Learning AI Art with MidJourney: Mastering Light & Shadows

Whether you're new to MidJourney or just starting to explore styles, one thing you'll quickly notice is that lighting makes a huge difference. It can add drama, emotion, realism, or even that soft dreamy vibe you’ve been going for.

In this post, I’ll share what I’ve learned about using lighting in AI-generated art with MidJourney. Whether you’re going for a moody scene or something bright and dreamy, lighting can completely change the feel of your image — and it’s one of the easiest ways to start making your art stand out.

Think of light as your invisible paintbrush — shaping the mood, highlighting details, and bringing your art to life. Sounds exciting, right? Let’s light things up! 

Direction of the Light

Where your light comes from matters a lot. Try to imagine the sun hitting your subject from one side — the shadows, the highlights, the mood it creates. It completely changes the feel of your image.

Here’s a simple prompt to try:

/imagine woman with light coming from the right side

Try switching the direction: top, back, left — and see how each one tells a slightly different story.

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Playing with Shadows

Once you’ve got the light direction down, it’s time to think about shadows. These aren’t just dark spots — they give your image depth and character.

Want something moody and cinematic? Go for bold, dramatic shadows.

Here’s a great prompt to test that:

/imagine woman portrait with dramatic shadows

Try subtle shadows for softer looks or intense contrast for more visual punch.

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 Adjusting Light Intensity

Light doesn't just point from a direction — it also comes in different strengths. Think soft candlelight vs. bright sunlight. The intensity completely changes the atmosphere.

Try this:

/imagine landscape in bright sunlight

Or maybe switch it up to soft lighting for a dreamy vibe:

/imagine garden with soft, diffused lighting

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 Experimenting with Different Lighting Effects

Ready to get creative? Mix and match your light settings. Here's some inspiration you can play with:

• Soft Lighting:
  “Create an image of a garden with soft, diffused lighting.”

• Dim Candlelight:
  “Design an image of a room with dim candlelight, creating a cozy atmosphere.”

• Long Shadows at Sunset:

  /imagine building with long shadows from the setting sun
  

Try writing your own prompts using your favorite lighting effects!

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 Quick Tips for Better Lighting Prompts

Want better, more cinematic results in MidJourney? Keep these three things in mind:

✅ Specify the light direction
✅ Use shadows to add depth
✅ Adjust the light intensity for mood

The more specific you are, the more MidJourney has to work with — and the more magical your results become. 

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So, what will you light up next? Try a few of these prompts and watch your creations come to life. Happy prompting!