Lighting direction for generated media

Use lighting as story structure, not decoration. State what the audience should understand from the light, then specify the visible lighting behavior that an image or video model can render: source motivation, direction, quality, color, contrast, exposure, falloff, catchlights, separation, practicals, and continuity.

This skill is provider-independent. Translate the guidance into the syntax of the chosen image, video, avatar, or composition tool after reading that tool's own instructions.

Evidence labels

Use these labels in plans, prompts, and reviews when claims matter:

• Documented fact: supported by a cited lighting, cinematography, color, accessibility, or manufacturer source.
• Empirical observation: based on direct inspection of generated outputs or references in the current project.
• Production heuristic: a repeatable craft rule that often works but should be tested against the brief and model behavior.

Do not present a heuristic as a universal law. ARRI's lighting handbook explicitly frames hard-versus-soft choices as judgment calls rather than right/wrong rules, while documenting that physical source size and diffusion strongly affect shadow softness.

First decision: what should the light do?

Before writing a prompt, answer five questions: