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Photography vocabulary · Light & Lighting

Soft light

Meaning in photography, with examples

nounCommon term

In photography, soft light means: Light from a large or diffused source, such as a cloudy sky, a window or a softbox, that creates gentle shadows and smooth transitions.

In Turkish: yumuşak ışık

How it is used

Generally flattering for portraits, beauty and products. The bigger and closer the light source is compared with the subject, the softer the light. An overcast sky is often described as a giant softbox.

Example sentences

  1. The cloudy weather gave us beautiful soft light for the family photos.

  2. Move the softbox closer to her for softer light.

Common collocations

  • soft, even light
  • diffused light
  • flattering soft light
  • soft window light
  • hard lightLight from a small or distant source, such as the midday sun or a bare flash, that creates sharp-edged shadows and strong contrast.
  • softboxA box-shaped light modifier with a white, translucent front that fits over a flash or lamp to spread its light and make it softer.
  • natural lightLight that comes from the sun or the sky, including light through a window, rather than from flashes or lamps.
  • reflectorA flat, usually foldable surface in white, silver or gold that bounces light back onto the subject to fill in shadows.

More terms: Light & Lighting

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