How to Write Prompts
A simple guide to writing effective prompts in PhotoGPT AI. Learn three easy prompt styles that help you create clear, realistic images with your AI Photographer.
Introduction
In PhotoGPT, prompts are your tool for telling the AI Photographer exactly what you want.
They’re short descriptions that help the AI understand who should be in the photo, what the scene looks like, and how the image should feel.
Whether you're using a preset or creating a custom image, prompts give you the power to personalize the results. You can fine-tune the details, direct the style, and even change the scene entirely.
Where do you type the prompts?
The place to write your prompts is always the same - in the prompt box on the generation screen. You can use this box to:
- Add additional details to a preset (e.g., Christmas preset + your specific details)
- Create entirely custom images from scratch, using just your prompts
You can also use the magic wand tool right beside the Generate button to enhance your one line of instruction to a full-fledged prompt.
This guide will walk you through three easy-to-follow prompt styles that can help you create stunning AI images. You'll learn how each style works, why it’s effective, and how to use it in your own creations.
Let's dive in!
Style A: Subject-First Prompt
Best for: clean portraits, simple scenes, quick ideas
Works well with: any preset or no preset at all
In this style, you start your prompt directly with the main subject and then describe:
- what they are doing or how they are posed
- where they are
- how the light and mood should feel
- any extra detail that matters (outfit, season, weather, etc.)
You typically write this as one natural sentence or two short sentences. It's simple, clean, and effective.
How and Why it Works
Starting directly with the subject gives the AI a clear focus. It immediately locks onto who or what the image is about, making it easier for the AI to generate relevant details.
This approach is great for portraits, lifestyle shots, and simple scenes, because:
- The subject is clear from the start.
- The scene is built around the subject in a straightforward, intuitive way.
- The AI doesn’t need to guess what the image should focus on — it's all in the first few words.
Empirical form
Use this structure to get started:
[subject] + [action or pose] + [location/scene] + [lighting & mood] + [extra detail if needed]Where:
- [subject]: man, woman, couple, family, model, etc.
- [action or pose]: standing, walking, sitting on a sofa, looking over the shoulder, etc.
- [location/scene]: beach at sunset, snowy street, office lobby, Christmas market, studio backdrop, etc.
- [lighting & mood]: soft daylight, warm indoor glow, dramatic lighting, cinematic mood, etc.
- [extra details]: outfit type, time of day, background simplicity, “highly detailed, realistic, HDR,” etc.
You don’t need to fill every slot every time. Focus on the parts that matter most for that image.
Examples
Below are two examples demonstrating this style in action:
A woman in a cozy sweater, sitting on a sofa by a fireplace, reading a book.
The soft glow of the fireplace illuminates her face, creating a warm, relaxed mood.
The room is softly blurred in the background with a few Christmas decorations.Headshot of a man standing on a cliff at sunset, gazing out over a calm ocean.
The golden light of the setting sun casts warm hues across his face, with the silhouette of distant mountains in the background.Want to try this style yourself?
Open your PhotoGPT dashboard and experiment with a Subject-First prompt →
Style B: Layered Scene Prompt
Best for: cinematic scenes, complex environments, game-like compositions
Works well with: presets in general or any wide, open shot
In this style, you describe the image in layers, starting with the foreground and moving back to the background. This method helps create depth and space in the image.
Here’s the basic flow:
- Foreground: the main subject, usually closest to the camera
- Midground: supporting elements or secondary subjects
- Background: the environment, landscape, or context
This method is perfect for wide scenes where you want to create a sense of depth and place your subject into a complex, layered environment.
How and Why it Works
The Layered Scene Prompt is effective because it gives the AI a clear understanding of where everything is in the scene. It helps the model build depth and spatial relationships, resulting in more realistic and visually appealing compositions.
By clearly separating elements, the AI can focus on each part individually, ensuring that the foreground (main subject) is distinct, the midground adds context, and the background doesn’t overwhelm the image.
Empirical form
Use this structure to get started:
In the foreground, [main subject...]
In the midground, [supporting elements...]
In the background, [environment / depth...]Where:
- [main subject]: the main character, person, or object closest to the camera
- [supporting elements]: secondary details that add context (e.g., props, secondary characters, actions happening)
- [environment / depth]: background, scene, or setting (sky, city, nature, etc.)
You can add more layers if needed (e.g., foreground → midground → background → distant background), but the basic 3-layer structure will work in most cases.
Examples
Below are two examples for Style B that you can use for inspiration:
In the foreground, a woman in a leather jacket standing confidently in a bustling city street at night.
In the midground, neon signs glow in soft colors, and people hurry by, blurred in motion.
In the background, tall skyscrapers with reflections of the streetlights dominate the scene, creating a vibrant, cinematic atmosphere.In the foreground, a man with styled, tousled hair stands confidently with his shoulders slightly angled, looking directly into the camera.
In the midground, soft, directional light from large windows highlights the contours of his face, creating a sharp contrast between light and shadow.
In the background, a stylish, blurred modern interior with sleek furniture and large plants adds a touch of sophistication, while the city skyline can be seen through the windows, giving a cosmopolitan, editorial vibe to the shot.Want to try this style yourself?
Open your PhotoGPT dashboard and experiment with a Layered Scene prompt →
Style C: Structured Detail Prompt
Best for: high realism, premium portraits, themed photoshoots
Works well with: any preset, especially for controlled, detailed shots like magazine covers, studio portraits, or product shoots.
In this style, you start with a short description summarizing the scene, then break down the details into clear, structured sections. Each section covers a different part of the image, from the subject’s hair to the camera angle.
How and Why it Works
This style is perfect when you want the AI to pay attention to every single detail. By breaking the prompt into sections, the AI can clearly understand each element — from hair and clothing to lighting and background.
This helps you create highly realistic, precise results, especially for:
- studio photoshoots
- product photos
- editorial looks
- high-end portraits
The structured approach ensures that the AI generates exactly what you expect.
Empirical form
Use this structure to get started:
[Short scene description]
Hair: [hair details]
Clothing: [outfit & fabric details]
Makeup: [optional, if relevant]
Lighting: [how the light looks]
Background: [clean, simple, detailed, etc.]
Pose/Expression: [body language or face]
Camera: [shot type / lens / realism notes]
Color/Texture Notes: [optional]Where:
- [Short scene description]: give a brief description of the overall scene (e.g., “A woman sitting on a vintage sofa in a cozy living room”)
- Hair: describe the hairstyle, color, and texture
- Clothing: be specific about the outfit, fabric, and accessories
- Makeup: add details if relevant (e.g., subtle glam, natural look)
- Lighting: how the scene is lit (soft daylight, dramatic shadows, rim light)
- Background: how simple or detailed the background is (e.g., blurred, studio, street)
- Pose/Expression: the subject’s posture, expression (e.g., confident smile, relaxed pose)
- Camera: camera settings (e.g., close-up, wide shot, DSLR, high contrast)
- Color/Texture Notes: optional details like texture, saturation, or specific colors
Examples
Below are a couple of examples for Style C:
A woman enjoying a leisurely walk through a charming European street, wearing a casual outfit and smiling as she gazes off into the distance.
Hair: Loose, natural waves with a few strands gently blowing in the breeze, sun-kissed highlights.
Clothing: A light beige linen blouse with rolled-up sleeves, paired with a simple gold necklace and a light scarf draped loosely around her neck.
Makeup: Fresh and minimal with a natural glow, a hint of mascara, and soft peachy tones on her lips.
Lighting: Soft golden hour sunlight highlighting her face, creating a warm, radiant glow.
Background: Blurred cobblestone street with a café in the background, vibrant green plants in pots, and colorful European buildings softly out of focus.
Pose/Expression: Standing casually, with one hand lightly touching her scarf, a relaxed smile as she looks away towards the street.
Camera: Waist-up shot, capturing the warm, inviting mood of the scene while focusing on her joyful expression and relaxed posture.A professional man in a suit posing in an office with a modern aesthetic.
Hair: Short, neatly combed dark hair.
Clothing: A tailored navy blue suit with a white shirt and a patterned tie.
Makeup: Natural, polished look with no visible makeup.
Lighting: Dramatic lighting from the left side, casting a subtle shadow on his face.
Background: Blurred office background with shelves, plants, and a city skyline visible through the window.
Pose/Expression: Relaxed posture with arms crossed, confident expression.
Camera: Medium shot, with a slight tilt-up to add grandeur to the composition, focusing on his upper body.Want to try this style yourself?
Open your PhotoGPT dashboard and experiment with a Structured Detail prompt →
Showcase Examples (5–7)
Now let’s dive into 5–7 real-world examples of how to write effective prompts using Style C – Structured Detail Prompt.
These examples showcase a range of scenarios, from fashion shoots to professional headshots to fantasy portraits. By following the structure of Style C, you can achieve highly realistic and precise results for any photo type.
1. Clothing / Fashion Shoot
Waist-up fashion editorial portrait of a woman standing inside a contemporary art gallery, surrounded by large abstract canvases and soft museum lighting.
Hair: Smooth blow-dried hair with soft volume at the roots, tucked neatly behind both ears; glossy, polished finish.
Clothing: Architectural cream-colored wool coat with exaggerated lapels, structured shoulders, and a cinched belt; paired with minimalist gold geometric earrings.
Makeup: Clean editorial look—soft-matte skin, diffused brown liner, feathered brows, and a muted rose-beige lip for a modern understated elegance.
Lighting: Diffused gallery lighting from overhead panels creating even illumination; subtle directional fill from the right adding dimension to facial planes and coat texture.
Background: Large-scale contemporary art pieces with bold brush strokes in deep blues, warm terracotta, and muted charcoal; matte white gallery walls; polished concrete floor reflecting soft light; minimal viewer silhouettes blurred intentionally for depth.
Pose/Expression: Standing tall with relaxed shoulders, one hand gently resting on the coat belt, calm gaze slightly off-camera conveying high-fashion confidence.
Camera: 50mm lens at f/2.0 for a crisp subject with softly blurred artwork; editorial-grade clarity, highly realistic, HDR; coat wool texture and fine lighting gradients captured sharply.
Color/Texture Notes: Warm neutrals of the coat complemented by cool gallery tones; matte fabrics, smooth gallery surfaces, and subtle color pops from artwork.2. Professional Headshot
A professional man in a suit posing in an office with a modern aesthetic.
Hair: Short, neatly combed dark hair.
Clothing: A tailored navy blue suit with a white shirt and a patterned tie.
Makeup: Natural, polished look with no visible makeup.
Lighting: Dramatic lighting from the left side, casting a subtle shadow on his face.
Background: Blurred office background with shelves, plants, and a city skyline visible through the window.
Pose/Expression: Relaxed posture with arms crossed, confident expression.
Camera: Medium shot, with a slight tilt-up to add grandeur to the composition, focusing on his upper body.3. Artistic Studio Portrait
Waist up shot of a young woman in a flowing white dress, standing in a minimalistic studio with natural light pouring through large windows.
Hair: Soft, loose waves cascading down her shoulders.
Clothing: A long, ethereal white dress with lace detailing.
Lighting: Soft, diffused light coming from the left through large windows, creating gentle shadows.
Background: A soft white backdrop with no distractions, allowing the subject to be the main focus.
Pose/Expression: Standing gracefully with one hand gently resting on her side, looking directly at the camera.
Camera: Medium shot with a wide aperture to create a soft, blurred background and emphasize the subject.4. Magazine cover
A man in a dark suit with a black tie, confidently posing against a sleek, modern background.
Hair: Short, well-groomed, neatly styled.
Clothing: A dark grey tailored suit, white shirt, and a slim black tie.
Makeup: Subtle, natural look, with a focus on sharp facial features.
Lighting: Strong key light from the right side, creating high contrast and shadows on the left.
Background: A simple, blurred gradient background with soft golden hues, giving the feel of a professional magazine shoot.
Pose/Expression: Standing with arms slightly bent, slight smile, confident yet approachable.
Camera: Close-up shot, focusing on the face and upper body, with a slight tilt to add dynamic energy.5. Product Shoot
Close up of a sleek smartwatch placed on a clean, modern surface with dramatic lighting highlighting its features.
Lighting: High contrast lighting from the left, casting shadows that emphasize the watch’s design.
Background: Simple, dark grey backdrop with soft reflections on the surface to highlight the product.
Camera: Close-up shot with a high f/stop to keep the watch in focus while the background stays softly blurred.
Details: The watch face has a digital clock, with visible branding in the bottom corner.6. Fantasy Portrait
A young elf warrior standing in a mystical forest, holding a glowing sword.
Hair: Long, silver hair flowing slightly in the wind.
Clothing: A silver armor adorned with intricate designs, glowing faintly with magical runes.
Lighting: Dramatic, ethereal light coming from the sword, casting a glowing halo around the subject.
Background: A misty forest with tall, ancient trees and faint beams of sunlight breaking through the fog.
Pose/Expression: Standing tall, looking slightly to the side, with a confident and determined expression.
Camera: Wide shot to capture the grandeur of the forest, with a focus on the warrior and the glowing sword.7. Warm Lifestyle Editorial
Natural light indoor portrait of a woman seated by a tall window in a Scandinavian-style café, holding a ceramic cup while soft daylight falls across her face.
Hair: Air-dried waves with natural movement, tucked gently behind one ear.
Clothing: Cream knit sweater with a subtle ribbed texture, layered with a light camel scarf; simple gold hoop earrings.
Makeup: Minimal and glowing—fresh skin, soft peach blush, brushed brows, and a sheer lip tint.
Lighting: Soft diffused daylight from the window creating gentle highlights on the face; warm ambient café lights in the background adding depth.
Background: Minimalist café interior with light wood tables, matte ceramic cups, potted plants, and a blurred pastry counter.
Pose/Expression: Leaning slightly forward with elbows resting on the table, relaxed smile while glancing toward the window.
Camera: Waist-up portrait, 50mm lens, shallow depth of field; crisp facial details with warm bokeh in background.
Color/Texture Notes: Neutral beige tones, soft knits, matte ceramics, warm ambient lighting.Helpful Links & Next Steps
If you want to explore more and improve your results even further, here are a few guides that can help:
-
Learn how to choose the right input photos:
Selecting the Ideal Input Images → -
Explore how presets work and how to combine them with prompts:
How to Use Presets → -
Want to edit or refine your generated images?
AI Photo Editor Guide →
Ready to Create Your Own Images?
Head to your dashboard and start experimenting with prompts now:
Open your PhotoGPT Dashboard →
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