Lighting Prompts for Midjourney
Backlit vs High-Key Lighting: AI Prompting Guide
Master these two lighting styles for consistent AI-generated images
Understanding the Two Core Lighting Styles
🎭 Backlit
- Light from ONE direction (behind)
- Creates shadows in front
- High contrast
- Dramatic, moody
☀️ [SUN]
↓
🥤 [GLASS]
↓
📷 [CAMERA]
✨ High-Key
- Light from MULTIPLE directions
- Minimal shadows
- Low contrast
- Bright, clean, airy
💡 → 🥤 ← 💡
↓
📷 [CAMERA]
Quick Reference Chart
| Feature | Backlit | High-Key |
|---|---|---|
| Light Direction | Single (behind) | Multiple |
| Shadows | Strong | Minimal |
| Contrast | High | Low |
Key Rule
Never combine “backlit” and “high-key” in the same prompt.