What is diffused light in photography

The second effect of using soft light is the wider beam angle. This can be helpful when you need to light a larger area, but your lights have a very narrow, concentrated spread.

Understanding the different qualities of light is important for any filmmaker to know. Each quality can enhance a story by providing a visual element that matches the style and tone of a film. One of the most fundamental qualities of light to understand is diffused light. But what is diffused light? From interviews to commercial work to films, knowing the effects of this type of light can make you a more versatile and well-equipped filmmaker. Let’s find out how you can use diffused light in your next project.

Diffuselight example

If you’re on a budget and looking for more economical ways to achieve soft light, get creative. Using diffusion materials like white sheets, sheers, and thin fabrics can help you achieve this look for just a few dollars.

Diffused lighting living room

Diffused light is used for various reasons for interviews, commercials, and films. The most common reason is because it is a flattering quality of light. Wrinkles and facial features are not as harshly defined with soft light.

Check out this video by DSLR Video Shooter in which they break down these effects of soft light and analyze some tips on how to create it.

Lastly, a negative effect of diffusing your light sources to keep in mind is that by diffusing your light you actually lose output. Adding diffusion material to a light will produce a softer light, but will inherently reduce the amount of exposure on your subject.

Diffuse illuminationtechnique

Lighting is one of the key visual elements that can really make a film look cinematic. Interested in learning about more fundamental lighting techniques that will help you become a better filmmaker? Check out our article of the best film lighting techniques that will help you get that cinematic look for your film.

When shooting exterior scenes, it’s always a good idea to wait for an overcast day so that the sunlight will be diffused by the clouds. This will create a nice soft and diffused light that will be less harsh and more flattering for your shot.

Diffuse illuminationslit lamp

Diffused light is light that has an even concentration across the spread of its beam. Otherwise known as "soft light," It disperses light evenly across a surface or subject and can soften shadows and produce a more flattering image. The opposite of this is hard light which produces harsh shadows and a concentrated light spread. Neither soft or hard light are inherently "better" types of light. It all comes down to the look and feel you want for the image.

Diffuselight Ceiling

Diffused lighting interior design

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If you know you are planning to diffuse your light, keep this in mind and utilize stronger light sources so that when they are diffused, they can still properly expose your scene.

Kyle DeGuzman graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science in Television, Film, & New Media. He currently resides in Denver, Colorado spending his time writing, filmmaking, and traveling.

This may be the most obvious tip, but it is also the most expensive. Using silks, scrims, and flags are the most professional ways to go about lighting your project. However, the best video lighting kits are a bit pricey and can drain your budget.

Oftentimes cinematographers do not want harsh shadows in a shot because it does not match the mood or style of the scene. Soft light creates softer shadows that are not distracting or very distinguished.

Light bridges an interesting gap between science and art. Different scientific factors can affect the quality of a light which inherently affects the artistry of a film. Let’s analyze how the science of diffused light affects the quality it can produce in a shot.

Diffuse Illuminationeye

Bouncing your light off of walls, bounce boards, and other materials can help diffuse the spread of your light. Experimenting with bouncing light on the location of your scene can help you get a more diffused light look.