Cinematic Lighting Techniques

Painting with Light

Lighting is the single most impactful factor in the perceived quality of an image. Nano Banana understands complex lighting terminology.

Key Lighting Types

1. Volumetric Lighting (God Rays): Adds depth and atmosphere. Great for dusty rooms or forests.
2. Rim Lighting (Backlighting): Separates the subject from the background with a glowing outline.
3. Chiaroscuro: High contrast between light and dark. Dramatic and moody.
4. Softbox / Diffused: Even, flattering light. Perfect for portraits.

Color Temperature

Don't just say "light." Specify the temperature.

• Warm: Golden hour, candlelight, tungsten, sunset.
• Cool: Moonlight, neon, fluorescent, overcast, blue hour.

Prompting for Shadows

Shadows define the light.

• Keywords: "Long shadows," "dramatic shadows," "silhouette," "cast shadow."

Example Workflow

"Portrait of a detective, film noir style, venetian blind shadows across face, volumetric smoke, high contrast, monochrome."