Lessons in Light (Part two)
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Quality of Light
When discussing the quality of light, we refer to its hardness or softness. This aspect can make an image feel crisp and vibrant or subtle and painterly. Black & white photography translates both of these qualities exceptionally well. So let's take a closer look at both.
Hard light is all about contrast. Think of a bright sunny day without a cloud in the sky. Shadows are deep and dark with sharply defined edges, and reflections on shiny surfaces are crisp and bright.
The directionality of the source is well-defined. This type of light is often used in bold and dramatic ways and can exaggerate the impression of depth in an image. It's sometimes considered harsh and unflattering when used in portraits but can be successful when positioned carefully.
Soft light is often associated with a flatter, low-contrast look. Think of the way the light feels on an overcast or foggy day. Shadows are brighter, and their edges are less defined. The light source is more general, typically feeling like it's coming from all around you. This type of light is considered quiet and introspective and is often flattering when used in portraits.
Whether a light is hard or soft is dictated primarily by size and distance. On a clear day, the sun is a tiny point-light source that is millions of kilometres away. On an overcast day, the sun's rays are diffused across the sky, creating an enormous light source relatively close to us.
The closer the light is to your subject, the larger it is relative to the subject, and the softer the light will be. If the light is far from your subject, it will be much smaller in relation to it, producing a harder look.