I always thought I knew the difference between hard and soft light. Then yesterday I read that candle light was considered "Hard" not soft light. So it looks like my ingnorance extends to depths I hadn't yet imagined. The article said "hard" light comes from a discernible source (candle eg) and soft light from a diffuse source. Does this sound right?
Always known I knew little about lighting...
- Thread starter brianluce
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bcheong
Well-known member
That sounds about right. The softness of light is largely determined by the size of the source.
I always like to refer to this post by David M. Mullen ASC to explain it:
http://www.studentfilmmakers.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=1279&highlight=falloff
Just scroll down a bit and he talks about it.
I always like to refer to this post by David M. Mullen ASC to explain it:
http://www.studentfilmmakers.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=1279&highlight=falloff
Just scroll down a bit and he talks about it.
khmuse
Tech Guru
The character of the shadows that a light source creates is what defines it as either soft or hard. If the shadows have clearly defined edges, it is a hard source; on the other hand, if the shadows are diffuse and undefined, then it is a soft source.
Your candle example produces a very warm (low color temperature) and low output source, and it is these characteristics that might have lead to your confusion, but since the light is from a point source, the shadows will have clearly defined edges so hence, it is a hard light source.
Your candle example produces a very warm (low color temperature) and low output source, and it is these characteristics that might have lead to your confusion, but since the light is from a point source, the shadows will have clearly defined edges so hence, it is a hard light source.