What is hard light and what is it used for?
Richard Kelly described the form of light used to emphasise as "focal glow", meaning "light to look at".
Its function is to direct attention specifically.
Bright areas draw the eye. The surroundings become structured. Important content is emphasised. Information is perceived more quickly.
This light aids orientation within the space and serves to display objects to their best advantage.
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The most important points
- 1Use spotlights or downlights specifically when an object should stand out brightly and draw attention.
- 2Combine hard light with diffused light so that shadows reveal depth and structure without making the scene look too hard or restless.
- 3Choose softly defined rather than sharp-edged light for accents, so that objects stand out naturally instead of appearing distorted.
