The light known as "soft" and light called "hard" give very different results on a photograph.

The soft light produces few shadows, and is an ideal choice for photo products for example.

To put it simply: with a small light source, it is obtained by removing the lighting of the subject. With a great source of light (Softbox. ..), approaching the lighting of the subject.

Reflecting the light of a flash on the ceiling, for example, gives a soft light.

The light lasts, instead, brings strong shadows and enhances the textures and contrasts.

To put it simply: with a small light source, is obtained by approaching the topic of lighting. With a great source of light, away from the subject.

When it starts, a simple trick may help both to understand the difference between these two types of light, but also easy to spot if the light of a scene is hard or soft.

Simply place your index finger above the palm of his hand:

If the shadow is diffuse, it is a soft light:

If the shadow is sharp, it's a harsh light:

Simple, but effective to understand and identify the two cases.