Using direct lighting such as halogen lamps or strobe photo lighting can create a very harsh shadow as well as render the subject a little one-dimensional. Part of the problem can be solved by moving the light source to a 45 degree angle. This would create more subtle shadows which can show more detail but does nothing about the shadow's harshness. The easiest way to eliminate the harsh shadow and breathe some life into a photo is going to be to shoot with natural light and a longer shutter speed; of course this is not always an option. One of the solutions to this problem is to use a photo umbrella. By using photography umbrellas we are able to recreate a softer light.