Texture refers to the feel of the light, its ebb and flow across a surface. A light cast upon a surface in a uniform manner might look flat. A light cast with variation of shadow might look interesting. Which one is right? Well, it really depends on the story you’re trying to tell.
Quality refers to the feel of the light, how soft or hard it might seem. Some lights can create a hard edge, a sterile surface. Other lights create a soft edge, a natural feel. Which one is right? Well, it really depends on the style you’re trying to create.
Controlling the Element
Creating and adjusting texture and quality really depends on the equipment we’re using and the environment we’re trying to light. This means our choices often need to be made early, ahead of time – less about adjustments we make in programming.