The magic of AI image creation all comes down to the quality of your prompt. But how do you translate the complex vision in your head—the specific mood, the dramatic lighting, the perfect angle—into the right words? It can be a challenge, and the difference between a good and a great image is often just a few key descriptive terms.
That’s why this cheat sheet was created.
Think of it as your secret weapon for crafting the perfect prompt every time. It’s organized into five key building blocks. Simply mix and match keywords from each category to build a detailed, powerful prompt that brings your vision to life.
1. Style & Mood
-
Photography Styles:
Editorial fashion photography,Documentary,Street photography,Minimalist,Abstract,Portrait,Landscape,Photojournalism,Conceptual art -
Aesthetics:
Cinematic,Cyberpunk,Vintage,Retro,Futuristic,Ethereal,Gritty,Clean and contemporary,Moody,Serene,Vibrant -
Artist/Magazine Influence:
Style of Annie Leibovitz,Vogue Magazine aesthetic,Style of Ansel Adams
2. Composition & Framing
-
Shot Types:
Close-up,Extreme close-up,Medium shot,Full-body shot,Wide shot,Establishing shot -
Angles:
Low-angle,High-angle,Eye-level,Profile shot,Dutch angle -
Focus & Background:
Sharp focus,Soft focus,Shallow depth of field,Minimalist background,Detailed background,Bokeh,Motion blur -
Subject Position:
Centered subject,Rule of thirds,Off-center,Looking directly at camera,Looking away
3. Lighting
-
Quality & Mood:
Soft light,Harsh light,Dramatic lighting,Cinematic lighting,Chiaroscuro(strong light/dark contrast) -
Direction:
Backlight,Rim lighting(creates a halo),Side lighting,Front lighting,Underlit -
Source & Color:
Natural light,Golden hour,Blue hour,Studio lighting,Neon lighting,Ambient light,Volumetric light(visible beams)
4. Technical Specs & Quality
-
Realism:
Ultra-realistic,Hyperrealistic,Photorealistic,Highly detailed,Intricate detail -
Resolution:
4K,8K,High resolution -
Lens & Camera:
35mm lens,85mm portrait lens,Telephoto lens,Shot on film,Kodak Portra 400,DSLR,Vintage film -
Color:
Vibrant color,Monochromatic,Black and white,Cool color palette,Warm tones,Desaturated
5. Subject Details
-
Emotion:
Proud expression,Serene,Determined,Joyful,Contemplative -
Action:
Standing confidently,Walking with urgency,Mid-stride,At rest -
Details:
Water droplets on face,Freckles,Flawless skin,Windblown hair
Putting It Into Practice: Example Prompts
Here’s how you can combine keywords from the cheat sheet to create prompts for specific, real-world needs.
Scenario 1: The Professional LinkedIn Headshot
Goal: A clean, professional photo that conveys competence and approachability.
Simple Prompt: “
A professional corporate headshot of a person smiling. The background is a simple, out-of-focus modern office. Lit with bright, soft studio lighting. Photorealistic and highly detailed.”Advanced Prompt: “
Close-up portrait, a confident woman looking directly at the camera with a friendly expression. Shot with an 85mm portrait lens, creating a shallow depth of field with a blurred, minimalist background of warm, neutral tones. The style is a clean and contemporary corporate portrait. Lit with soft, natural side lighting. Ultra-realistic, 8K resolution.”
Scenario 2: The Perfect Product Photo
Goal: A beautiful, appealing image to showcase a product for an online store or social media. Let’s imagine a skincare serum.
Clean Studio Shot: “
Commercial product photography of a frosted glass bottle of face serum with a simple, elegant white label. The bottle is standing on a pure white background. Lit with bright, even, soft studio lighting to eliminate shadows. Ultra-realistic, 8K, sharp focus on the label.”Lifestyle “In-Context” Shot: “
Lifestyle product photo. A frosted glass bottle of face serum is placed elegantly on a white marble bathroom counter, next to a neatly folded white towel and a single green leaf. Lit with bright, soft natural morning light from a window. The mood is serene, clean, and luxurious. Photorealistic, shallow depth of field.”