Soft Light

Light that moves slowly and gently from bright to dark. Light from a broad surface like a large sheet of fabric, a reflector or a window behaves this way. Shadow edges are blurred so it is unclear where they end, and skin looks smooth and calm. The opposite, light from a small source with razor-sharp shadow edges, is hard light.

Lighting positions seen from above. A wide softbox is placed about 45° to the side of the camera, a little above eye level.

Camera view. The tones shift slowly from the bright side to the dark side, with no crisp shadow lines.

How it feels

Calm
Softness
Friendly
Natural
Clean

When to use it

Documentary interviews
Morning light coming through a window
Beauty, food and product ads
Cozy, warm everyday scenes

In the movies

Before Sunrise (1995) · Source: Criterion Collection (YouTube) · Original video

Casablanca (1942) · Source: Movieclips (YouTube) · Original video

Not to be confused with

Hard Light: From the same spot, a small light source makes shadow edges crisp and contrast strong. It gives tension and intensity.
High-key: Soft is the name of the shadow edge; high-key is the name of the contrast between bright and dark. Soft light without fill can still be dark.
Overcast: On an overcast day the whole sky becomes a giant soft light, as natural light.

Prompt

Keyword

soft diffused light

Descriptive

Soft, diffused key light from 45 degrees to the side, with gentle gradient shadows and no hard shadow edges, calm and flattering.

Try these combinations

Medium close-up + soft light: an interview
Medium close-up interview, soft diffused light from a large window, neutral background
Soft light: morning by the window
Soft morning sunlight streaming through a window onto a breakfast table, warm, gentle shadows