Soft or diffuse light is that which is produced by a smooth transition between light and shadow. It blurs causing an enveloping light, it causes very soft shadows causing a much more natural effect. It is easier to get this type of light naturally at dawn and dusk when the sun is very low.
In soft light the light source has been dimmed or dimmed to soften shadows and details.
Unlike in the case of hard light, in diffuse light the transition between light and shadow is more gradual and delicate. The sensations that are intended to be achieved with this type of light are those that are associated with tenderness or sweetness.

 

Soft Light Types

To obtain a soft or diffused light we have two options.

  1. Natural light. It is the one that we receive naturally with sunlight.
    • Exterior. If what we want is to create diffused light in a natural way, the ideal is to do it outdoors. For this we can take advantage of sunrise and sunset, in the same way as foggy or cloudy days. If for whatever reason you cannot take advantage of those moments that the day offers, you can resort to the shadows provided by some elements, such as trees.
    • Inside. If the work has to be done indoors, but we still want to do it with natural light, we should move away from the light source. If, for example, we have a large window where the sun shines, we can place some kind of smooth curtain or tissue paper on the glass. This will make the light that passes through that glass softer and more blurred.
  1. Artificial light. This type of light is what we must create when we find ourselves working in a closed place and without natural light.
    • Hand flash. To get a diffuse light with the handheld flash we will have to bounce the flash off one of the walls or the ceiling. There are other instruments that are widely used to create soft light with the flash, such as reflectors or diffuser umbrellas.
    • Light windows. Light windows are artificial or faux windows that recreate the natural light coming through the original windows. It is very similar to the light produced by a flash, but with the advantage that this light is more diffuse and continuous.

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