Soft light, also known as “bathtub,” creates a broad area of light. According to the Television Production Handbook, this kind of lighting is designed for background illumination. Lighting technicians or videographers use soft light to create shadows or disguise imperfections. Soft light is effective at hiding blemishes, wrinkles and lines. Soft light is light that bounces off the inside of umbrella-style reflectors. Reflectors are devices that redirect light toward a particular object. Lighting technicians use them to create soft lighting effects. One of the best environments to use soft light is when photographing models. One type of equipment that is used in a soft light environment is the broad light. The broad light is rectangular-shaped, has a wider beam and throws off soft shadows. Lighting technicians also use spun-glass diffusers, which are placed over the front of lights. Not only do these devices spread and soften the beams, but they also cut down on the light’s intensity.
Hard light produces sharp, hard and precise appearances. It creates results that are opposite from that of soft light. Hard light reveals imperfections, such as showing moles, bumps or splotches on an actor’s face. Lighting technicians like to use hard light to bring out the texture of surfaces, intricate designs of jewelry or patterns in sofas or love seats. One type of equipment that lighting technicians use in a hard light environment is the ellipsoidal spotlight. This equipment creates a concentrated beam of light. If lighting technicians use it with gels, the ellipsoidal spotlight can throw off a group of colors of light on a background.
According to CyberCollege, ultra-soft lighting is ideal to have so video equipment will not lose significant detail of video or pictures. Problems can occur when videographers are shooting shiny and metallic objects, such as jewelry and silverware. If lighting technicians are using standard lighting, the reflections from these shiny objects degrade the video levels in darker locations. Therefore, the detail is missing.