Time & Atmosphere – Detailed Variables

A. Time of Day

1. Early Morning

   • Cool, gentle light, often with a bluish or soft pastel hue.

   • Shadows can be elongated if the sun is near the horizon.

   • May include subtle mist or dew on surfaces.

2. Midday

   • Bright, direct overhead sunlight with strong shadows beneath objects.

   • Colors appear more neutral or slightly washed out under harsh light.

   • Sky typically a vivid or pale blue (depending on weather).

3. Late Afternoon / Golden Hour

   • Warm, soft sunlight from a low angle, casting elongated and softer-edged shadows.

   • Surrounding surfaces adopt a golden or orange tint, enhancing contrast and saturation.

   • A favored time for dramatic, visually appealing shots.

4. Sunset / Dusk

   • Deep, warm or sometimes pink-orange glow across the sky.

   • Shadows stretch further, and surfaces pick up strong color from the sky.

   • The environment can be partially dark, partially lit by the horizon glow.

5. Night

   • Dark environment lit by moonlight, artificial lights, or scattered star/distant city glows.

   • Color temperature often cooler or tinted according to city lighting (warm streetlamps, etc.).

   • Shadows can be minimal if ambient light is low, or sharply defined in bright artificial light.

B. Season & Climate

1. Spring

   • Fresh, vibrant greens for plant life, possibly scattered blossoms or budding leaves.

   • Mild temperatures, gentle humidity, potential for scattered rain.

   • Light tends to be softer, with occasional overcast intervals.

2. Summer

   • Lush foliage if it’s a green region, or dried grass in arid climates.

   • Brighter, more direct sunlight, can appear more intense or bleached in midday.

   • Heat haze or shimmering air in especially hot environments.

3. Autumn / Fall

   • Warm red, orange, yellow hues in leaves (in temperate zones).

   • Sun angle typically lower, so late afternoon light can be particularly golden.

   • Potential for drifting leaves, cooler air, earlier sunsets.

4. Winter

   • Bare trees in colder climates, snow or frost.

   • More subdued or pale color palette, possibly overcast skies.

   • If indoors, might see mention of heating or steamy breath from subjects in cold air.

C. Weather Conditions

1. Clear / Sunny

   • Bright, crisp shadows, vibrant colors, minimal atmospheric haze.

   • Typically cheerful or sharply lit scene.

2. Overcast / Cloudy

   • Diffused, soft lighting, minimal distinct shadows.

   • Tends to flatten colors slightly, can be moody or subdued.

3. Rainy / Stormy

   • Water droplets, puddles, reflective surfaces.

   • Gray skies, possibly thunderclouds. Dripping eaves, wet pavement or leaves.

   • Figures or objects appear shiny or soaked if outdoors.

4. Snowy

   • Surfaces blanketed in white, duller shadows if the snow’s brightness is high.

   • Breath vapor from living subjects.

   • Potential flurries or thicker snowfall, shifting color temperature cooler.

5. Fog / Mist

   • Soft, hazy environment, edges fade out in partial opacity.

   • Light scattering reduces clarity—objects in the distance become silhouettes or vanish in white haze.

   • May add a mysterious or serene atmosphere.

D. Atmospheric Effects & Particles

1. Dust / Sand

   • Scenes with swirling dust in deserts or post-apocalyptic cityscapes.

   • Diffuse golden or brownish haze, especially in direct sunlight.

2. Smoke / Steam

   • Industrial settings or volcanic areas, thick smoke plumes.

   • Foggy city scenes with steam from vents, or steamy jungles.

   • May add swirling shadows and changing color tints if illuminated by distinct lights.

3. Light Pollutants

   • Urban haze or smog, slightly coloring the sky or horizon.

   • Nighttime city glow, making the sky a pale orange or pink instead of dark black.

E. Light Behavior Based on Time/Atmosphere

1. Shadow Intensity

   • Midday sun: sharp, well-defined.

   • Overcast: minimal, diffused.

   • Foggy: shadows almost non-existent, everything softened.

2. Color Temperature

   • Daylight: neutral or slightly cool.

   • Golden hour: warm, orange-red hue.

   • Artificial city lights at night: warm streetlights vs. cooler LED glows.

3. Reflections & Highlights

   • Rainy or snowy surfaces might create reflective roads.

   • Low-angle sun in dusty air might create volumetric light beams or “god rays.”

F. Combining Time & Atmosphere with Other Scene Elements

• A runway environment at midday might be an indoor scenario with purely artificial overhead lights—time might be irrelevant (no windows).

• In a forest environment, choosing late afternoon could yield dappled warm lighting, partial shadow from leaves, and possibly drifting pollen or insects.

• A city street at night in rainy conditions sets a moody neon reflection vibe.

Why This Category Is Vital

• Defines Mood & Realism: Time and weather shape the color palette, brightness, and overall scene feeling.

• Directs Lighting Strategy: If it’s overcast, you might specify minimal shadows. For midday sun, strong overhead glare, etc.

• Affects Subject Behavior: Rain or snow may require wet textures or protective gear on the subject. Fog might obscure certain details.

Tip for AI Prompts

• Specify One Primary Condition: e.g., “Clear midday” or “Sunset with scattered clouds.” Overloading with contradictory instructions (e.g., midday sun but also nighttime city lights) can cause confusion.

• Simplicity: If you want consistent results, keep time-of-day and atmospheric effects straightforward (e.g., “It’s midday, clear sky, bright sun,” or “Indoors with neutral overhead lighting,” ignoring real-world sky unless you mention windows).

• Add On: If outdoors, mention weather or seasonal details if they matter for the scene’s vibe or illusions (like footprints in the snow).