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Hard lighting is: illumination via one direct light (usually a spotlight), very bright and revealing, holds many sharp shadows, exemplifies details (especially imperfections), also known as harsh lighting.

David (left): This harsh lighting picture of David is created by one direct light shining towards his face. This picture is very unflattering. He seems to have circles under his eyes (the shadows created by his nose and below his eyes give this illusion). His nostrils seem to be tiny as his nose seems excessively plump and round. It isn't the best picture of him despite his calm pose.

Soft lighting is: illumination by reflected light, the most flattering light, least shadows (if there are shadows, they are faint), produces the appearance of smooth surfaces.

David (right): This soft lighting picture of David is created by reflected light. Although his expression makes him seem monkey-like (he got restless as I was taking pictures), it is a much more appealing picture. Shadows are faint and not strong like with the picture on the left. The circles under his eyes are also faint and almost not visible.

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