Race for the gold: Soft Light Challenge
Written by: Profoto
The Race for the Gold continues with the Soft Light Challenge, where photographers from around the world explored the art of soft light photography — defined by gentle transitions, subtle contrast, and a natural, flattering quality that enhances form without harsh shadows. Using Profoto lights and light shaping tools, creators demonstrated how soft lighting can produce images that feel luminous, refined, and timeless across portrait, lifestyle, and editorial photography.
As the third step in the Race for the Gold, this six-month lighting challenge series invites photographers to refine their lighting skills while competing for industry-leading rewards. Participants submitted soft light images created with Profoto lighting for a chance to win $2,000 USD in Profoto gear, with Sigma joining as a challenge partner and awarding Meg Loeks’ favorite portrait lens — the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN.
Watch the reveal
See who claimed the third win in the Race for the gold and hear directly from the jury as they break down the images that stood out. Learn what caught their attention, why certain submissions rose to the top, and what defines exceptional soft light photography.
Meet the Jury
Every challenge in the Race for the gold is reviewed by a panel of photographers who understand lighting at the highest level. For the Soft Light Challenge, submissions were evaluated by Brendan de Clercq, Meg Loeks, and Sonali Ohrie — three creatives known for their refined approach to light, storytelling, and visual impact.
Together, they selected the image that claims the third win in the Race for the gold.
See soft light at its best
Discover the soft light images that defined this month’s challenge — showcasing gentle transitions, subtle contrast, and beautifully shaped illumination here. Then watch the reveal to see which image claimed the third win in the Race for the gold.
And the winner is…
The top five finalists selected by the jury are
Brigitte Aeschbach, christine kennedy, Andrea Zvadova, Yaw Asiedu, and Judith Van Mil
Up next: The Perfect Rembrandt Lighting Challenge
The fourth challenge in the Race for the gold begins December 1 — your next opportunity to light, learn, and move closer to the ultimate prize.
Remember, you must submit to at least three of the six challenges to qualify for the Golden Pro-11 (wrapped in gold foil) and one ProHead Plus.
Photo: Chris Knight