There’s more than one way to light a row of palm trees

All the tropic vacation spots are loaded with palm trees, some indigenous and some trucked in for the design. One constant for many high-end spots is illuminating the trees at night. Well, there’s more than one way to light a row of palm trees … as shown here in these two examples.

palm trees illuminated at night
A row of palm trees lining a sidewalk at The Breakers in Palm Beach, FL. Larry Shapiro photo

This next image was created last year in Scottsdale, AZ.

palm trees illuminated at night
The main drive leading into The Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale, AZ. Larry Shapiro photo

Both images were created with long exposures which ruled out hand holding the camera. For the Florida image, the camera was on the ground and I used my wallet to raise the lens up for the perspective. The camera was on a tripod at eye level for the Arizona shot. Post production for both images did not involve enhancing or creating supplemental light. I guess the Arizona property gets the prize between these two for the most balanced and artistic lighting.