Mastering AI Text-to-Image Prompts: A Guide in Prompt Engineering

Let's be honest – creating stunning AI images isn't always as simple as typing a few words. Sometimes you need to dig deeper. This guide will help you navigate the sometimes murky waters of prompt engineering, giving you a human approach to crafting those detailed instructions that actually get the AI to understand what's in your head.

Whether you're a creative professional trying to avoid another photoshoot, a digital artist exploring new territories, or just someone fascinated by what AI can do, mastering these prompts is your secret weapon. We've broken down what actually works when talking to these image generators – from camera angles to lighting tricks that make all the difference. Ready to dive in?

Start with a Clear Vision

Before you type a single word, take a moment to really see the image in your mind. Ask yourself:

• What's the heart of this image – who or what am I focusing on?
• What feeling am I trying to capture here?
• Where is this happening, and does that setting enhance or distract?
• Am I going for something that looks real or something more artistic?

Structure Your Prompt

The AI needs guidance, and We've found this structure works wonders:

• Type of Image – Is this a portrait? A landscape? Fashion editorial?
• Subject & Description – Tell me about who's in the frame (what they're wearing, their expression, their pose).
• Scene & Setting – Paint the background – where are we?
• Composition & Layout – How is this framed? What angle are we seeing it from?
• Image Techniques & Art Direction – Talk about lighting, color mood, focus effects.
• Time of Day & Emotion – Is this golden hour? Midnight? What's the emotional tone?
• Camera & Lens Details – For that extra touch of realism, name-drop specific equipment.

Example Prompt

"Editorial fashion photography. Medium shot of a woman in a sleek black dress, sitting gracefully, smooth ponytail, minimal makeup, focused expression. Minimalist studio setting with soft neutral background, side-angle perspective emphasizing her poised posture and textured dress. Balanced composition with soft diffused lighting, subtle shadows, clean aesthetic. Studio-controlled lighting. Confident, sophisticated mood. Shot with Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L I USM lens."

Open in AI Studio.

Camera Angles & Shot Types

Camera angles aren't just technical choices – they're storytelling tools. Use them to shape how your viewer feels:

• Low-Angle Shot – Makes your subject look powerful, dominant, maybe even intimidating.
• High-Angle Shot – Creates a sense of vulnerability or shows someone at their smallest.
• Extreme Close-Up – Gets intimate with the tiny details others might miss.
• Aerial Shot (Bird's-Eye View) – Pulls back to show the bigger picture, often with dramatic effect.

Example Prompt

"Aerial shot of a lone surfer riding a giant turquoise wave, foamy white water curling around him, golden sunset reflecting on the water, cinematic depth, ultra-HD resolution. Shot on DJI Phantom 4 Pro drone camera."

Open in AI Studio.

Example Prompt

"Close-up portrait of a mysterious woman in a dark red velvet dress, soft golden hour light casting long shadows on her face, subtle film grain for vintage effect. Cinematic composition, moody atmosphere. Shot with Hasselblad 500C/M, 80mm f/2.8 lens, Kodak Ektachrome E100."

Open in AI Studio.

Experiment with Styles & Perspectives

Why settle for just photorealistic when the AI can do so much more? Push boundaries with different artistic approaches:

• Oil Painting – Think rich textures you can almost feel, deep colors that pull you in.
• Vintage Film Photography – That nostalgic grain, those slightly faded colors that transport you back in time.
• Futuristic – High-contrast worlds that haven't been built yet.
• Surrealism – Dream-like scenes where the impossible becomes visual.

Example Prompt

"Surrealist dreamscape, a lone figure floating above a vast desert, the sand forming intricate patterns beneath them. Sky painted in deep purples and oranges, two oversized moons glowing softly in the background. Ethereal atmosphere, cinematic composition, soft haze for a mystical touch. Shot with Hasselblad 500C/M, 80mm f/2.8 lens, Kodak Ektachrome E100."

Open in AI Studio.

Try It Yourself: Generate Stunning AI Images

Curious to see these prompts in action?

We've created an AI-powered "Image to Prompt" tool that lets you reverse engineer any image you love.

Click here to open the prompts in your favorite AI image generator. These work across most platforms – MidJourney, Stable Diffusion, DALL·E – though each has its own quirks and strengths.

Image to Prompt

Found an image that stops you in your tracks but have no idea how to describe it? Our Image to Prompt tool will analyze what you're looking at and generate detailed instructions that help you create something similar. It's like having a professional photographer explain exactly how they captured that perfect shot.