Bhaavya Roy-What is the difference between soft light and hard light, and when would you use each?

Lighting is everything — it sculpts emotion before the viewer even processes the subject. For Bhaavya Roy, understanding light is like understanding fabric: it can whisper or shout, smooth or sculpt.

Soft light is diffused and gentle. It wraps around the subject, reducing shadows and creating a flattering, natural look. Think of an overcast sky or a large light source with a diffuser — it’s often used in fashion editorials, portraits, or lookbooks when I want to highlight texture, skin, and a sense of intimacy. It gives the image a dreamy or romantic tone.

Hard light, on the other hand, is sharp and directional. It casts defined shadows and brings out bold contrast. It’s dramatic, intense, and often unforgiving — which is why Bhaavya Roy uses it when aiming for bold visual impact, edginess, or to accentuate structure in a garment. Think sunlight at noon, or an undiffused spotlight.

The choice depends entirely on the mood I’m crafting.

As I always say:‘Light is a voice — soft light whispers the emotion, hard light declares it.’

Knowing when to use each is not just about technique — it’s about storytelling.

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