What characterizes soft light in video production?

Soft light in video production is characterized by its ability to create indistinct or diffused shadows. This quality arises from the way light interacts with surfaces and objects, as well as the size of the light source relative to the subject. When a light source is large compared to the subject, it produces a more gradual transition between light and shadow, resulting in softer edges and less defined shadow lines. This effect is often desirable in filmmaking and photography because it tends to flatter subjects, reduce the prominence of imperfections, and create a more aesthetically pleasing visual appearance.

In contrast, sharp and distinct shadows are typically the result of hard light, which is produced by smaller, more focused light sources. High-intensity bulbs usually contribute to hard light rather than soft light. Additionally, low color temperature refers to the warmth of the light, which does not intrinsically relate to whether the light is soft or hard. Hence, the feature of creating indistinct shadows is crucial in defining soft light in video production.