You can have the perfect subject, the perfect composition, and the perfect style—but if your lighting is flat, your AI image will look like clip art.
Lighting is the “secret sauce” of photorealism. Models like Midjourney V7 and Flux.1 excel at reproducing convincing lighting effects through pattern matching from training data. Midjourney V7 offers improved photorealism and prompt interpretation compared to v6, though recent research indicates these models learn perceptual patterns rather than true physics simulation. FLUX.2, released November 2025, provides enhanced spatial reasoning and more coherent lighting. In this guide, we’ll cover three cinematic setups you can steal for your next prompt.
As of November 2025, Midjourney V7.1 is in testing with further improvements to lighting and detail rendering.
1. The “Rembrandt” Setup
Named after the Dutch master, this is the gold standard for moody, dramatic portraits. It’s characterized by a small, illuminated triangle under the eye on the shadowed side of the face.
Why use it? It adds immediate depth and emotion.
The Prompt:
...cinematic lighting, Rembrandt lighting scheme, chiaroscuro, moody atmosphere, harsh shadows, side lighting...
Pro Tip: Combine with low key to darken the background and focus entirely on the subject.
2. The “Rim” or “Backlight” Setup
Also known as a “kicker” or “hair light.” This places the light source behind the subject, creating a glowing outline that separates them from the background.
Why use it? To create a heroic, sci-fi, or ethereal look. It’s perfect for dark backgrounds (cyberpunk/space).
The Prompt:
...backlit, rim lighting, volumetric lighting, glowing silhouette, halo effect, god rays, light spilling around edges...
Pro Tip: Add fog or haze to see the light beams (volumetrics) interacting with the environment.
3. The “Butterfly” Setup
A beauty standard. The light is placed high and directly in front of the subject, creating a small shadow under the nose that looks like a butterfly.
Why use it? It emphasizes cheekbones and is incredibly flattering. Great for fashion shots and “glamour” portraits.
The Prompt:
...soft studio lighting, butterfly lighting, beauty dish, softbox, evenly lit face, flattering light, high key...
Cheat Sheet: Lighting Modifiers
Add these words to any prompt to tweak the vibe:
- Hard/Harsh:
noon sun,hard shadows,direct sunlight,flash photography. Creates drama and edge. - Soft/Diffused:
overcast sky,softbox,diffused lighting,golden hour,window light. Creates romance and calm. - Creative:
bioluminescent,neon lighting,candlelight,screen glow.
Putting It All Together
Don’t just say “lighting.” Be specific about the source and the quality.
Bad Prompt:
A woman looking at camera, lighting.
Good Prompt:
A woman looking at camera, dramatic rim lighting from a red neon sign, deep shadows, volumetric fog, cinematic atmosphere.
Experiment with these setups in your favorite generator today. You’ll notice your “hit rate” for great images goes up drastically.