Chiaroscuro is a classic lighting approach that models subjects with bold contrast: a bright key light against deep shadow. Originating in Renaissance and Baroque painting (Caravaggio, Rembrandt) and later common in film noir and manga, it emphasizes shape, texture, and narrative tension. For AI images, think low-key scenes, a single hard key from one side, minimal fill, and controlled spill so blacks stay rich and shadows read clean.

Use clear lighting intent plus style anchors and control terms.

Core tokens:

• chiaroscuro, tenebrism, low-key lighting, high contrast, dramatic side lighting
• single hard key light, strong shadow, deep blacks, negative fill, light falloff
• rim light, short lighting, Rembrandt triangle, spotlight, snoot, barn doors

Style anchors:

• Painting: Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Dutch Masters
• Film: film noir, moody noir, neo-noir, high-contrast B&W
• Comics/Anime: cel-shaded shadows, heavy inking, screen tones, cross-hatching, manga screentone

Quality controls:

• crisp shadows, defined penumbra, volumetric light rays, fog for God rays (optional)
• low noise, rich blacks, no flat lighting, avoid overexposure

Negative cues:

• flat lighting, washed out, overexposed highlights, muddy shadows, low contrast

Goal: dramatic one-side key with sculpted cheekbone shadows.

Prompt template:

• Subject: [character/hero/villain], 3/4 view portrait
• Lighting: chiaroscuro, low-key, single hard key from camera-left, short lighting, Rembrandt triangle under eye, deep blacks, negative fill
• Style: [realistic | anime key art | noir comic cover], high contrast, crisp shadows
• Mood: tense, cinematic, focused

Add-ons:

• Rim light from behind for edge separation
• B&W for pure noir or warm tungsten for painterly tone

For narrative depth in frames or panels:

Prompt template:

• Environment: dim interior, single window light / street lamp / spotlight
• Composition: subject near light source, background falls to black
• Lighting: tenebrism, hard-edged shadows on walls, vignetting, negative space
• Style: graphic novel, heavy inking, screen tones, cel-shaded shadows
• Camera: 35–50mm equivalent, shallow depth for subject isolation

Start with a simple photo or sketch, then impose contrast:

• Use depth/normal/shadow control models to preserve forms while increasing shadow density.
• Lower overall exposure by ~0.5–1 stop; raise contrast and black point.
• Guide with a mask: paint a bright wedge where the key hits; keep surroundings dark.
• Add a narrow rim light to separate dark clothing from background.

Tenebrism: extreme chiaroscuro where backgrounds collapse to near-black; spotlight feeling. Rembrandt lighting: classic portrait scheme creating a small lit triangle under the far eye; moderate contrast. Film noir: chiaroscuro plus graphic geometry (venetian blind slashes, smoke, rain), often monochrome. Anime/comic cel-shade: flat color regions with 1–2 hard shadow tiers; prioritize clean silhouette and shape language.

• Muddy shadows: increase black point and reduce fill; add “deep blacks, clean shadow separation.”
• Flat faces: move key to the side (short lighting), harden light, add “Rembrandt triangle.”
• Overexposed hotspots: add “controlled highlights, no clipping, roll-off,” lower exposure.
• Busy backgrounds: “tenebrism, background falls to black, vignette” to isolate subject.
• Soft, undefined edges: “hard-edged shadows, crisp penumbra,” reduce bloom/glow.

• dramatic chiaroscuro, low-key, single hard key from camera-left, short lighting, deep blacks, negative fill, crisp shadows
• tenebrism, spotlight in darkness, extreme contrast, background fades to black, high-intensity key, hard shadow edges
• film noir, high-contrast B&W, venetian blind shadows, cigarette smoke, rain, reflective pavement, rim light
• anime cel-shade chiaroscuro, 2-step hard shadows, thick inking, screentone gradients, bold silhouette

• Hero/villain portraits and reveals
• Noir comic covers and splash pages
• Mood posters, thriller key art
• Dramatic still lifes or props with texture (metal, leather, stone)
• Dialogue-heavy panels with strong silhouette reads