The Art of Prompting
Great prompts lead to great images. Here's how to write prompts that consistently deliver the results you want.
Prompt Structure
A strong prompt typically includes:
Subject - What's in the image
Style - How it looks visually
Composition - How elements are arranged
Lighting - The quality and direction of light
Mood - The emotional feeling
Example Breakdown
Basic prompt:
> A woman drinking coffee
Improved prompt:
> A young professional woman drinking coffee at a minimalist café, soft morning light through large windows, candid moment, editorial photography style, warm earth tones
Style Descriptors
Include style terms to guide the aesthetic:
Photography styles:
Editorial, commercial, lifestyle, product, portrait
Studio lighting, natural light, golden hour
Shallow depth of field, wide angle, macro
Art styles:
Minimalist, modern, vintage, retro
Flat design, illustration, photorealistic
Bold colors, muted palette, monochromatic
Lighting Terms
Soft light - Diffused, flattering, no harsh shadows
Hard light - Strong shadows, dramatic contrast
Backlight - Light from behind the subject
Rim light - Light outlining the subject
Golden hour - Warm, soft outdoor light
Studio lighting - Controlled, professional
Composition Terms
Rule of thirds - Subject off-center
Centered - Subject in the middle
Close-up - Tight framing on subject
Wide shot - More environment visible
Bird's eye view - From above
Worm's eye view - From below
Negative Prompts
Tell Samsa what NOT to include:
Unwanted elements ("no text", "no watermarks")
Style exclusions ("not cartoon", "not oversaturated")
Quality filters ("no blur", "no artifacts")
Pro Tips
Start simple, then add detail based on results
Be specific about what matters most
Use references - "in the style of product photography"
Iterate - refine based on what works
Save successful prompts for future use