When preparing the lighting setup for studio projects, your initial consideration should be the type of lighting setup that will achieve your desired look. Will your studio lighting fall into the category of soft light – or will it be hard? Soft studio lighting creates gentle and diffused illumination on the subject. It typically minimizes harsh shadows and highlights, resulting in smooth transitions between light and shadow areas. Read on to learn about the following topics to delve into the world of soft lighting.
- What is soft lighting in studio?
- How to create soft studio lighting?
- Tips for using soft light in studio photography
What is soft lighting in studio?
A studio soft light source is a broad, larger light positioned relatively close the subject. An example of it could be a cloudy or overcast day, where sunlight is diffused and reflects off a large concrete wall. This type of light typically creates less contrast and highlights with more detail, while shadows appear softer and gentler.
Soft light is favored for creating neutral portraits with softer, "feathered" shadows. In general, it is preferred in many portrait situations because it tends to be more flattering for the subject's appearance.
Pros and cons
Soft studio lighting can achieve a subtle and authentic look, enhancing the subject's skin tone and color. It also evokes warmth or intimacy. Nonetheless, it may also appear dull, lacking depth, or unrealistic, necessitating additional space and equipment.
How to get soft studio lighting: 3 ways to achieve it
The softness of a light source primarily depends on its size relative to the subject and its distance from the subject. Two key considerations are critical: the dimensions of the light source itself and the distance between the light and the subject. A larger or closer light source produces softer light, while a smaller or farther source creates harsher light.
Bounce studio lighting off ceiling, wall, or v-flat
As previously discussed, the size of your light source relative to the subject determines how soft the light will be. The most expansive light source available to you is the room itself. By illuminating the entire room and using the walls and ceiling as light sources, you naturally achieve soft studio lighting. This can be achieved simply by pointing a bare-bulb studio light like COLBOR CL220 at the ceiling and walls.
For smaller spaces, a more optimal method involves bouncing light from a v-flat onto the walls before directing it toward the subject to create a larger apparent light source. While effective, this method has limitations, especially in producing top-down lighting for facial structure and dimension. This brings us to the third method.
A softbox combined with bounced light is another effective approach. This setup replaces the bare-bulb source with a softbox to diffuse and soften the light, which is then further softened by reflecting off the walls. This method is particularly useful in confined spaces, effectively transforming any area into a large, soft light source.
Use light modifiers to soften studio lighting
Softboxes, umbrellas, and other light modifiers provide a simple way to enlarge the apparent size of small light sources like LED studio lights. These modifiers typically feature both a reflective surface and diffusion material. This enhances the light's spread and softens it effectively. Here are some commonly used options:
- Standard Softbox: This is one of the most popular tools for achieving soft lighting in studio. It is square-shaped and includes reflective lining inside. It is covered with diffusion material to evenly distribute light, resulting in a gentle, diffuse illumination.
- Octagonal Softbox: Similar in design to standard softboxes but with an octagonal shape, these modifiers also utilize reflective surfaces and diffusers. The octagonal design produces natural-looking round catchlights in the subject's eyes.
- White Umbrella: An economical option among light modifiers, the white umbrella utilizes a diffusion material to create soft studio lighting when the source is placed behind it. This envelopes the subject in a gentle, wrap-around glow.
- Reflective Umbrella: Similar in concept to the white umbrella, the reflective umbrella employs an opaque fabric with an inner reflective lining. Placing the light source facing inward allows it to bounce off the lining, diffusing softly onto the subject. This makes it ideal for achieving soft, diffused lighting in portrait photography.
DIY modifiers to achieve soft lighting in studios
If you're looking to save money or aren't ready to purchase diffusers and modifiers, there are several DIY options available. Here are some simple methods to achieve soft light without breaking the bank:
- Utilizing white bed sheets or curtains as makeshift diffusers
- Crafting a DIY softbox by using white tissue paper and cardboard
- Using a white shower curtain as an improvised diffuser
- Creating a DIY reflector with aluminum foil and cardboard
Tips for using soft studio lighting in different types of photography
As aforementioned, there are 3 ways to create studio soft lighting. However, it needs additional adjustments when using it for different types of content creation. Here are some tips for soft light in studio photography.
Tips for using soft light for studio portrait
Soft light is commonly employed in portrait photography to enhance the flattering appearance of subjects. Here are tips for effectively utilizing soft lighting in portraits:
Consider subject positioning: Position your subject where the light source envelops them evenly. Avoid placing the light too far to the side, as this creates a split lighting effect with distinct shadows and highlights. Typically, positioning the light around 45 degrees from your subject achieves balanced lighting with a gentle transition between light and shadow.
Use a reflector: In situations where the key light alone isn't sufficient to illuminate the subject completely, employing a reflector can fill in shadows while preserving the softness of the light in your photos.
Experiment with camera angles: Since every subject is unique, varying camera angles is crucial when working with soft light. This helps find flattering compositions and poses that highlight your subject's best features.
Tips for soft studio lighting setup in product and still life photography
Product and still life photography can benefit greatly from employing a large light source, which provides gentle illumination that enhances texture and minimizes harsh reflections. Here are some tips to enhance your product and still-life photos using soft lighting:
Create a controlled environment: It's essential to set up a controlled environment for shooting product or still-life images. This includes carefully managing lighting, reflections, background, and other variables for optimal results. For instance, consider turning off ambient room lights to avoid contamination and using a light tent for comprehensive, even illumination.
Utilize a polarizer filter to reduce glare: When photographing products with shiny surfaces, glare can be a significant issue. Using a circular polarizer lens filter helps reduce unwanted glare and reflections in your photos.
Manage light spill: When using large lights to illuminate small products, it's easy to inadvertently create unwanted reflections and glare from unintended angles. To mitigate this, use black cardboard or similar materials to block these angles and control light spill effectively.