Degree of Diffusion: From Hard to Soft Light
Diffused light scatters onto the subject from many directions. It shows little or no
directionality. Shadows, if they are present at all, are relatively light. Shadow edges
are indistinct, and subjects seem surrounded by light.
Sources of diffused light are broad compared to the size of the subject—a heavily
overcast sky, for example, where the sun’s rays are completely scattered and the
entire sky becomes the source of light. Fully diffused light indoors would require a
very large, diffused light source close to the subject, plus reflectors or fill lights to further
open the shadows. Tenting is one way of fully diffusing light.
308 ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
FIGURE 21.1
Direct light has
hard-edged
shadows.
Directional-diffused light is partially direct with some diffused or scattered rays (see
Figure 21.2). It appears to come from a definite direction and creates distinct shadows,
but with edges that are softer than those of direct light. The shadow edges
change smoothly from light to dark, and the shadows tend to have visible detail