1.5: How to Control Backgrounds and Lighting in an AI Lookbook

Astria Workshops · Series 1: Your first AI lookbook · Lesson 5

Bring the background and lighting of your first AI lookbook image closer to your brand. You’ll work through a precise color, a textured reference and lighting instructions, then compare the results with your starting image.

Follow workshop 1.5: Background & Lighting. Captures below show the actual controls in the video; comparison images use the original full-resolution files. Click an image to enlarge it.

Before you begin

Open your brand’s workspace on Astria Generate, with the outfit from your first lookbook image. Keep a brand reference photo beside the first result. Notice how the background and shadows affect the mood before changing the instructions.

Step 1: Specify a background color

Make sure Image is selected. Open the gear below the prompt and find Background color. Click the color swatch. Use the eyedropper in your browser’s color picker to sample the background in your reference image, and include the resulting HEX value in your instructions. A HEX value is a color code, such as #D8D5CF, the neutral color used in this workshop.

Set the background color. The swatch and HEX input are in the gear menu. Video: 00:31. The native browser eyedropper is outside the recorded frame.

A color name alone can lead to different shades. A code makes the direction more specific, but it does not guarantee an exact match. Compare the background across the generated images; exact matching may need further editing.

Step 2: Add a reference for a textured background

For a textured setting, choose a reference image that shows the surface and surroundings you want. Add it using the plus in the Background reference square. Inspect the texture as well as the color, then compare both with the new result.

Use a visual reference for a surface. The Background square sits alongside the outfit references. Video: 00:52. Face preview hidden.

Step 3: Describe the shadows

Look at the brand’s photos and choose words that describe their light. Include that direction in the prompt. The workshop’s examples are “strong shadows,” “light shadows” and “no shadows.” Check the actual result against the reference rather than assuming the wording produced the intended effect.

Step 4: Compare diffused lighting and on-camera flash

For softer light and gentler shadows, try “diffused lighting.” For a different effect, try “on-camera flash,” meaning a flash on or near the camera. Compare how the light changes the clothes and the background.

Diffused lighting. Notice the softer light and gentler shadows. Original source image shown in the video’s lighting comparison.

On-camera flash. Compare the more defined wall shadow. The reference set, format and output count match the diffused-light run.

Step 5: Compare the first and directed images

Put the first image beside the result after your background and lighting direction. Look at the background color, the light and the shadows. Decide which changes bring the image closer to the brand’s style.

First image. Use the starting look as the comparison point.

After creative direction. Assess the setting and light alongside the clothes; each result still needs review.

Check your result

Compare the selected image with both the brand reference and the product photos. Check the background’s color and surface, the direction and softness of shadows, and whether the garment remains accurately represented. Keep the direction that fits your brand before moving on to hair, makeup and accessories.

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