What effect does hard light have on shadows?

Hard light creates shadows that are sharp and distinct due to the direct source of illumination it provides. This type of light comes from a small, intense light source, which means that when an object obstructs this light, the resulting shadow has clear edges and defined shapes. The contrast between the illuminated area and the dark shadow is heightened, making the boundaries of the shadow sharply outlined. This effect is often seen in midday sunlight or when using a focused light source, such as a spotlight, where the intensity and directionality contribute to the shadow's clarity.

In contrast, when light is softer, shadows often lose this clarity, becoming more diffuse and subtle, which highlights the importance of light quality in photography and visual arts.