Butterfly lighting
Key light placed high and directly in front of the face, casting a small butterfly-shaped shadow under the nose.
Mood and effect
Glamorous, symmetrical, flattering. The classic Hollywood beauty look.
When to use it
Beauty and cosmetics close-ups, lipstick, foundation, high-glamour portraits.
Photography reference
Also called Paramount lighting, from golden-age Hollywood studio portraits.
Prompt it
Works in Midjourney, Nano Banana, GPT Image and Flux. Swap the subject for your own.
What usually goes wrong in AI
Shadows can become harsh under the chin. Add 'white reflector below the chin' to soften.
Questions
What is butterfly lighting in photography?
Key light placed high and directly in front of the face, casting a small butterfly-shaped shadow under the nose.
When should I use butterfly lighting?
Beauty and cosmetics close-ups, lipstick, foundation, high-glamour portraits.
How do I prompt butterfly lighting in AI images?
Name it directly and describe its visible result: "butterfly lighting, key light high and centered above camera, small shadow under the nose, sculpted cheekbones". It works in Midjourney, Nano Banana, GPT Image and Flux.
Why does my AI butterfly lighting look wrong?
Shadows can become harsh under the chin. Add 'white reflector below the chin' to soften.
Generate butterfly lighting for your own product or model
Describe your subject, stack up to four looks, get an editorial image in seconds. Pay as you go.
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