What is Soft Lighting?

Soft lighting is a technique used in photography that can enhance portraits. When using diffusers to soften artificial lighting in photography, minor imperfections on the skin can be reduced, and a soft glow is cast over the image. Harsh lines are softened and an overall pleasing effect can be achieved. Soft lighting is a technique commonly used at portrait studios to increase customer satisfaction and portrait sales.

Function

Using soft lighting techniques in photography produces a soft glow on the image, giving it a warm, gentle feel. Shadows are softened, and harsh crisp edges are eliminated. A dream-like feel can be created with soft lighting. This effect is often desired by customers at a portrait studio.

Types

Soft lighting can be achieved by using special attachments to studio lighting, or camera flash units.
Attaching miniature diffuser panels to external flash units on an SLR camera will produce soft lighting. Use two way stick tape to adhere the miniature diffuser to the flash head. Allow the light to pass through the diffuser panel.
Use a brolly box or soft box over studio strobes to produce soft lighting in a studio situation. These attachments fit on the light stand. Secure the brolly box or soft box over the modeling lamp and studio strobe, so the bulbs are facing the opaque surface. Do not allow the bulbs to touch the surface.
Bouncing light sources off of reflector panels or white walls can also give a soft look, since the subject is being lit indirectly.

Benefits

It is possible to disguise minor imperfections such as pimples and scratches when using soft lighting techniques. Focus is taken away from freckles, wrinkles and blotchy skin. Although imperfections are natural, many clients wish to have these eliminated or diminished in their portraits.

Identification

Soft lighting techniques are good to use on children and babies with rashy skin and minor scratches. Women enjoy the benefits of soft lighting because it hides minor acne and softens crows feet and make-up lines. Using soft lighting on bridal portraits gives the images a vintage, long lasting feel. Elderly people look good with soft lighting. Wrinkles are still visible, but are less pronounced and the complexion is softened.

Effects

Using soft lighting is generally pleasing to most people. Using this technique will help increases photographic sales and the overall enjoyment of the portraits. People want to know they look good when they are photographed, and soft lighting will help them look their best.