Picture 1 & 2: harsh sun & high contrast lighting
Picture 3: more clouds & diffused lighting (picture is edited)
On the first day, the sun was bright and there were no clouds in the sky. The second image, taken under the glare of the direct sunlight, shows dark shadows and very white highlights. The toy in the photo looks very sharply defined, almost "sculpted" because of how intense the contrast is. The pink of the toy bear, in particular, looks like it lost it's color because the highlights are almost white and the shadows look gray in some areas. For me, the mood feels more tense, because of the harsh contrast between light and shadow, and the lack of vibrance in the colors.
Finally, the third image was taken on a day when the clouds diffused the sunlight, and softened its impact. The contrast is less intense, allowing for a clear image and clear colors. It also gave me more flexibility when I was editing the pictures because I could tweak colors and lighting without ruining the picture. This diffusion of light creates a sense of ease and comfort, making me feel more comfortable.
Reflecting on these experiences, I find myself drawn to diffused lighting. Its soft, gentle qualities give me a lighter, happier mood. I prefer this lighting for casual pictures.
