---
title: "Can a Reference Image Guide the Lighting? | ImageQuarry"
url: https://www.imagequarry.com/faq/can-i-use-a-reference-for-lighting/
last_updated: 2026-10-20
---

# Can a reference image guide the lighting?

Yes. A reference that shows the light you want, such as hard sun from one side, soft window light or a warm sunset glow, can steer the light in a new or edited image. Describe it in words too ("hard light from the left, long shadows"), because the model follows both together.

Good lighting references make the light obvious: strong shadows, a clear source, a visible color temperature. A plain wall or object lit the way you want works better than a busy scene.

Light changes the whole picture, so expect shadows, highlights and colors to move. If parts must stay, add them to your keep list ("keep the product shape and label").

In ImageQuarry you can add a reference that shows a light and say it is for the light only. References guide the result; review each version to see how closely it follows them, and compare the new version with the one before.

_Source: the ImageQuarry homepage, checked October 20, 2026._

Next step: [Can AI change the lighting in a photo?](https://www.imagequarry.com/faq/can-ai-change-the-lighting-in-a-photo/)

## Related questions

- [Can AI change the lighting in a photo?](https://www.imagequarry.com/faq/can-ai-change-the-lighting-in-a-photo/): Yes, by describing the new light.
- [Can I use a reference image for color only?](https://www.imagequarry.com/faq/can-i-use-a-reference-for-color-only/): Yes, if you say the reference is for color only.
- [What makes a good reference image?](https://www.imagequarry.com/faq/what-makes-a-good-reference-image/): Clear, well lit, and showing one thing.
- [How do I tell AI what to keep unchanged in an edit?](https://www.imagequarry.com/faq/how-do-i-tell-ai-what-to-keep/): Name what stays, then the one change you want.

Last reviewed 2026-10-20 by ImageQuarry.

## Show the light you want

Add a lighting reference, describe the light, and compare the new version with the old one.