The Complete Guide to Writing Ultra-Realistic AI Image Prompts

Start like a photographer

Realistic images come from describing a real photograph: the subject, the light, the lens and the setting. The more it sounds like a photo shoot, the more real it looks.

A simple formula

Use this order: subject, detail, setting, light, camera style.

• Subject: an elderly fisherman
• Detail: weathered hands, knitted cap, gentle smile
• Setting: wooden boat on a calm lagoon
• Light: soft morning mist, sunrise behind him
• Camera: 85mm portrait, natural colors, sharp focus

Example prompt you can copy

Try this on the Create Image page.

Portrait of an elderly fisherman with weathered hands and a knitted cap, gentle smile, sitting in a wooden boat on a calm lagoon, soft morning mist, sunrise behind him, 85mm portrait photo, natural colors, sharp focus, highly detailed

Common mistakes

Very long lists of random words confuse the result. Write one clear sentence instead.

Avoid mixing styles like 'cartoon' and 'photo realistic' in the same prompt.

Use the prompt helper on the Create Image page if you are unsure how to describe your idea.