Soft light
Diffused light that creates gentle shadows and smooth transitions.
What is soft light?
Soft light is created when a light source is large relative to the subject or when light is diffused through translucent material. It produces gradual shadow transitions, reduced contrast, and minimizes texture imperfections. Soft light is the standard for most product photography because it is flattering, shows accurate colors, and works well with both matte and reflective surfaces. Window light on an overcast day and large softboxes are common sources of soft light.
Pro tips
Large light sources close to the product create the softest light
Overcast days provide naturally soft light for outdoor product shots
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