How to write better AI image prompts, with examples

A prompt cannot guarantee a good image, but it can remove ambiguity. These templates show how to describe the subject, style, lighting, and composition without stuffing the prompt.

The anatomy of a strong AI image prompt

Every effective prompt has the same core structure: subject + style + lighting + composition + quality modifiers. You don't need all five in every prompt, but three or four are usually enough to give the model a clear direction.

• Subject: name who or what appears, along with its action or expression.
• Style: choose a visual genre such as photography, painting, anime, or 3D.
• Lighting: describe the source and quality of light.
• Composition: specify framing, viewpoint, and subject placement.
• Output details: mention focus or aspect ratio only when they matter.

Prompt examples that work

Photorealistic portrait

"A photorealistic portrait of a woman in her 30s with curly auburn hair, soft studio lighting, shallow depth of field, sharp focus on eyes, 4K, professional headshot style."

Cinematic landscape

"An aerial view of a misty mountain valley at golden hour, warm orange and purple tones, cinematic widescreen composition, ultra-detailed, Dolby Vision style."

Product photography

"A sleek black wireless headphone on a white marble surface, studio lighting with soft shadows, minimalist product shot, ultra-detailed, commercial photography style."

Anime / illustration

"A young samurai standing on a rooftop at night, city lights below, anime style, vibrant colors, detailed line art, Studio Ghibli influence."

What to avoid in prompts

• Vague subjects: "a person" leaves most decisions to the model.
• Conflicting styles: "photorealistic anime oil painting" mixes incompatible direction.
• Too many adjectives: prioritize the details that should be visible.
• Negative framing: describe the desired state, such as "sharp focus," when possible.

Model-specific tips

GPT Image 2

GPT Image 2 can follow detailed instructions, including exact colors, precise compositions, and even text within the image. It handles long, detailed prompts better than any other model.

Grok Imagine Image

Grok Imagine Image responds well to style references and artistic direction. Mentioning specific photographers, art movements, or film directors ("shot by Annie Leibovitz," "Blade Runner aesthetic") produces strong results.

Nano Banana Pro

Nano Banana Pro is optimized for speed and stylized content. Keep prompts punchy and style-forward. It excels at social media visuals, bold graphics, and creative compositions where speed matters.

Start with a template

If you're unsure where to begin, use this template and fill in each bracket:

"[Subject description], [art style], [lighting], [composition], [quality modifiers]."

Example: "A golden retriever puppy playing in autumn leaves, photorealistic, warm afternoon sunlight, close-up shot, ultra-detailed, 4K."