indica lovers

My first question is that is one about lighting a buddy of mine has a 400w MH
placed about a foot above rising flower tops. In our last grow the buds were significantly more fragrant at two weeks than now at 4 out of 10.Is placement of lamp related to terpene and terpenoid production?
Also This may sound like a dumb Q but do you guys start counting flo time by Photoperiod or appearance of pistils
My buddy is growing two superb strains specifically selected for anxiety relief to replace my buddies benzo habit. Keeping in mind he's a begginner he might appreciate some feedback
First pic is of his Purple Kush and Circle K mothers
Second is a cross between Purple Kush sr-71 strain and some excellent bagseed male genes dubbed Circle K. Current at f5 and ironing out some kinks this plant is amazing. spindly veg growth excellent for LST w/buds that seem to double in size every other day.
The last pic is a plant that has amazed us its a p. Kush that we continue to top until 4 uniform branches about 3 " in length then LST till flo

I always have counted flowering time from the time I switch the photo period. Tell your friend good luck with kicking the benzo habit. Been there myself.