9.3: Qualities of Light
- Page ID
- 164558
\( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)
\( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)
\( \newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)
( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\)
\( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\)
\( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\)
\( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\)
\( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)
\( \newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\)
\( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)
\( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\)
\( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\)
\( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\)
\( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\)
\( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\)
\( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\)
\( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\)
\( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\)
\( \newcommand{\vectorA}[1]{\vec{#1}} % arrow\)
\( \newcommand{\vectorAt}[1]{\vec{\text{#1}}} % arrow\)
\( \newcommand{\vectorB}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)
\( \newcommand{\vectorC}[1]{\textbf{#1}} \)
\( \newcommand{\vectorD}[1]{\overrightarrow{#1}} \)
\( \newcommand{\vectorDt}[1]{\overrightarrow{\text{#1}}} \)
\( \newcommand{\vectE}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash{\mathbf {#1}}}} \)
\( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)
\( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)
Hard light vs. Soft light
There are a few differences between hard light and soft light. One of those differences has to do with the transition from light to shadow. Hard light has a very drastic transition from light to shadow (See figure 9.3.1). On the other hand, soft light transitions slowly and softly from light to dark (See figure 9.3.2).
(Unsplash License; Huston Wilson on Unsplash)
Hard light is a direct beam of light from a lamp, which is harsh and unforgiving on people’s skin. Soft light is flattering on people’s skin. Soft light can make a person’s imperfections less noticeable and it softens features. Soft light is diffused light, meaning that the light has been bounced off something or has gone through a diffuser. Most interviews in documentaries will most likely have soft light on the person being interviewed.
Another important aspect of hard light is its adaptability. Hard light can be turned into a soft light using a light modifier or simply bouncing the light off a ceiling or floor. Soft light is unable to be turned into a hard light because of the way there are built to be soft. This makes hard lights appealing for independent video creators who want to get the best bang for their buck by buying one type of light that can be either hard or soft.
Theory of Three-Dimensional Contrast
Dean Collins created the Theory of Three-Dimensional Contrast to demonstrate how light creates three dimensions on a two-dimensional plane, like a screen. One light hitting an object will create three densities: the Diffused Value where the object is lit softly and evenly, the Specular Highlight is a reflection of the light source, and the Shadow is where the least amount or no light hits the subject. Together these reveal the depth, shape, density, texture, and form of the object.
Spot light vs. Flood light
A spot light has a narrower beam of light, which can focus on a specific subject (See figure 9.3.4). You have probably seen these lights used during stage performances where a singer or comedian has a single circle of light that follows them
(CC BY-NC 4.0; Shelley Ho via San Francisco State University)
(CC BY-NC 4.0; Shelley Ho via San Francisco State University)
The opposite of the Spot light is the Flood light. Flood lights give off a wider beam of light and can be used to give general illumination to a wider portion of a set (See figure 9.3.5). Many late-night talk shows use Flood lights to light their sets.