Soft light creates broader transitions at shadow edges.
It offers a different way to describe surface shape and texture.
A larger apparent source gives softer edges. Bringing a large modifier closer can increase its apparent size; moving it farther away makes it relatively smaller.
Compare a small lamp with a broad window from the same side of an object.
Soft light can still be directional and create shadows. It does not automatically remove contrast.
Follow a connection to understand how these ideas fit together.
Hard light gives crisper shadow edges; soft light has broader edge transitions.
This comparison works in both directions.
Softer transitions offer one way to describe a subject and its surfaces.
A nearby white reflector can redirect broad, soft fill toward a subject.
Separate the source timing from the softness of its shadows.
Source check: . This records a check of the supporting references; it is not an expert endorsement.
A larger apparent source gives softer edges. Bringing a large modifier closer can increase its apparent size; moving it farther away makes it relatively smaller.