Hard Light vs Soft Light Photography Lighting Techniques

WATCH UNTIL THE END for our votes on which we liked the best.

In this how-to photography tutorial we explore the differences between hard light and soft light when it comes to studio lighting techniques.

We are using the Westcott FJ200 and their Octa-Large Softbox along with their grid system to create a harder light.

I love this lighting set up for studio work. Its cost effective and powerful enough to create stunning portraits no matter which you choose.

Let us know below which creative lighting technique is your favorite.

[Hadrorex]

You never fail to make home runs with your tutorials! Bravo.

I'm an old dude and have always been a fan of the "Hollywood" noir photographers of the 30s through the 50s. Even installed an Elinchrom's innards onto an old-school Mole Richardson to make use of the adjustable Fresnel and barn doors.

Hard light wins.

[Bigricky]

Man, your channel is life. Straight to the point and makings sense without a bunch of blablablabla. Thank you for your videos.

[JIMMYCLAVIJO-zn]

Thank you for this simple but great explanation. I admire people who share their knowledge. Great job !

[mariomonica]

Ciao Salvatore, alla tua bravura e professionalità aggiungi anche quel tocco di simpatia ed allegria, rende il tutto molto leggero e di gacile apprendimento. Guardare i tuoi tutorial è sempre un piacere. Grazie per le perle di saggezza che ci proponi. Un sincero saluto dalla Sicilia 🤗🙋‍♂️

[johnmcnaughton]

Thank you for taking the time to put this video together, much appreciated. I prefer the hard light.

[johnclay]

good concise video on hard /soft light.

[gvasquez]

Great video with lots of opinions on what people like. Word being opinions. Thanks😊

[MariMaloney]

Love the soft with her feminine features!!

[Camedia]

Good video, appreciate it. Although a bit confounding to use a grid on hard light and not on the soft light. Think people like the spotlight effect but that is coming from the grid.

[jerrym]

Loved the hard light as well. The Westcott Deep Focus Reflector with the grids is one my my favorite light modifiers.

[yixue]

I love your videos, but your soft light example was a head and shoulder shot the hard light that is usually not flattering to skin you showed a 3/4 length shot .
Soft light would win if both images were head and shoulder shots

[toninospanu]

Ciao Salvatore, sono sicuro che hai origini italiane, intanto complimenti per il video, io adoro la fotografia con le luci artificiali, quando guardo un professionista come te m'incanto a vedere questi grandi consigli...complimenti davvero!!!!

[tammiemilot-ctzk]

I'm a fan of the hard light here!

[MikeDMedia]

I like the soft light better... both was nice...

[claudej]

Color of light source was warmer on the soft. Could have used an ExpoDisc.

[jessestarks]

Great info and I prefer the hard light photo better.

[matlynwood]

Sal I must say it all depends on how you look at the photo. The way I look at most of my photos I am drawn towards soft light in almost every way, but looking at the final product side by side I have to say it’s the eyes that define the final image and the hard light wins hands down. The whites of her eyes just pop out with the colour and then it’s making you look beyond her eyes and I see how every colour, every nook and cranny of the dress and all the way to her ear rings it’s making a huge statement pick me.

[GiovanniLogrono]

The hard lighting definitely looks more stylish to my eye.

[michellegriffin]

I like both types for different reasons. I like being able to see a brighter face but not looking like there is a flash on

[Garbid]

Thank you for your videos and replies! I've tried after your videos and tips to light myself with speedlight under bright sun. Even with 90cm softbox without external diffuser (inner diffuser left and silver interior) I could get decent lighting at f22 iso 100 and 160 at fullpower) softbox edge was at 1, 4 meters!) With bare speedlight got enough light far away but very hard)