When radiant light comes into contact with smaller forms cast shadows and ambient light or bounce light can be seen. The general rule is if the direct light is a certain hue then the cast shadow will be the opposite hue or complementary on the colour wheel. Ambient light or bounce light will absorb some of the local colour of surfaces and forms that surround any object and reflect or refract into a new direction. Ambient light is always softer or weaker than direct light.