Text-to-Image Prompting
Prompting Essentials
Practical add-ons to strengthen your base prompt.
Before going into enhancements, make sure you read the core prompting framework covered in Fundamentals.
Building on the Foundation
With your base Subject + Action + Style + Context, add details that will make your image even better.The Enhancement Hierarchy
1
Foundation (Required)
Start with the core framework. Keep it short and specific.
2
Visual polish
Add specific visual details that refine the mood and composition:
- Lighting: “bathed in golden sunlight from the terminator line”
- Color palette: “deep blue and white Earth tones”
- Composition: “composed using rule of thirds”
3
Technical precision
Add camera and artistic details:
- Camera settings: “shallow depth of field, 85mm lens”
- Film/texture: “film grain texture”
- Quality markers: “shot on IMAX camera”
4
Atmosphere and intent
Set the vibe or mood:
- Mood: “moody style”, “peaceful”, “chill”, “uplifting”
- Atmosphere: “relaxed evening”, “soft morning light”, “cozy”, “dreamy”
- Narrative element: “hint of mystery”, “carefree moment”, “quiet solitude”
Practical Enhancement Examples
Portrait Photography Enhancement
Portrait Photography Enhancement
Foundation: “Professional headshot of a young entrepreneur with a happy expression”+ Visual Layer: “wearing a navy blazer over white shirt, sitting in modern office with city skyline background”+ Technical Layer: “shot with 85mm lens at f/2.8, shallow depth of field”+ Atmospheric Layer: “soft natural lighting from large window, clean corporate aesthetic, confident and approachable demeanor”
Foundation only
Fully enhanced
Concept Art Enhancement
Concept Art Enhancement
Foundation: “Futuristic cityscape with flying cars and neon signs”+ Visual Layer: “Neo-Tokyo setting with sleek vehicles weaving between glass skyscrapers, holographic advertisements in Japanese and English”+ Technical Layer: “concept art style with painterly brushstrokes, low-angle perspective emphasizing scale”+ Atmospheric Layer: “dramatic purple and cyan color palette, cyberpunk atmosphere with rain-slicked streets reflecting neon lights, sense of technological advancement and urban density”
Foundation only
Fully enhanced
Product Photography Enhancement
Product Photography Enhancement
Foundation: “Luxury perfume bottle on elegant surface”+ Visual Layer: “Crystal bottle with gold accents and ‘ESSENCE’ engraved label, positioned on black marble surface”+ Technical Layer: “shot with macro lens for sharp detail, professional studio lighting with key light and subtle rim lighting”+ Atmospheric Layer: “minimalist composition with negative space, high-end commercial photography style, sophisticated and premium feeling”
Foundation only
Fully enhanced
Quick start templates
Use these templates as starting points for common use cases:Template:
[Subject description], [pose/expression], [style], [lighting], [background]Example: “Professional businesswoman in navy blazer, confident smile, corporate photography style, natural window lighting, modern office background”Enhancement Patterns by Use Case
Lead with character details, follow with setting enhancementsPattern: Detailed character description → Action/pose → Style → Context → Atmospheric moodExample: “A weathered sea captain with salt-and-pepper beard and piercing blue eyes, standing confidently at ship’s wheel, traditional maritime portrait style, on deck of sailing vessel with stormy seas, dramatic lighting with spray and wind”
For more complex techniques, explore Advanced Techniques for layered compositions, style fusion, and cinematic approaches.
Quality check before you hit Generate
Make a quick pass for:- Foundation: Core elements present (see framework).
- Balance: Enhancements support rather than drown the subject.
- Specificity: Swap vague words for concrete descriptors.
- Order: Lead with what matters most (word order).
- Cohesion: Everything points at the same idea.