SIDE LIGHTING PORTRAIT — the subject is illuminated by a large directional light source positioned at exactly 90 degrees to her LEFT side. The entire LEFT side of her face, her left cheek, left shoulder, and left arm are brightly lit by this lateral light. The RIGHT side of her face is in gentle gradient shadow — not fully black (softer than a harsh split lighting pattern), but clearly and noticeably darker than the lit side. There is a natural gradient transition across the bridge of her nose. The light direction is instantly readable as coming from the left side. Medium close-up framing.
SIDE LIGHTING PORTRAIT — the subject is illuminated by a large directional light source positioned at exactly 90 degrees to her LEFT side. The entire LEFT side of her face, her left cheek, left shoulder, and left arm are brightly lit by this lateral light. The RIGHT side of her face is in gentle gradient shadow — not fully black (softer than a harsh split lighting pattern), but clearly and noticeably darker than the lit side. There is a natural gradient transition across the bridge of her nose. The light direction is instantly readable as coming from the left side. Medium close-up framing.
Side Lighting
Light source positioned at 90 degrees to the side of the subject. Half the face lit, half in gradient shadow.
When to use
When you want directional modeling on the face without the extreme contrast of split lighting. Adds shape and mood without being dramatic.
Pro tips
- •Prompt "side lighting, directional light from 90 degrees, lit side and shadow side gradient"
- •Specify WHICH side ("light from left, shadow on right") for consistent results
- •Softer than split lighting — shadow side should be gradient, not pure black
Related Director's Eye Prompts
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