Quality of Light

1. What is the difference between a hard and a soft light?
2. What is diffusion? What does it do?
3. What does hard and soft light communicate to your audience?

Hard light can create harsh shadows on the fact and in the background. On the other hand, soft light tends to wrap around the subject so that the shadows appear less crisp. Hard and soft light can be determined by the size of the light source in comparison to the size of the subject. Distance from the subject also comes into play. The further the light source, the harder the light. The closer the light source, the softer the light. Diffused light can be created by letting the light pass through a certain material that spreads the light evenly. Diffusion can smooth out the specular highlights, creating a softer look on the face. Hard and soft light can identify the time of day, mood of the scene, or emotions. The kind of light can also create a flattering or unflattering look for the character.