Soft lighting
What is soft lighting?
Soft lighting, refers to light that is diffused, spread out, and lacks harsh shadows. It’s often described as gentle, pleasing, and flattering, especially when used in photography and cinematography. Soft lighting is created by minimizing the contrast between light and dark areas of a given person or environment.
This type of lighting is characterized by its wide light source, which disperses light rays in multiple directions to reduce sharp lines and soften shadows. The result is a more evenly lit subject with less pronounced texture and detail.
Characteristics of soft lighting
Diffused shadows
One of the most noticeable characteristics of soft lighting is its diffused shadows. Unlike hard lighting, which creates sharp, defined shadows, soft lighting produces shadows with a gradual transition from light to dark. This makes a subject appear more three-dimensional and less flat.
Diffused shadows are particularly beneficial in videography and portrait photography, as they can help to hide skin imperfections and create a more flattering image.
Reduced contrast
As mentioned before, a key element of soft lighting is its reduced contrast. A photo or video with one light source will have definitively bright and dark areas in-frame. However, a light source that’s spread out and diffused will cut down on bright highlights and deep shadows. This creates a visual shot with a more balanced, even tone.
Reduced contrast can be advantageous in situations where you want to capture detail in both the bright and dark parts of an image. It can also create a more calming, serene atmosphere for photos, videos, or live streams.
Applications of soft lighting
Video production
Soft lighting is often used in videos where shots of people are an important part of their content. Vlogs or commentary videos make use of soft lighting to create a modest visual look that won’t distract the viewer or come off as jarring. Many business or marketing video productions also rely on soft lighting to create professional-grade content that visually makes a good impression. Using soft lighting in video productions creates a clear and even visual look that works well for general recording purposes.
Live streaming
Many live content creators make use of soft lighting during their streams as well. Creators that use a face cam often have a softly-lit streaming area to create a comforting environment for their audience. Viewers tuning into a stream are more likely to stay if the creator has a calming live atmosphere. Many streamers couple soft lighting with colorful highlights and decorations to curate a comfortable live experience for viewers.
Creating soft lighting
Use a large light source
The size of the light source is one of the most important factors in creating soft lighting. A larger light source will spread the light out more, reducing contrast and softening shadows. This can be achieved by using a large softbox or umbrella, or by using diffused light fixtures.
Diffuse the light
Diffusing the light is another key step in creating soft lighting. This is done by placing a diffuser, such as a softbox or a diffusing filter, between the light source and the subject.
Diffusing the light will scatter it in multiple directions, creating a more even, soft light.
Position the light close to the subject
The closer the light source is to the subject, the softer the light will be. This is because the light has less distance to travel, which will cut down on harsh shadows.
It's important not to position the light too close, as this can result in overly bright areas of the shot and a loss of detail in the subject.