How to Properly Light a Home Theater System?

The best possible location for the average home theater would be a basement room that allows very little or no natural sunlight to sneak into the room. There are so many things you can do in a basement that simply intensify the theater experience of your average home theater. From actual stadium or theater seating to rope lights that line the side of the walls (where it meets the floor) for low ambient lighting that will not distract from the screen or cause any unnecessary glare. Out of the many things you can choose to enhance your home theater, lighting might actually be one of the most important as well as the most often overlooked.

If you are fortunate enough to have a basement, this is an ideal location for a home theater but don't despair if you live in a climate that isn't exactly conducive to home basements. Even in the sunshine basement there are steps you can take in order to prevent too much light from affecting your home theater experience. Some good ideas with which to start would be to purchase black out curtains that prevent sunlight from creeping into your room. This looks much better than the old fashioned quick fix of placing aluminum foil over your windows for sure. 

Even within your room if you've taken the time to make sure natural light isn't creeping in you may find that poorly placed lighting adversely affects your viewing pleasure. When installing your home theater system you need to pay careful attention to both natural and artificial light at different times of day in order to see how they affect your ability to see the television (this is particularly important if you have a projection television) as well as in order to see if there is any glare on your television screen from light peeking through your curtains or from lamps and overhead lighting within the room. 

Recessed lighting is a good option for most home theater rooms as is rope lighting as I mentioned above. If you have this type of lighting you can see well enough to move around without interrupting what is taking place on your television screen. Additionally, low lighting in the room makes the actual television become the focal point of the room whenever it is on and the overhead lights are down. 

If you are creating a home theater themed room you might find some of the interesting film era wall sconces of great interest. These sconces prefer low levels of light that are unlikely to interfere greatly with what is happening on your television screen. You can find all kinds of wonderful sconces in a wide variety of themes. It makes sense that with home theater lighting playing such a pivotal role in the overall enjoyment of the home theater experience that many businesses are being created simply to fill this need within the lighting industry.

Some will argue that the television you choose for your home theater is wildly more important than the lighting in the room by far. I tend to disagree. If you do not take care to insure that the lighting in the room isn't appropriate it is unlikely that you will be able to fully enjoy the television you selected. For this reason I always think you should keep your current television for a while, test it out with the lighting and invest in proper lighting before making an investment in a bigger or better television to add to your home theater system. 

All things when it comes to a home theater are relative to personal preference as are all things in life. Take the time to seriously consider the affect that the lighting in the room that will become your home theater will affect your ability to see the movies or television shows that you enjoy so much. Once you have the perfect situation when it comes to lighting you will be amazed at how much more you actually enjoy your home theater.

How to Prevent a Burglar Break Into Your Home With the Lighting?

As many already know, adequate lighting is a critical part of keeping your home safe. Even though lighting is very important to home safety, a lot of homeowners don’t look at their lighting as being an integral aspect of safety. No matter where you may live, you should always make sure that there is plenty of lighting in place and that the lights are out of reach for those without a ladder.

The lighting that is around the doors of your home is very important, as most burglars like to focus on doors before anything else. When it comes to the doors of your home, any lighting at all is better than no lighting. If a burglar sees lights around your home, chances are he’ll move on. If the lights are off however, the burglar will more than likely proceed as planned.

If you own a garage, you should always use an automatic garage opener. Once they have been activated, most will automatically turn on the lights. Your carport is also important to safety. If you are going to be away from home, you should always make sure that the leave the light on your carport on. You can also use motion detected lights as well. When these lights detect any type of movement, they will automatically turn on – which could easily startle a burglar.

For the exterior of your home, motion detected lights are the way to go. If you have a large backyard, you should always make sure that you use motion detected lights. To be on the safe side, you can always connect an alarm to the lights. This way if someone was to move through your yard, the lights would sound the alarm. Burglars don’t like alarms and they will normally flee the instant they hear an alarm sound.

If you are planning to use motion sensors in your front yard, you should make sure that you have planned the locations carefully. People walking by the sensor or kids playing nearby can easily trigger it. When you set the motion sensors up you should always make sure that you hook lights up to them as well. This way, those in your family will know where the motion detectors are and they can easily avoid them.

Having the right amount of lighting around your home will go a long way in keeping your family safe. Burglars don’t like to be around light, which is why it is so very important. If you don’t have a lot of lights around your home, you should do something about it. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy – all you need is enough lighting to make sure that a burglar thinks twice about breaking into your home.

Four Basic Types of Photography Lighting and Their Conventional Usage and Constraints

Lighting "maketh a photograph" - a very true and true to life statement, just as "clothes maketh a man"! Consequently if you are a photographer the importance of correct photography lighting techniques need not be overemphasized. 

Light effects create prize winning photographs that the great connoisseurs of art crave for. The most relevant topic in photography is type of lighting and how to use it for the best possible result in your photographs. To make the subject easier we shall discuss four basic types of lighting and their conventional usage and constraints.

1. Back Lighting

One of the most popular forms of artistic photography is done through back lighting the objects. It can also be a constraint in case of normal photography when one wishes to capture lighting effects along with the subjects of the photographs like humans or other objects. Perfect photography lighting techniques are to be used in case you wish to capture the breathtaking effect of sunrise and sunset say on a beach with human subjects taking in that natural view! Of course, if one wants to take a silhouette and create a lasting effect it is necessary to compose the picture without any form of filters or flash photography. In contrast if one desires the entire composition to be evenly lit it is advisable to use fill flash equipment. 

2. Side Lighting

One of the most common and popular artistic photography methods of illuminating the subject, object, and the background to give really stunning effects! Many systems are possible and these photography lighting techniques can offer a true art form when properly implemented. Half lit and half dark (kind of eclipse effect!) photographs give uncanny but thrilling effects to your hobby. Allowing light to fall from the side and casting a shadow on the opposite side can enhance features if a close up is contemplated. Special portraits are taken with side lighting to emphasize the right or left features of a human form and give depth to an object like flower vases, round objects etc. Photography lighting techniques using the side illumination effect are used for depicting texture and somehow also gives a three dimensional effect.

3. Artificial Lighting

Most indoor photography is carried out with artificial lighting and in this art form - the sky is the limit! Your passport or marriage proposal photograph is normally taken in artificial light. However, for artistic photography, artificial light needs to be well arranged to avoid undesirable effects such as red eye, yellow tinge, and a harsh environment.

4. Diffused Lights

Most important and most natural photography lighting techniques are with the use of diffused light systems. For many photo compositions it is necessary to avoid direct light from falling on the subjects or objects. In case of outdoor photography one must choose the right time of day to take a snap. Sunrise, sunset and mid day sunlight can be too harsh for a proper picture to be snapped. The use of suitable filters is advised to avoid hot spots and create a mush smoother lighting effect.

Though there are many other photography lighting techniques available in the market, the above four basic systems give a fair idea on the effect of illumination in the photographic profession.

How to Choose the Best Outdoor Lighting for Your Grill Deck?

There are a number of attractive outdoor lighting grill decks available today; all you have to do is first choose the type of lighting you want and then evaluate the different brands in order to select one that is most appropriate. Often times, the choice may be restricted to a particular brand or shape. The choice will surely settle on the product that adds luster to the grill deck, and which suits the budget as well.

The outdoor lighting grill deck gives an added dimension, and if the lights are placed strategically, they can help in setting the mood and prove to be safer as well as help to focus attention on the grill deck. This is important because grill decks are becoming more popular every day, and they are essential to entertaining guests as well as for relaxation. They are becoming an extension of the indoor living area while also blending style with proper finish.

Outdoor lighting grill decks help in focusing attention on the outdoor space such as trees, shrubs or flower beds and you can choose from coach lights, flood lights, down lights and up lights. As far as design considerations of the outdoor lighting grill deck is concerned you can choose from antique bronze finish, coach lights with round or square styles, and finishes having patina that helps resemble an aged deck light.

Mounting Clamp and Flexible Arm

An attractive shape with low voltage will make for an appropriate outdoor lighting grill deck that will properly illuminate the food on the grill. It may need to have a universal mounting clamp and the arm should be flexible enough to attach to the gas or charcoal grill. What is important is that the illumination is powerful and it should have a good finish so that it makes the grill deck appropriately bright.

The outdoor lighting grill deck must complement the deck grill, which is a stylish as well as practical piece of equipment meant to last for a lifetime. It is usually a wonderful fixture ideally suited for the warm summer evenings. You may also need to decide whether to go in for low voltage, or high voltage outdoor lighting deck grill as the two have different plus points and negatives.

Low Voltage Bulbs

If you choose to have a low voltage option you may require a transformer, but it is at the same time safer and is also less costly while providing energy efficient service that costs less to operate. Finally, the twelve-volt bulbs last longer and are available in different wattage and colors options.

High Voltage Bulbs

If you go in for the high voltage bulbs for your outdoor lighting grill deck, there is no need for a transformer though it is not as safe especially near, or in a body of water. This option is also costlier and it uses up more energy while lasting for less time than the low voltage bulbs. Further, there is less variety available for this kind of bulb.

A Quick Guide on How to Buy Your Outdoor Lights

Its dusk and your outdoor party is just starting to get good. People are talking, laughing, and having a great time, yet with the sun going down, nobody can really see what the heck is going on and unfortunately, things are starting to get a little dangerous as people start tripping over each other. Instead of ruining the mood and heading indoors, just have some outdoor lamps in place that you can flip on to keep things rocking and rolling. However, you need to have them in place before your next party and here is a quick guide on how to buy yours. 

First off, you need to look at your space and determine where you need the lighting. Like, if you just need a little accent lighting to make things safe while walking around, or, maybe you want some lighting that makes it easy to eat dinner or play cards on your deck or patio. Whatever the case, there is one that is perfect for your space and two of the most common types of outdoor lamps to choose from include those of the standing floor variety and ones that are meant to be put on a table. The standing floor option can be between four to seven feet tall and is meant to be placed directly on the floor. A good spot for one of these would be in the corner of your deck or patio, but you could also place them wherever you like depending upon how you have your spaced laid out and where you need the light. The table top option is ideal for putting on a patio table in the middle of your space for those late night dinners or card games. You could also place then on any end table for a little accent lighting like mentioned earlier. Along with the two main types, there are also other styles including ones that you could attach right to the wall along with other ones that can be hung from an overhang or post. To see everything that is available, log onto the internet and check out the different online stores.  

Now on to step two and what you like. Outdoor lamps come in a wide variety of eye-catching styles and designs, which will enhance the overall appearance of your outdoor space. Some can feature very decorative designs that while others can be very plain and simple. For example, you could get one that has a base made to look like a tree to give your space a rustic feel or you could get one that features just a slender, metal base. Each is very beautiful in its own way and would complement any lamp shade very nicely. The lamp shades also are available in a number of styles as well, making it easy to find something that suits your style. The third and final step on finding some for your space is simply making the purchase, and before you jump in the car to head to the store, remember you can still hit the internet and shop there, which is a time saving option for any busy person. 

What makes outdoor lamps such a great buy, is that they are designed to withstand the elements. So, if you do not feel like bringing yours indoors, you do not have to because they can stay outside since they will not get damaged by the weather. When searching for yours, make sure that whatever you buy is described as being weather resistant, especially the fabric of the lamp shade. One of the best fabric options available is Sunbrella fabric, which is mildew resistant, water repellant, and resilient to fading. 

So, the next time you host an outdoor party, make sure you have a few fabulous outdoor lamps throughout your space. That way, when the sun starts setting you can just flip them on to keep the party going.

Top Benefits of Buying Solar Motion Lights for Your Home

Motion lighting is very convenient security platform for homes. Solar motion lamps take the benefits to the next level with more efficiency and reduced utility bills. 

Motion sensor lamps can be an excellent choice for your home. These lamps offer the security of having a bright light shine into the eyes of any would be intruder, thus deterring them from staying on your property. There are several different types of motion lamps available for the protection of your family and home, but the best option by far is to use solar motion lamps.

Solar power is a clean and ecologically sound alternative to electric, battery and other sources of power. There is no pollution produced, no non-renewable resources used, and it costs far less than other power sources. Even if you don’t choose to use solar power for all your household needs, you can still help the environment by choosing solar motion lamps. Every small bit of solar power used decreases the world’s usage of less ecological methods.

Solar motion lamps work by collecting solar power during the day through solar cells located on the light. This solar energy is used to recharge a battery (usually a NiCad rechargeable battery), which in turn powers the lamp at night. Some models of solar motion lamps include solar panels that are strong enough to collect energy even in overcast conditions, making the lamp even more useful. Motion lamps also have settings to customize. You can set the duration that the lamp shines when it detects motion (any where from .5 minute to three minutes), as well as being able to position it so that it can detect motion up to 90 feet away. The trigger for the motion lamp is a passive infrared motion detector that is safe for use around all people and animals, and does not require additional high tech equipment. You also have the choice of mounting your solar motion lamps on a post (this will be provided) or on the side of your house or garage.

Solar motion lamps usually use a strong LED lamp. LEDs are an excellent choice for solar lamps because they use far less power than traditional bulbs and halogen lamps. Motion lamps are built with weather resistant materials, so they can be left on your homes exterior in all types of conditions.

Solar motion lamps are an excellent way to keep your home and property safe from intruders and other problems, all while being cheaper and more “green” than other choices. If you need just one or many, the solar powered versions of motion lamps are the easiest choice for your lighting needs.

Learn and Understand About Digital Photography Lighting

When you are taking photos and the lighting conditions are perfect, then digital photography lighting is not a problem. Unfortunately, most of the time, the conditions are not ideal so photographers have to learn to use light to get the desired results. The first thing you want to be concerned with is the main source of light on your subject. Ask yourself questions such as where the light source comes from, do you require artificial light, is there enough natural light and will your tripod need stabilizing because of low light? You need to master digital photography lighting to get the clarity and detail in your image. Sometimes a flash is all you need, while other occasions require different lighting. Remember that a flash does not benefit all situations.

You do not want a flash to interfere artistically or socially, such as during someone’s wedding vows, as you will end up with a flat digital image. This occurs frequently on digital cameras with a built-in flash and they also only light the subject from the front. Because of this the digital photo depth is compressed, which really decreases and detracts from the digital image. One way to avoid this is by watching exactly where the light falls. Once you learn and understand about digital photography lighting, the task becomes easier as you learn exactly what does and does not work when using a flash. Use a higher ISO to help alleviate a low light problem - this is a sensor that is light sensitive - but remember that there is an increase in noise when using the ISO. Fortunately, some good software programs available on the market today do reduce the noise. Adjusting the ISO to a higher level also works great in situations where a flash is not acceptable, such as someone giving a speech, where a flash would be disruptive.

If you take many sports photographs, try experimenting with and without a flash and your camera settings, to learn what works best. A built-in flash is more effective up close, where an external flash is more powerful. Many sports stadiums remain well enough lit to take pictures without a flash and many do not allow a flash, because it distracts the competitors. One digital photography lighting technique that works well for taking still subjects in very low light is image stabilization. IS or image stabilization allows you to lower your shutter speed, which works great, but this is not suitable for fast-moving images. In any case, read your camera manual, as many digital cameras have a built-in mode for taking sports pictures. This controls the amount of light admitted, the ISO and the shutter speed, so you end up with the best photograph possible, under the lighting conditions you find yourself working in.

How to Create Some Wonderful Photographs With Artificial Lighting?

Photography is art. Individuals will spend hours in museums and galleries analyzing a person’s photographs for the meaning. Like painting photographs have a message, sometimes it will evoke sadness, happiness, a carefree attitude, and thought. There are many techniques a budding photographer will learn to evoke the emotions they desire. One such technique is using artificial lighting. Artificial lighting is not always as fun and easy as sunlight, but you can use it to create some wonderful photographs once you know how.

Indoor lighting is often fluorescent and tungsten bulbs. Tungsten bulbs are used by professional photographers, as “hot lights” because of the high temperature they produce. In photography it is important to understand the temperature scale in relation to the colors they will produce. A hot light will produce more red and reduce the blue. Firelight and candle light though not artificial can be used in doors to create shadows and depth.

When using indoor lights, specifically artificial light you will need to understand exposure. When you have less light it will take longer to expose the film to capture a photograph. Part of exposure is the angle. Lets talk about taking pictures in a museum. For instance I was in a museum with minerals behind glass and a woman made the statement if she took the picture nothing would come from it. This is not true. First in a darker room where you have direct light on the object you will not want to use the flash. The flash will bounce the light back at the picture. The next step is to get as close to the glass as possible. The third consideration is the angle. Taking the picture head on of the object will bounce the light and shadows about. You will need to angle the camera to the side or up from the ground to attain the photograph. If you do not have glass in the way the angle will still be important, especially when taking portraits. Shooting any subject head on is likely to create shadows and take away from the print. The best angle for shooting portraits is often up into the face.

When shooting faces or other objects you usually want a three dimensional contrast. You will need to search for the planes and contours of the subject, especially in portrait photography. The planes and contours will help you determine the angle you will shoot the subject from. The shadows will often provide the three dimensional contrast if you find the correct planes and angle to shoot from. This helps with pictures that you want to stand-alone.

Artificial lighting needs to be moveable. Just turning on your home lights will not give you the desired affect. Instead it can wash out the subject, place the light at the wrong angle, or create too much shadow in one area. You need to have lights set up on tripods to change the angle to suit your needs. Rooms are small which is one reason over head lights can either be too powerful or not direct enough. Following lighting tips will increase your photography skills. Most amateur photographers find taking a class on lighting and having a few books on the subject will help them learn proper lighting techniques. The reason for classes is to provide feedback. You may be happy with the shot, but suggestions can help you make the shot perfect in the future.

Artificial lighting has advantages over outdoor or natural lighting, but sometimes the picture turns out better with natural light. It might be a matter of preference or the desire of a client or subject for that matter. You never have artificial lighting outside for the most part; you usually rely on your camera flash to help with the picture quality. When you choose your lighting, look for the best lighting situation to enhance your subject and make your picture as natural as possible.

Important Tips on Using Light for Photography

Photography requires a few skills to make your prints look professional. One part of making a print professional is lighting. Lighting in photography takes a little planning and understanding of a few techniques. You best subject or object might not turn out that way if the proper light does not help to laminate the area. Below are a few tips on using light for photography.

First you must decide if you will use artificial or sunlight. If you are using sunlight you will rely on the Kelvin scale to determine the temperature of light and therefore the color of light. The color of light is important to maintaining the colors you see around you. For instance the warmer the light the redder the light will be, thus you may need to pick the time you will go out and shoot photographs. Outdoor lighting offers so many different times to take pictures depending on your need. 

Next a photographer needs to understand the sun’s color scale. Pictures tend to lead the viewer towards certain feelings; often softer colors evoke more emotion. So understanding the suns impact on the colors will help you find the correct time of day. The sun evokes blue hues in the morning hours, while closer to noon you will find more neutral colors. The neutral colors can take away some of the definition you want in your print. Knowing how you want to shot the picture will also help you determine when you wish to take the shot.

When using natural light you will need to work with the angle and direction of the sunlight. If the sunlight is broad and diffused you will have softer shadows while the more narrow the light is focused the more shadow you can create. Often at noon when the sun is in mid arc you lose definition of the subject. The subject could look grainy. This is why shadow is used; the shadows can give you more quality to the print if used correctly. This adds to the beauty of your pictures. 

You can also modify sunlight through certain techniques. Modifying sunlight when taking portraits outdoors requires the use of a background. You may wish for a breath taking landscape that will provide more composition to the photo. You may need to block the sun if it interferes with you or your subject’s sight. You might also bring in a white surface to fill the shadows. Landscape photography requires less work than usually natural light for portraits. In fact using natural sunlight for landscape photography without modifications can yield you a better photograph.

Landscape photography uses nature to provide the light and shadows. This is why you need to understand the light scale and temperature. Time is the most important aspect of using sunlight. To understand natural lighting you need to understand the affects the sun will have at certain times of the day. For instance if you are in a thickly vegetative forest the sunlight will have difficulty streaming in unless it is over head. You will have natural shadows in the forest and remember you can move around your subject to find the best angle with the sun.

Photography is an art that requires techniques and practice. Lighting is a major part of photography, especially when you are using natural light. Sunlight can bring plenty of shadows or take them away depending on the time of day. Knowing the best time to take a photograph depends on the sun’s angle. Photography is an interesting hobby and profession when practiced properly will give you plenty of prints for your home and others.

Whether you are a professional or a novice photographer, you want to produce some exquisite pictures with the proper lighting. With this in mind, choose your lighting according to your needs and the needs of your subject or object. Your pictures will be delightful with brightness when you use the best lighting situation.

Easy Lighting Hacks for Better Nature Photos

Lighting is one of the most important factors in taking photographs of natural subjects. Unlike with studio shots where you control the lights and the shadows, taking photos outside is a little bit more complicated. In addition to not being able to control your subject, you also have to take into consideration the elements especially the lighting.

Of course for the seasoned photographer, natural light is no longer a hindrance. In fact, most photographers use light to create great effects and put color into an otherwise drab picture. Hence there are photos that play up the shadows or those that capture the different colors of the sky. This is especially true with landscape shots or those that capture flowers and other objects in the environment.

Light can have a lot of sources. In the morning, there is the sunlight while in the evening, there is the moonlight. There is also what photographers call the natural light, which is not as direct as the two previously mentioned. One can use any of these sources of light. The trick is to know how to use it by angling the camera and the subject to achieve the exposure that you want.

This is often done by studying the effect of the light and its corresponding shadows to your subject. For instance, if you want a more dramatic effect, some photographers will use shadows as their main light instead of the natural light.

There are four main directions that photographers must learn in order to take advantage of the light outside. Overhead light for instance has high contrast and harsh shadows. This is achieved when the light is directly above the subject like when it is noontime. Using lights at the front will result with a flat shot.

This is usually seen with shots that use flash in the camera. Often, pictures shot in this direction will lack depth and dimension. Light at the back, on the other hand, may require an additional fill or reflector at the back to bring out the color of the subject. Often, with a light at the back, the shadows may ruin the photo.

Shooting with the light at the side is perhaps the most recommended when it comes to the direction as this will bring out the texture and the shape of the subject that one is using. For instance, with a light on the side, there will be parts that will be highlighted and parts that are not.

Questions and Answers on Lighting

What are the different types of lighting?

The different types of lights are incandescent, tungsten-halogen, compact fluorescent lamps, tubular fluorescent fixtures, and HID (high-density discharge).

• Incandescent lights have a relatively short life. They can only withstand between 1000 and 3000 hours of continuous use. They are also the least efficient source of regular lights.
• Tungsten-halogen are lights that belong to category of incandescent lamps. They have become gradually popular in recent years. They generate a white light with more intense standards.
• Dense florescent lights are a kind of fluorescent light but generate color more similar to some incandescent lamps. They combine the standard features of other lights.
• Tubular fluorescent lights are in tubular shape. They have a smaller diameter but are more efficient compared to other lights. They have a magnetic ballast that the lightning features depend upon.
• HID is a type of light that has a high output of light. Its components are mercury, metal halide, vapor and high pressure of sodium lighting.

What are the different kinds of fixtures?

An extensive diversity of fixtures is available for different purposes. In general, fixtures are practical, versatile, presentable, and durable to make the interior design colorful.

The three main groups of fixtures are end piece fixtures, ceiling lights fixtures, and landscape fixtures.

• End piece fixtures have a design to work with solid standard cable wire.
• Ceiling light fixtures are handled with modified cable with larger diameter and capacitors.
• Landscape fixtures are used for giving colors and additional attraction for the background of landscape.

What is a fluorescent light?

A fluorescent light produces energy from the atom. It is composed of many small particle pockets that expand to cause momentum. The basic unit of lights in fluorescent is “light photons.”

Atoms discharge light photons when the electrons heat up. The electrons travel around certain orbit to increase the net charge and produce energy levels. After that light is produced from the nucleus.

What is incandescent light?

Incandescent lights produce light by a shimmering filament. The filament is heated by white-hot electric current. Incandescence is the light-giving method. A glass container or lamp encloses the bulb.

It normally has a vacuum with a low-pressure to produce oxidation of filament with a high temperature.

What is halogen?

Halogen can provide brilliant illumination by the use of electric current to heat the filament of metal and tungsten until it burns. Halogen has a filament inside a container or envelope.

A halogen lamp works much the same way as an incandescent lamp. On the other hand, the chemical reactions between halogen lamps are proficient and brighter than incandescent lamps.

How to Use Natural Light in Taking Photographs of Natural Subjects?

Lighting is one of the most important factors in taking photographs of natural subjects. Unlike with studio shots where you control the lights and the shadows, taking photos outside is a little bit more complicated. In addition to not being able to control your subject, you also have to take into consideration the elements especially the lighting.

Of course for the seasoned photographer, natural light is no longer a hindrance. In fact, most photographers use light to create great effects and put color into an otherwise drab picture. Hence there are photos that play up the shadows or those that capture the different colors of the sky. This is especially true with landscape shots or those that capture flowers and other objects in the environment.

Light can have a lot of sources. In the morning, there is the sunlight while in the evening, there is the moonlight. There is also what photographers call the natural light, which is not as direct as the two previously mentioned. One can use any of these sources of light. The trick is to know how to use it by angling the camera and the subject to achieve the exposure that you want.

This is often done by studying the effect of the light and its corresponding shadows to your subject. For instance, if you want a more dramatic effect, some photographers will use shadows as their main light instead of the natural light.

There are four main directions that photographers must learn in order to take advantage of the light outside. Overhead light for instance has high contrast and harsh shadows. This is achieved when the light is directly above the subject like when it is noontime. Using lights at the front will result with a flat shot.

This is usually seen with shots that use flash in the camera. Often, pictures shot in this direction will lack depth and dimension. Light at the back, on the other hand, may require an additional fill or reflector at the back to bring out the color of the subject. Often, with a light at the back, the shadows may ruin the photo.

Shooting with the light at the side is perhaps the most recommended when it comes to the direction as this will bring out the texture and the shape of the subject that one is using. For instance, with a light on the side, there will be parts that will be highlighted and parts that are not.

Kitchen and Cabinets Lighting Ideas

Kitchen lighting

Kitchen lighting is a form of home lighting specifically for the functional purpose of a kitchen. In the kitchen several requirements need to be met and these must be aided by precise lighting. Thus kitchen lighting is mostly task lighting and ambient lighting and less of decorative lighting. Good kitchen lighting, from an aesthetic and functional standpoint, incorporates both ambient and task lighting.

From the perspective of a professional lighting designer, the kitchen is one of the more interesting and versatile projects one can tackle. Filled with numerous nooks and crannies, cabinets and appliances, shelves and other specialized areas such as islands, kitchens can present more lighting challenges than any other room in your home.

Start with the task areas. These are best lit with bright, shadowless light. Fluorescent tubes are particularly well suited for this. You want to get the fixture close to the task area so as to get maximum light concentrated on the area you wish to work. In kitchens this would be counters, sinks, and tables. Spot lights and directional lights also provide task lighting in kitchens. For pantries or other closets, small Under Cabinet Lights provide good illumination. They can be mounted inside the closet above the door header to provide glare free lighting on the closet contents.

Ambient light is the general, overall light that fills in shadows, reduces contrast, and lights vertical surfaces to give the space a brighter feel. Fluorescent tubes are well suited to the job of providing ambient light. They provide broad, even illumination and their efficiency makes it possible to fill the space with light without turning it into an oven. Incandescent down lights are more dramatic and give a brilliant white light but require several fixtures to avoid shadows in a kitchen.

Direct lighting is achieved by using conventional recessed lights, surface lights or light fixtures that are on a pendant or chain. These types of lights work well to provide bright lighting for work surfaces and general purpose lighting in the kitchen area. Rope lighting and small recessed lights are budget friendly.

Add a layer of accent lighting. You may be lighting artwork, architectural details, collectibles, or a food presentation area.

Kitchen occupancy sensors can be used in place of expensive complicated 3-way switches in kitchens with multiple entrances. If the sensors can "see" all the entrances from their mounting location, they will turn on the lights automatically whenever anyone enters the room from any direction.

The importance of kitchen lighting is often overlooked. The traditional kitchen has been replaced by a modern one where people interact in quietude over the counter. Thus kitchen lighting is evolving with the needs of modern households.

Cabinet lighting

Make your cabinet attractive as never before: 

When it comes to interior, cabinet décor is a matter of high attention as beautiful cabinets make the place more attractive specially kitchen. Normal type of lighting has a problem of shadows and reflections and it hampers the quality of light. There are under cabinet and cabinet lightings having different types of uses and specialties. Cabinet lighting has a variety of old and new-fashioned lights with a great variety. Polished with brass and silver the lights look more attractive and they make the cabinets look brighter. These days there are a lot of lights having a great finishing touch with a variety of colors. There is a great lighting including ambience lights and halogen lights that are used for enhancing the quality of cabinet brightness.

Types of cabinet lighting: 

The types of lights depend upon brightness, consumption of voltage, color and temperature. There are some adjustable lights that can be moved in a full circular motion. Some people have a problem of heat from the lighting so for them lights with an effect of florescence can be of a great use. Like the halogens radiate heat and create a problem for the people who cannot sustain heat these are a convenient option. There are some lights that have a brightness adjustment effect and they are very useful in each time of the day. Another good point is efficiency of energy and flickering free technology that can cut down maintenance cost. The life of lamps is more due to usage of xenon and hence they are worth of their price.  

Usage of cabinet lighting: 

Most of the cabinet lighting is used fro display of things or to provide a sufficient amount of light for normal working. Most of them are used in the office for desktops, at hospitals, studying rooms or library, bathroom closets, bedroom shelves, nooks and corners along hallways and stairways, living rooms, family rooms and anywhere else where a little brightness is required. For the kitchen installation one thing should be kept in mind that it should be in front or near the cabinet. It will be beneficial for providing the exact amount of required light with an added elegance of brightness to the kitchen cabinet. Hence by the usage of these tips you can enhance your cabinets.

How to Buy the Right Combination of Lighting for Your Home?

This guide aims to inform you on different aspects of lighting to help you buy the right combination of lighting for your home. Each one of us has individualistic taste that reflects our lifestyle and preferences. When it comes to lighting, few of us pay attention to details, whereas a thoughtful approach can help you bring to life your very own home in ways that add drama and ambience to any space just the way you imagine, right out of the home decor books.

Start with a realistic list of the lighting fixtures you need. With lighting, you need to look beyond the trend, for you don’t want to buy a fashionable lamp only to change it one year down the line. Work on the list with emphasis on,

- Interior lighting: Living room, Bathroom, Study room, Bed rooms

- Outdoor Lighting: Home & Garden Lighting

Before you decide how much you want to spend. A good lighting plan will,

• Highlight and illuminate 

• Improve on poorly lit areas 

• Bestow a room with desired ambiance 

• Personalize and enhance safety and security 

Once you have rescheduled your list and prioritized areas, you would exactly know where you stand. Maybe you are looking for complete lighting make-over or installations. Or perhaps, you would like to do it in stages, starting with the high-priority list. Here are some of the known lighting solutions, segregated for your convenience,

Ceiling: Ceiling lights and lights above can add a great deal of charm and elegance to a room.

Ceiling fixtures: Ceiling fixtures are not just decorative; they can be used to highlight important areas in the kitchen, bathroom to the ceiling. You can find ceiling light fixtures in different shapes and sizes to fill the platter. 

Pendant lights: Unlike fixed ceiling lights, pendants are hanging lights suspended from the ceiling. You can create the most interesting impressions with pendant lighting.

Low lights: Fixed directly in the ceiling, recessed lights can be used as spotlights in all rooms.

Track lighting: Track lighting consists of a light or series of lights mounted to a metal track. Just move, swivel, or rotate a light to suit your immediate lighting needs.

Wall Lamps: For highlights and accents, wall lights come in handy to add softer shades to a room decor. They can be practically used anywhere, from living area to bathroom. Indirect lighting decorates a wall space, and when used intelligently can offer the most intriguing combination of art and decor themes. When used in bathroom, you can highlight the areas you wish, like above a mirror, and opt for a shade to minimize the glare. There are great modern and combination wall lights available for a variety of interior settings like,

Wall-mounted fixtures: Wall sconces can be fixed to walls. Used to highlight paintings, art work and other decor areas, they illuminate the surface of a wall and add a touch of sophistication..

Swing-arm lamps: For study and work, swing-arm lamps offer utility and function.

Table Lamps: Table lamps, desk lamps or task lamps serve well in the study room. Used to highlight specific work areas, you get a wide variety right from architects lamps, task light, bankers lamp, dimmable and adjustable desk lamps that can swivel and swing and can be used for a variety of functions.

Floor Lamps : While buying floor lamps, you may want to ask a few questions,

1) What is the purpose of the lamp (aesthetic, functional or highlighting specific areas or a combination of all)

2) What is the styling theme at your home? Does the lamp compliment the theme?

3) What is the ideal material: Glass, steel, paper, wood, bamboo, bronze? 

Types of Floor Lamps:

a) Console Floor Lamp: It is a classic design with a single pole and a glass or cloth globe.

b) Tree lamp: Used to highlight different areas, a tree floor lamp has a central pole and have three or more branches.

c) Arc Lamps: Aesthetic and modern, it can just stand as a statement or be used to highlight specific areas .

d) Torchiere/Torch Lamps: Designed to highlight and focus on light upwards, this light offers a great ambience. 

Outdoor Lamps : Outdoor lighting is equally crucial to highlight important zones for safety and security as well as to provide right amount of illumination for outdoor life. Here are some important types of lights:

Path lamps: Important to highlight walking path that leads to home, the lighting is used to line up a path.

Light lamps: Useful in patio and outdoor areas, you can hang them on the wall next to the front door, or in an open entrance, or outside the house on walls that lead to the garden.

Floodlights: You can highlight any favorite area like sitting area in the garden, or a great looking plant for outdoor theme.

String lights: String lights are festive lights but can bring a new dimension even if you light them on a tree or a path during outdoor parties or to highlight trees and shrubs.

Lanterns: Offering an interesting contrast to modern decor, you can light up lanterns to highlight the yard, lobby, backyard, entryway, or driveway.

How to Build a Solar Power Lighting System?

From the first time I saw, first hand, a solar cell making electricity, I was hooked. It was magnetic. I was going to have one, making electricity for me, one day. I didn't get around to trying it, until about 1979. I ordered $400.00 worth of solar cells from a company in California. I made a makeshift solar panel with them, which worked for a while.

Much later, in 1993, I tracked down a company in Calgary, who sold solar panels. I bought 1 for about $500.00. It was about the size of a large beach towel. It was blue in color and was mounted inside an aluminium frame. My first attempt at making a solar power lighting system worked but wasn't very efficient. I used a little incandescent bulb from a reading lamp hooked up to a car battery, that was charged by the solar panel. I mounted the solar panel in the most sunny window I had to put it in. At that time there weren't compact florescent light bulbs. I liked that solar panel so much that I bought 3 more like it from the same company. Each panel made about 50 watts in direct sunlight.

A solar cell reacts with sunlight making a positive and negative charge. When you link the two charges by attaching a wire to both ends of the solar cell, charged electrons move along the wire, and an electric current flows. When the cells are joined together, to increase the voltage and amperage, you have made a solar panel. So all this makes the electricity your light uses.

Once you have the electricity, you have to store it somewhere, or use it right away. Since the whole point of a light is to use it in the dark, and solar panels only work in sunlight, you need a battery, to store the electricity until you are ready to turn the light on.

To keep the electricity in the battery while the solar panel is connected, a diode is used. A diode is an electronic device which only allows direct current to travel in one direction. If the current tries to go in the other direction, then the diode stops it. This happens when a big dark cloud moves in front of the sun. Your panel makes so little power the battery has more voltage push, than what is coming from the panel. So the voltage from the battery tries to send current out from the battery. We want the battery to charge, and not waste the electricity until we turn on the light.

To use the direct current electricity in a battery, to run an alternating current or household current compact florescent light, you need to convert the electricity from the battery, to the kind of electricity the light will use. This device is called an inverter. It makes AC electricity out of DC electricity. The inverter is connected to the battery and the power cord from the light is plugged into the inverter.

When you switch your light on, you are using the power from the sunlight captured during the day time. The advantage of using compact florescent light bulbs is that they are very energy efficient, using little electricity, and giving out the same amount of light used by a 60 watt regular light bulb. You make your own power and don't care if the power from the electric company goes off. Your lighting system will still work.

Learn About LED Strip Lighting

The power and strength of LED strip lighting emanates from LED lighting lamps whose revolutionary approach to illumination will soon change the entire lighting industry. LED lighting lamps utilize semiconductors and diodes to produce low voltage lighting with minimal heat. LED lighting lamps consume far less energy than any other form of light bulb, and with reduced heat they offer little, if any, fire hazard and no damage to their immediate environment. Phantom’s LED lighting lamp technology offers the best and most technologically sophisticated value for task and aesthetic lighting needs of both residential and commercial clients.

Phantom strip lighting employs LED lamps that operate for up to 50,000 hours and produce ZERO UV rays. Patrons of the art find LED lighting lamps the optimal solution to the problematics of heat and UV radiation that can damage oils and canvases. They especially appreciate the added value of longer burn time, as LED’s do not have filaments that emit heat. LED lighting lamps feature an on board heat sink to dissipate heat and extend lamp life. LED technology offers backward compatibility benefits as well. LED’s can be used as replacement lamps for any lighting strip operating at 12V. Their miniature size and high output diodes benefit users with maximized effects and reliable performance. Virtually maintenance free and requiring only rare replacement, they continue to rise to preeminence as the favored lighting technology of designers, manufacturers, and contractors.

Phantom Lighting uses the finest light emitting diodes on the market with tight lumen output and color binning that produces up to five times the output of typical festoon lamps. LED lighting lamps are available in four color temperatures: 2950K, 3500K, 5000K, and 6500K, each with specialized application to task, functional, aesthetic, and commercial lighting needs. 2950K LED lighting lamps produce levels of brightness comparable to 7-watt incandescent festoon lamps up to 42 lumens. Our 6500K LED lighting lamps produce up to 50 lumens and produce a level of brightness and clarity that commercial and retail establishments find equal, if not superior, to more costly halogen and fluorescent light sources. Phantom strip lighting clients range from commercial entities such as jewelry storeowners, industrial manufacturing facilities, fine art galleries, on to residential arenas such as private art collections, bookshelf and fine furniture lighting, and task lighting for work areas and kitchens.

If technology continues to evolve at its current pace, LED lighting lamps may soon replace all other forms of lighting. As energy prices continue to fluctuate problematically, the cost effectiveness of low-voltage lighting is readily apparent as an energy saver. Furthermore, as environmental awareness mounts worldwide, gasless lighting offers a “green” alternative to toxic gases used in older technologies. Reduced risk of fire hazard, lower maintenance costs, and longer burn time per unit offer added value to LED lamp lighting-all of which translates into reduced overhead and superior illumination throughout both industrial and commercial markets.

LED Lights - Welcoming the Era of Next-Generation Indoor And Outdoor Lighting

Light Emitting Diode or LED lighting has been in existence for many years, mainly in niche applications like small trinkets and indicator lighting. However, due to LED lighting being highly energy efficient, not to mention technologically superior over other light sources such as incandescent and fluorescent lighting, it is forecasted to reach beyond electronic applications into commercial and home LED lighting as well. In a recent report by Global Industry Analysts it is predicted that the market for fluorescent and LED lighting could climb to $97 billion by 2010. The spike in growth would be mainly from construction and industrial development industries.

As more individuals become aware of the energy efficiency of LED lighting, the price of such items as LED bulbs will decrease in price. Currently, the price of one LED bulb is substantially higher than the price of incandescent or fluorescent lighting. However, the initial price for LED bulbs would more than pay for itself in the long run. On average, one incandescent 60-watt bulb lasts 1,000 hours whereas one 2-watt LED light bulb lasts 60,000 hours. Therefore, one would need to purchase 60 incandescent bulbs for every one LED light bulb.

Home LED lighting is a cut above the rest when it comes to energy efficiency. As compared to incandescent lighting, LED lighting wins hands down where energy consumption is concerned. For every 60,000 hours of usage, incandescent lighting uses approximately 3,600 kWh of electricity where LED lighting uses 120 kWh. Bottom line: energy efficiency equals a significant cost savings. LED lighting gives off directional light. Therefore, it is useful as a source of light for reading or spotlighting in the home. Its powerful light output also makes it great for outdoor floodlighting and path illumination. LED bulbs are now available that can replace most halogen or fluorescent light bulbs used in the home.

Although LED lighting may not be useful for all home lighting needs, replacing a few bulbs with LED bulbs would have a noticeable affect in the amount of electricity used.

LED light displays are already used in signs and videos in many indoor and outdoor sporting events and concerts. LED video displays and signs are often preferred because of their higher brightness, which is critical when people are viewing a sign or video from a long distance. Added advantages of LED video displays are their capacity to incorporate curves and 3-D design. This makes LED video displays technologically superior to currently available large screen displays. Research and developers in the consumer electronics space are eager to take advantage of this overwhelmingly useful technology in future products.

Other uses for LED lighting include LED flashlights and key chains, automobile taillights and interior lights, and LED based projection televisions. LED lighting is also being used in the military for LED flashlights that work with night-vision goggles, UV-LED canteen water treatment devices and the sterilization of surgical equipment.

With LED lighting being more energy efficient and technologically superior to many other light sources, numerous LED light applications are sure to evolve. Future generations can expect to consider LED lighting as the standard light source for most lighting applications.

Assessment of Compressive Attributes of LED Lighting

The appeal of using LEDs in lighting applications is growing rapidly. The numerous and significant benefits of using modules that incorporate a matrix of LEDs are being recognized by design engineers in several key industry sectors, including aerospace, architectural lighting, and the “golden egg” automotive market.

Attributes such as design flexibility, low power consumption, even and reliable light, and long lifetime distinguish LED modules from designs based on traditional filament lamps and fluorescent tubes. LEDs can also have knock-on benefits, such as greatly reducing the size and complexity of the module and simplifying the lens design.

A good example of some other benefits of LED lighting is demonstrated by an application in the cabin of a passenger aircraft. A retrofit LED unit that replaced a fluorescent-tube lighting module enabled finely controlled dimming and also provided mood lighting through the use of differently coloured LEDs.

Thermal management

Perhaps the most challenging issue when realizing a module design that uses LEDs is to manage the temperature of individual device junctions during normal operation. If the considerable amount of heat produced by all the devices in a module is not managed correctly then the junction temperatures may reach a level where the LEDs’ expected life is shortened and reliability is compromised.

LED modules typically comprise a matrix of many surface mount devices. These LEDs are soldered to an etched copper layer that provides the interconnects between the individual LEDs as well as other passive and active components that are required to complete the circuit. The small size of the LEDs and the close proximity with which they can be mounted means that designers have a huge amount of design freedom and can achieve complex lighting patterns with high levels of brightness.

The etched copper circuit is separated from a base plate – usually made of aluminum – by a thermally efficient, electrically isolating dielectric material. The characteristics and capabilities of the dielectric layer are key to the design flexibility and performance of the overall module.

Dielectric materials are made by blending thermally efficient materials such as alumina and boron nitride with other ingredients, to provide a flexible yet resilient coating on the base plate. An important characteristic of the dielectric layer is the amount of electrical isolation it provides between the copper on the topside and the metallic base plate on the underside. This is known as its dielectric strength. A typical dielectric material may possess a dielectric strength of around 800 V/mil and be coated onto the base plate to a thickness of 8–12 mils (1 mil = 1 inch–3 = 25.4 µm).

Dielectric materials used on insulated metal circuit boards usually have a thermal conductivity figure in the region of 3W/mK. This is approximately 10 times the performance achieved by FR4 (flame retardant woven glass reinforced epoxy resin) PCB material. 

A further key requirement of the dielectric layer is to be able to compensate for the different coefficients of thermal expansion of the copper track on the topside of the assembly and the aluminum base plate/heat spreader on the bottom side. 

Going three-dimensional

Flat sheets of insulated metal circuit board comprising copper foil, a dielectric layer and an aluminum base plate have been available for several years. In the eyes of the forward-thinking LED module designer, the main problem has been that flat sheets of insulated metal circuit board limit them to 2D shapes.

To address these limitations, new dielectric materials are becoming available that have a low modulus, meaning that they are compliant with mechanical stress and strain. These materials not only accommodate the coefficient of expansion of the metal elements of the construction, but also enable parts to be formed into right angles, and even through 360 degree. This enables designers to realize complex-shaped designs and ones that form a complete circle with either internal or external copper traces.

When designing with new, formable insulated metal circuit board materials it is possible to route the tracks around corners, which alleviates the need to use connectors and hard wiring. There are several benefits to this, including enhanced reliability resulting from having fewer junctions and interconnects. Despite the slightly higher cost of the new materials, the overall cost is reduced because fewer components are needed, and assembly time is reduced.

Strength and durability

LEDs themselves are inherently durable. Mounting them on metal based circuit boards only serves to enhance their robustness and that of the finished module, providing excellent resistance to vibration and mechanical shock. 

Automotive lighting clusters provide a good example of how LED modules can provide superior performance compared with traditional filament lamps. On-vehicle applications experience high levels of vibration and wide operating temperature ranges that can cause premature failure of filament lamps. In some operating conditions LEDs can last up to 100,000 hours, which means that they should not require any attention for the life of the vehicle. 

The long life of LEDs also simplifies the designers’ task because it is less important to make the lighting module accessible for servicing in the finished product. This can result in a neater, more integrated installation and also in potential cost savings.

Temperature modelling

Thermal analysis software packages are available to help prove LED based module designs before they are committed to manufacture.

These software packages gather data from an integrated database about LED performance and specifications along with those of other devices that are mounted on the insulated metal circuit board. This data is combined with other information about elements of the design, including the copper traces, power and ground planes, and vias. The collated information is then processed to produce an accurate representation of the thermal performance of the design. 

User-friendly graphical representations of the results enable the design engineer to quickly pinpoint areas that may require attention, right down to component and track level. 

Thermal analysis software can bring significant commercial and design benefits by helping speed the time to market and reducing the number of iterations needed to reach a production-ready solution.

Important Things to Consider When Remodeling Your Kitchen

Kitchen remodeling; each year millions of homeowners do it. Are you looking to become one of those homeowners?  Whether you are looking to remodel every square inch of your kitchen or just part of it, there is a decent chance that you may be in the market for new kitchen lights. The lighting found in a kitchen has a significant impact on the room’s overall atmosphere. That is why many homeowners, when remodeling their kitchens, make the decision to change their kitchen light fixtures.

If you are interested in replacing your kitchen lights, you will find that you, literally, have an unlimited number of different options. Kitchen lights, as well as their fixtures, come in a number of different sizes, shapes, and styles. Honestly, there are some many different kitchen light fixtures to choose from, you may have a difficult time making up your mind. Despite having a difficult time making a decision, it is important that you do. As previously mentioned, the lighting in a room has a significant impact on the overall quality of that room, as well as how you may feel while inside of it. That is why it is important that you take time to research all of your choices, so that you can make the perfect selection.

One of the most popular types of lights for the kitchen are ceiling lights. Ceiling lights are light fixtures that are attached right to the ceiling. Although they are often known as the most traditional type of lighting for the kitchen, they can be anything but traditional. Whether you are shopping online or at one of your local retail stores, you should have access to hundreds of different light fixtures, many of which are ceiling lights. The cost of a ceiling light will all depend on which style you choose, but, in most cases, you will find that ceiling lights are the most affordable of all kitchen lights. If you are remodeling your kitchen on a budget, these types of lights may be best.

In addition to ceiling fans, hanging kitchen lights are quite popular. Hanging kitchen lights comes in two main styles, chandeliers or pendants. Pendant lighting fixtures are lights that hang down from the ceiling, often about a foot or more. Chandelier lights are a usually a collection of hanging lights that are all grouped together. When it comes to chandelier lights and pendant lights for the kitchen, you will often find that they are referred to as mini lights. This is because the larger size light fixtures are often too large to use in most standard kitchens.

In addition to the above mentioned kitchen light fixtures, you may also want to purchase lights that are known as under cabinet lights. Under cabinet lights are ideal for those who are looking for a quick snack in the middle of the night. If you are purchasing new kitchen cabinets, as part of your kitchen remodeling project, an under the cabinet light may be the perfect addition to your new cupboards. 

Whether you have decided that you would like to purchase a mini pendant light, a ceiling light, or a mini chandelier kitchen light, you will still need to choose the light that looks best in your kitchen. As previously mentioned, it may be a good idea to start shopping at one of your local home improvement stores, but if you are looking for a light fixture with a particular design, it may be best to shop online.

How to Improve Your Cabinet Kitchen Lighting?

Kitchen cabinets lights were once considered purely functional fixtures whose only purpose was to illuminate shelves and work areas beneath cabinets. This is beginning to change, however, as day’s larger homes and custom floor plans transform the traditional purpose and nature of the kitchen itself. 

Today’s kitchen has become more than a food storage and preparation area. It has now evolved into a central gathering place for any variety of home entertainment events. Kitchen cabinet lighting in this setting must meet more than base-level requirements to produce optimal visibility and comfort. It must address certain aesthetic concerns as well such as lighting color and brightness, color rendering of illuminated surface and interior design, and glare free light that will not hurt the eyes of homeowners and guests. 

Safety, energy efficiency, and ease of operability are also top concerns when choosing fixtures, as some under cabinet lighting fixtures should be left on throughout the night, and almost all cabinet shelves will have to be adjusted or removed for periodic cleaning.

Kitchen cabinet lights fall into two primary categories: in cabinet lights and under cabinet lights. In cabinet strip lights provide interior lighting for cubic space and shelving. Under cabinet lights provide task lighting for activities done underneath a cabinet, such as food preparation and after-dinner cleanup. 

Up until a few years ago, very specific types of kitchen cabinet lights were used for either in cabinet or under cabinet lighting needs. For most under the cabinet or task lighting applications, the puck light was a favorite fixture because it cast a bright circle of light onto the countertop that made it easy to see and work. When electric bills ran too high, fluorescent lamps were often substituted for pucks because of their lower heat output and power saving advantages. It was not uncommon in the 60’s, 70’s to see at least one fluorescent light over the stove.

However, due to more elaborate and ornate kitchen build outs, the dominance of puck and fluorescent under cabinet lights is no longer as absolute as it once was. This is because larger numbers of people are replacing generic  counter top materials with custom, more ornate granite and marble. This presents a new dynamic for cabinet lighting manufacturers because these surfaces are highly reflective. Kitchen cabinet lights must now shield the eyes from reflective glare in addition to providing the same levels of light as they did before. 

While it is true that most fluorescents are housed in frosted fixtures that minimize glare, they do not render color with enough detail to do justice to the subtle shades and variations that custom counter tops feature. Puck lights, with halogen lamps, render color better, but they are simply too intense and will almost always throw reflected light back into the eyes. 

In this type of setting, it is almost always better to go with custom cabinet lights in the form of linear strips. These fixtures add value through both their low profile design and the unique qualities of glare free light they produce as an accent lighting source.

Each custom lighting strip is custom fabricated to exact kitchen cabinet or shelf dimensions.  It is virtually invisible to the casual eye and features special shielding that reduces reflective glare to near-undetectable levels.

Linear strips, such as the ones manufactured by Phantom, accommodate a wide variety of festoon bulb options. A very popular bulb type for under cabinet kitchen lighting is xenon. Xenon low voltage lamps render colors at a level almost equivalent to that of sunlight. As a low voltage, dimmable lighting strip, it will bring out the subtlest red of granite and the multi-dimensional hues of marble like no other form of light—at a fraction of the cost of competing linear strip lights.

Linear strips fitted with incandescent festoons are ideally suited for interior kitchen cabinet shelf lighting. Incandescents produce the “whitest” form of light and make everything within the cubic interior of the cabinet clearly visible. Unlike puck lights, they consume virtually no cubic space within cabinets, leaving more room for storage and a more balanced presentation when the cabinet is opened in front of guests. 

Restaurants should consider retrofitting any existing kitchen cabinet lights strips with LED replacement festoon lamps. These lamps produce a lumens output equivalent to that of incandescent and fluorescents, but they use 80% less electricity. Although a restaurant kitchen requires little, if any, aesthetic consideration, employee comfort and cost consciousness are of vital importance. Fluorescents emit UV radiation that is never good for anyone’s eyes, and incandescent lights left on for long hours will result in expensive light bills. LED energy saving light bulbs are simply a good investment.

Replacing low voltage festoon lights with a one-time LED light bulb upgrade will bring immediate, recurring, monthly return on investment, and it will create a more comfortable working environment for cooks.

It is also good for residential homeowners to consider installing at least one LED kitchen under cabinet light as a cost-conscious safety measure. This eliminates the need to stumble through a dark kitchen to rely upon the refrigerator light as one’s sole source of illumination, and it adds a bit of comfort as well for the overnight guest who needs a midnight snack.

Essential Tips to Enhance Your Indoor Lighting

Nothing impresses us quite the way lighting does. And if you’re entertaining nothing could make your guests feel more welcome that the good lighting in you home. Create a warm and inviting feeling for your prestigious guests and let them also enjoy some good food and conversation. Designing with light has never been an easier task, and it is always enjoyable.

When is actually comes to villa lighting, the potentials are limited only by your imagination. A good lighting plan could help in making you villa more attractive by combining both style and function.

Few type of Indoor lighting are listed below:

Ambient Lighting

It provides overall lighting and a comfortable level of brightness, and allows you and your guests to see and move about safely.

Task Lighting

Task lighting helps you perform a precise activity, such as reading or playing games as well.

Accent Lighting

It creates an awesome mood and adds interest to a room by highlighting certain areas and objects, such as paintings, walls, and collectibles.

Decorative Lighting

It become essentials for chandeliers and candles

Tips for Dining Rooms

• Use more chandeliers or just one fixture to light the room.  Layer with light from a selection of sources to get the most flexibility required for creating special moods in the same room.
• Using dimmers and layering with light allows you to use the brilliant light you require while setting your table, and then carry the light down when your guests arrive.
• For a stylish setting, blend candlelight and lesser levels of electric light sources all over the room.  Dim every group of lights separately to make a variety of dining moods.

Tips for Living Rooms

• Use Layers of light, wall washers, down lights, and accent lights on dimmers to make a medley of possible effects – from spacious to intimate.
• Place light sources at a variety of heights within the room (ceiling, table, floor) to add image interest and human scale.
• Use translucent shades on table lamps to add to the ambient light level.

Tips for Kitchens

• Use White fluorescent bulbs to improve cool colors like gray and blue, use White bulbs to enhance warm colors like yellow, red, and beige or to balance wood cabinets.
• Try fluorescent under cabinet fixtures at the border of your cabinets to illuminate your workspace and decrease shadows in food preparation areas.
• Consider dense fluorescent down-lights for universal lighting to help reduce heat and electric bills.

Tips for Bedrooms

• Break the room into several zones by lighting and switch them separately, and then regulate accordingly for the mood you want to set.
• Provide light for reading by selecting swing-arm or flexible bedside lamps.
• Use night-lights to give guests the facility to see in the dark if they require getting up during the night.

Tips for Powder Rooms

• Place strip lights to either side of the mirror other than above to improve visibility and reduce shadows for shaving and applying make-up.
• Select a couple of decorative wall scones to flank the mirror in a powder room.
• To make the room more inviting, try to dim all incandescent and halogen sources and keep a candle burning.

When amusing family and friends at home, lighting for safety and security is forever a priority.  Keep these tips in mind as you believe how best to protect your home – and your guests – from accidents and crime.

How to Capture Light Effectively in Digital Photography?

Digital photography concerns photographs in hundreds of thousands, or millions of tiny square picture elements, "pixel." Computers and printers use these minute pixels to display photograph images. It's compared to a painter who dabs small bits of paint on subject he expressed in canvas.

Determining color and brightness is processed thru number-value counts of grid pixel from the digital photograph prints, after computer divides the screen and print page into grid pixels.  Controlling grid of each pixel this way is bit mapping, and "bit-maps" are the produced digital images.

Purchasing a digital camera starts to digital photography. Hundreds are available but the best digital cameras run down to a few top feature cost brands, guaranteed to produce best quality results with complete lighting kits.

Combining passion in portrait photography skills, computer software applications, and digital technology completes the elements of digital photography. Putting into photos the perfect touch of light distribution and color is essential to a successful print copy.

Taking pictures in most cases does not focus on the subject always. It's up for the photographer to apply a situation best suited to time and place of photo sessions.

Manipulating control of lights is done either ways: under the direct heat of the sun, or in the interior of a closed dark room. A seasoned digital photographer can do both, finishing photos of standard quality.

Capturing Light Effectively

1. Direct Sunlight

The mid-day sun creates shadows immediately underneath a certain subject. Set some modifications to control bright sunlight in facing the reality, you can't move the sun from its axis.

Dark shadows that bounce beneath developed the harsh "raccoon" image on the subjects' face, an ill effect-results of the whole process. If it can't be avoided, placing a reflectors underneath the subject's chin, takes instant neutralizing effects of unpleasant shadow, could lighten intensity.

Other reflectors could cause eyes to be watery.  Recourse is to use a white poster board also providing enough light to the shadowed face. Avoiding direct sunlight and be devoid from eye squinting that destroys beautiful facial expressions, is a shift to some shaded place with likewise shaded background. Bright backgrounds could result on the iris' automatically turning the subject to silhouette form in effort to compensate the bright effect of the sun.

2. Orange Color

The hues of dawn and near twilight, best "peak setting" in photography.  For best results in lighting about digital photos, do your shooting just after sunrise or just before sunset (at daytime and dusk, Orange disappears), when the color of orange around makes everything look better.

Your computer represents the dark room in digital photography, mediating to take the tasks necessary on adjustments you wish to achieve of images input after photograph sessions.

Necessitates cropping, working on brightness, contrast, and color adjustments.  You can add special effects in frames and shadowing to create a unique dimensional appearance, taught in multi-task image editing software.