Soft light photography

Compare hard light vs soft light, learn their main differences, and when to use each.

Hello Heaven by Alexis Cuarezma on 500px ift.tt/2GofreY

I see the soft light shining through the alleys three in the afternoon, as a slow stream flowing between my breath, with such silence and tenderness.

Elegant portraits with a single Godox AD600 strobe and 48" wescott octabox for soft, rembrandt style dutch lighting against a dark grey seamless paper backdrop

I've always wanted my photography education on here to be free, so although there is no paywall to any of my -Technique Tuesdays-, any and all support is greatly appreciated. ❤️

Today's photography cheat sheet will help you understand how some of the most common light modifiers work and why you should choose one over the other.

Photography, Photography Styling, Education

One Godox AD600 camera left with a 48" Wescott softbox to create broad and soft shadow definition and to wrap around a bit to the side as a kicker in the hair. A smaller 28" softbox with two Godox AD200 lights was placed camera right to serve as a key light on the face for broad and short lighting. Shot with Sony a7iii, Canon 85mm F1.2LII and Metabones V.

Photographer Illya Ovchar compares 11 popular light modifiers used in portrait photography and compares the results.

Discover the key differences between hard light & soft light, including why, when and how to use each one to elevate your photography lighting in 2024.