand, Parrott adds.

2. Set the stage. Before dark, walk the property making sure no trash cans, toys, etc. are left out; don’t shoot photos when cars are in the driveway. Also, request that the homeowner turn on the lights in the rooms that will be visible in the shot. “Lit windows give the house a warm and welcoming appearance,” Parrott says. Dusk is the best time to take landscape lighting photos because the sky is dark, but some sunlight will still get through. Parrott says there’s a 15- to 20-minute window where the light is just right. “This is the time to get the big picture shot that shows the entire house, surrounding property and a dark sky.”

3. Exposure issues. The longer the shutter exposure, the longer the camera has to absorb the available light. A daytime photo might require a camera shutter to remain open for 1/250th or 1/125th of a second, nighttime conditions may require decreased shutter speeds of 1/15th of a second or longer. With digital cameras, try using the camera’s automatic nighttime setting. Based on how the image looks, Parrott says to add to the exposure using the camera’s exposure adjustment system on the menu. “You’ll need to read the manual carefully to be sure you can adjust the settings quickly in a dark situation,” Parrott warns. “Don’t forget to bring a flashlight.”

4. Avoid “camera shake.” Use a tripod. During nighttime photography, any shaking can result in blurred photos.
 It’s difficult to hold a camera steady for the exposure time length. Because even the smallest motion can cause a camera to shake, experts suggest using a tripod in addition to an external shutter release or the camera’s self timer. The button release is when shake is likely to occur. Also, using optical zoom features can add to “camera-shake” conditions. Avoid using it if possible.

5. Consider composition. For the “big picture shot,” which is best to take right at dusk, include the entire house, being careful not to cut off any of the roof. “You may need to stand across the street and deal with traffic,” Parrott says, “but the shot is essential.” As it gets darker, focus on the details.
 
For these shots, Parrott suggests contractors make sure they include an object in the foreground to give depth to the shot. “Likely foreground candidates include overhanging branches, bushes or gardens,” he says. “Include just enough to be interesting, but not so much as to be distracting. The foreground image can be slightly out of focus, but it cannot be unrecognizable.” Another tip from Parrott: “Avoid black holes. Good landscape lighting design will create a scene composed of focal points that naturally lead the eye from one place to another.”