Writing good AI image prompts is a skill. This guide covers 10 proven techniques with real examples.

10 Prompt Techniques

1. The Formula

[Subject] + [Action] + [Environment] + [Lighting] + [Style] + [Technical]

Example:

A samurai warrior, drawing sword, cherry blossom forest at sunset, cinematic lighting, photorealistic, 8k --ar 16:9

2. Be Specific About Lighting

Generic Specific
Good lighting Golden hour, soft studio lighting, dramatic side lighting, neon glow

3. Use Artist References

in the style of Studio Ghibli, by Hayao Miyazaki
in the style of Wes Anderson, symmetrical composition
in the style of Van Gogh, thick brush strokes

4. Specify Camera Terms

shot on 35mm film, f/1.8, shallow depth of field, wide angle lens, macro photography

5. Control the Mood

moody atmosphere, dark and brooding, peaceful and serene, energetic and vibrant

6. Use Quality Boosters

masterpiece, best quality, highly detailed, 8k, trending on ArtStation, award-winning

7. Negative Prompts (SD)

Negative prompt: ugly, blurry, low quality, deformed, extra limbs, bad anatomy

8. Aspect Ratios

Platform Aspect Ratio
Instagram --ar 1:1
YouTube --ar 16:9
Phone wallpaper --ar 9:16
Print --ar 4:3

9. Style Weights (Midjourney)

--s 0 (literal) → --s 250 (balanced) → --s 750 (very artistic)

10. Iteration Strategy

Don't try to get it perfect in one prompt:
1. Generate with a simple prompt
2. Use V (variation) to explore
3. Use remix to change specific elements
4. Upscale the best one

Practice Examples

Product photo:

minimalist perfume bottle, white background, soft studio lighting, product photography, commercial, sharp focus

Fantasy character:

female elf warrior, silver armor, glowing blue eyes, mystical forest, epic fantasy, cinematic lighting, hyperdetailed

Architecture:

modern minimalist house, glass walls, pool, sunset, architectural photography, 4k

Summary

The key to great AI images: combine subject + environment + lighting + style, then iterate.