soft shadows

Diffused light edges

Soft shadows are shadows with gradual, blurred edges rather than sharp boundaries.

In computer graphics and photography, they result from diffused or area light sources, creating more natural-looking images: The renderer added soft shadows to make the scene feel realistic.

Hard shadows, by contrast, have crisp edges from point light sources.

Related

hazy · muted · low contrast · gradient · blur · feathered · dappled · filtered · overcast · twilight · golden hour · gauze · velvet · dreamy · ethereal · subdued · foggy · misty

Categories
Opposites
shadow edge quality

soft shadowshard shadows

Shadows with distinct edges

harsh shadows

lighting technique/aesthetic

soft shadowsharsh lighting

Unflattering, intense illumination

dramatic lighting · chiaroscuro · spotlight effect

lighting character

soft shadowshard light

Undiffused, shadow-creating illumination

harsh light · direct light · harsh lighting · spotlight · direct sunlight

Family

soft, softer, softest, softly, soften, softened, softening, softener, softness

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G