Photography is all about lighting. If one has good understanding of light, the person makes a good photographer. On the other hand, who finds it difficult to understand the behaviour of light always struggles to get good pictures

Light is primarily of two types- hard and soft. Light could also be categorised as semi-hard or semi-soft depending on the degree of softness or harshness

This type of light is harsh and creates sharper shadows. The light doesn’t wrap well on the surface of the subject. Broad day light is one of the best examples of this type of illumination. Incandescent and halogen bulbs also create hard light

SOFT LIGHT

Soft light wraps well on the surface of the subject. Therefore it flatters the texture of the subject. One can see this type of light on an overcast day. Fluorescent bulbs also create this type of illumination. Light from any other sources can also be made softer by passing it through a diffusion panel. Different types of studio lighting devices are used for creating this type of illumination. It is ideal for portrait and product photography

If you want semi hard light, Bowens beauty dish is a good option.