Soft light
For other examples:
Alkan Hassan p. 21
Sebastião Salgado p. 45
Richard Learoyd p. 73
If hard light packs a punch, soft light is more like a massage.
In Ryan McGinley’s photograph a young man holds an alligator. But rather than being laden with drama, this image imbues a state of calm. His grip is more of an embrace and the black and white adds a touch of melancholy. But it’s the soft light that’s truly dictating the mood here.
Soft light is less intense meaning there isn’t such a stark divide between the highlights and shadows.
Soft light still casts shadow as it very often comes from one direction, like hard light. But the shadows aren’t nearly as dark and dramatic. Rather than being a void of black, detail is still very visible. This more even quality tends to make images feel ‘slower’ and more contemplative.
To soften light you need to diffuse it. In the studio this can be achieved by using what’s called a ‘soft box’. In more everyday conditions, where you have less control over the light, steer clear of any powerful directional light sources, such as spotlights, flash or bright, unobstructed sunshine.
Wes (Gator)
Ryan McGinley
2010