***

Criming in the Harsh Light of Day

***

Photography (Difference Between Harsh/Hard And Soft)
This post was most recently updated on August 28th, 2022

If you’re into photography, you might have heard the terms ‘soft’ or ‘hard’ light before. Light is an essential tool within photography as it can dramatically change the outcome of your pictures.

Those that prefer pictures with lots of contrast might prefer hard, or harsh, lighting. On the other hand, those who like to take flattering portraits, like boudoir photographers, may favor softer lighting. But what do these terms mean?

In a nutshell, hard, or harsh light, creates lots of shadows and contrast. This lighting can be tough to work with, especially for beginners. However, it creates bold and distinct effects that can’t be recreated with soft light.

Soft light is the opposite of harsh light. Instead of lots of contrast, the shift from light and dark is more gentle. Soft light is known to blur out imperfections and invoke a warmer atmosphere, which is why it’s often used in portrait photography.

You’ll find out more about the differences between hard light and soft light in this article. You’ll also learn what the two techniques involve, as well as how to create hard and soft light in your photography.