Projector-lit landscapes

PREPARE YOUR CAMERA AND PROJECTOR TO SHOOT OUTDOORS AFTER DARK

Projector 1

Projectors, like the Optima model here, let you project images and videos onto any surface. When it comes to using them outdoors like this, the more powerful they are the stronger the reach will be. As well as being a great tool for creative photography, a projector can also showcase your finished images!

Projected image 2

Strong shapes, geometric patterns and contrasty photos tend to work best for this. Try projecting them onto different surfaces like trees, buildings and the ground. Look for scenes that have plenty of depth, with foreground and background details, as this can make the projected image look more interesting.

Laptop 3

You’ll need a laptop or phone to control the projected images. We had Photoshop running while we shot, so we could adjust images or tweak the zoom level on the fly, if need be. When using Photoshop you can hit Tab to hide all panels and F to toggle viewing modes, which gives you plain black around your image.

Camera angle 4

Experiment by offsetting the camera and projector slightly, as this skews the projected image in interesting ways. Don’t move them too far apart though. The further they are spaced, the less legible the projected pattern becomes, especially if – like here – the projection is aimed towards spaced-out details.

Darkness 5

The projected image will be too weak to register properly in daytime, so this shoot needs to be done in the dark, or after dusk, where you can try projecting silhouette shapes against the twilight sky. Keep a torch to hand and watch out for stray cables between the projector, laptop and power source.

Power source 6

You might have a perfect spot to try this out in the garden, but if you want to go beyond the reach of an extension cable you’ll need mobile power. A generator is ideal, but a cheaper option is a car battery inverter. This attaches to your car battery and lets you take your projector out on the road.