# Lighting Vocabulary for Image Prompts

Lighting words change the mood of an image more than almost anything else. This is a reference list I use with [Raphael AI](https://raphael.app).

## Natural light

| Phrase | Effect |
|---|---|
| golden hour | warm, low sun, long soft shadows |
| blue hour | cool twilight, calm, city lights start |
| overcast daylight | soft, shadowless, true colors |
| harsh noon sun | strong shadows, high contrast |
| dappled light through leaves | patches of light, natural, gentle |

## Artificial light

| Phrase | Effect |
|---|---|
| softbox studio light | clean, even, product-style |
| rim light | bright outline separating subject from background |
| neon glow | saturated colors, night city mood |
| candlelight | warm, small pools of light, intimate |
| fluorescent office light | flat, slightly green, realistic interiors |

## Direction

Say where the light comes from: "from the left", "backlit", "from above". Direction gives shape to faces and objects.

## Combine carefully

One light condition plus one direction is usually enough: "golden hour, backlit". Adding three or four lighting phrases tends to cancel them out.

Try them at https://raphael.app