Stop Wasting Time. Start Directing. Most “AI gurus” sell you what you can learn in 10 minutes. This isn’t theory. This is how I create cinematic, gothic, hyperreal portraits—and how you can too, for free. No fluff. No paywalls. Just control.

This is not a course. This is your first real conversation with AI. Forget everything you’ve heard from people selling “secret prompts.” Real control starts with understanding what each word actually does—not copying magic spells.

🎬 What is an AI prompt?

An AI prompt isn’t a request—it’s a director’s instruction.

You’re not saying: “make a beautiful woman.”

You’re saying: woman in black lace corset, red rose in ear, amber eyes glowing under full moon, cinematic rim light from left, fog in valley below, 85mm lens, shallow depth of field

→ The more precise your visual language, the less the AI “guesses.”

🔤 Why does word order matter?

AI weighs early words more heavily.

Weak: ‘cinematic, dramatic, mysterious woman in black dress’
Strong: ‘woman in black dress, standing on cliff edge, wind in hair, intense amber eyes, full moon behind, cinematic lighting, 85mm lens’

→ Subject → Environment → Lighting → Camera → Mood. That’s the hierarchy professionals use.

⚙️ What are the 5 parameters you MUST set?

--ar 9:16   // Portrait frame (like Instagram)
--v 6       // Use latest Midjourney version
--q 2       // Full render quality
--s 200     // Strong stylization (for dramatic looks)
--no blur, text  // Remove common artifacts

→ Never leave these to default. They define your result’s foundation.

You’re not choosing “art.” You’re choosing a visual language. AI doesn’t understand beauty—it understands patterns.

📸 The Anti-Style: --style raw

This isn’t a style—it’s a reset. MidJourney’s default adds dreamy glow. --style raw says: “Render like a camera—not a painter.”

Use it for: Product shots, portraits, architecture. Avoid it for: Fantasy, surrealism, oil painting.

🛠️ 1. Medium = Your Art Supply

Pick one. Mixing confuses the AI.

• Photographic realism – camera-level detail, skin pores
• Oil painting – rich impasto, visible brush strokes
• Watercolor – translucent washes, soft blooms
• Charcoal sketch – high-contrast, smudged edges

🎭 2. Art Movements = Your Mood Code

• Cyberpunk – neon rain, urban decay
• Noir – monochrome, deep shadows
• Minimalist – negative space, calm authority

Rule: One medium + one movement + one genre = clarity.

These aren’t “hacks.” They’re the dials pros use to fine-tune reality.

⚙️ 1. Diffusion Process = Your Render Engine

• CFG scale (6–10) – How strictly AI obeys your words
• Steps (20–60) – Detail level
• Sampler – Use DPM++ 2M or Euler a

🔄 2. Control Systems = Your Puppet Strings

• ControlNet – Lock pose or composition
• LoRA – Inject characters (use at 0.6–0.8 strength)
• IPAdapter – Copy style from reference image

→ Don’t tweak everything. Tweak one thing at a time. Balance beats force.

Close-up portrait of woman in soft window light, shallow depth of field, natural skin texture, f/1.8, realistic color tones --ar 4:5 --v 6 --style raw --q 2

Photographic cues (f/1.8, window light) mimic real gear. --style raw ensures skin texture accuracy.

→ Write like you’re briefing a film crew—not begging a genie.

Adjust in this order: --ar → --q → --s → --chaos.

--ar          → Aspect ratio (9:16, 16:9)
--v           → Model version (use v6)
--q           → Quality (0.25–2)
--s           → Stylization (100–300 = balanced)
--style raw   → Disables dream filter
--no          → Exclude blur, text, extra fingers

→ Mastery is subtraction, not addition.

These 15 rules separate people who hope from people who direct.

1. Prompt Hierarchy: Subject → Environment → Lighting → Camera → Mood → Technical
2. Order Matters: Early words shape composition
3. Use Contrast: “Soft light on rough metal” > “cinematic”
4. Delete Fluff: Fewer words = clearer image
5. Debug in Layers: Test one element at a time
6. Think Like a Director: You’re briefing a crew—not typing to a bot

Final Rule: Prompting is direction — not description.

Lighting isn’t decoration. It’s emotional coding. The same face under golden hour vs. chiaroscuro tells two different stories. Choose deliberately.

🌅 golden hour

Warm, directional sunlight within 1 hour of sunrise or sunset. Soft shadows, long cast lines, golden skin tones, gentle contrast. Creates nostalgia, intimacy, or cinematic warmth.

→ Use for: Romantic portraits, travel editorials, dreamy street scenes.
→ Avoid for: Clinical product shots, cyberpunk, or anything requiring neutral color balance.
→ Prompt tip: golden hour sunlight, warm glow on skin, long soft shadows across pavement, golden highlights in hair

🌙 blue hour

Cool, diffused ambient light during twilight—after sunset or before sunrise. Deep blue tones, minimal shadows, soft even illumination. Evokes calm, solitude, or quiet mystery.

→ Use for: Urban nightscapes, moody silhouettes, melancholic stillness.
→ Avoid for: High-energy scenes, warm-toned fashion, or anything requiring strong directional light.
→ Prompt tip: blue hour cityscape, cool ambient glow, soft shadows, blue reflections on wet pavement, silhouette of figure on rooftop

☁️ soft diffused light

Light scattered through clouds, scrims, or bounce panels. No hard edges, minimal contrast, even illumination across the subject. Flattering for skin, reduces texture.

→ Use for: Beauty portraits, commercial product shots, soft fashion.
→ Avoid for: Dramatic narratives, texture-heavy scenes (e.g., weathered wood), or any mood requiring tension.
→ Prompt tip: soft diffused light, even illumination on face, no harsh shadows, soft skin texture, overcast daylight

☀️🔥 harsh midday sun

Direct, overhead sunlight around noon. Creates sharp, short shadows under eyes and chin; high contrast; bleached highlights. Often considered “bad” but useful for raw realism.

→ Use for: Documentary realism, desert survival scenes, grit, or unflattering honesty.
→ Avoid for: Glamour, soft portraits, or anything requiring idealized beauty.
→ Prompt tip: harsh midday sun, short shadows under eyes, high contrast on skin, bleached highlights, desert backdrop

💡 backlit

Main light source behind the subject. Creates silhouettes or rim highlights; subject face often in shadow unless fill light is added.

→ Use for: Silhouettes, halo effects, dramatic separation from background.
→ Avoid for: Facial detail without fill light; situations where expression must be clear.
→ Prompt tip: backlit subject, sun behind head, glowing hair edges, face in soft shadow, shallow depth of field

✨ rim lighting

A focused backlight that outlines the subject’s edges (hair, shoulders, jaw). Used to separate from background without full backlighting.

→ Use for: Portraits against dark backgrounds, cinematic drama, 3D pop.
→ Avoid for: Flat illustrations, top-down product shots.
→ Prompt tip: rim lighting from behind left, golden edge on shoulder and hair, subject face lit with soft fill, dark background

🌫️ volumetric light

Visible rays of light passing through a medium (dust, fog, smoke). Shows light as a physical beam in space.

→ Use for: Atmosphere, mystery, sacred or cinematic grandeur.
→ Avoid for: Clean studio shots, minimalism, or flat lighting.
→ Prompt tip: volumetric light through forest canopy, dust particles visible in air, sun rays cutting through mist

☀️✨ god rays

A specific type of volumetric light—strong, diverging beams from a hidden sun (often behind clouds or trees). Dramatic and symbolic.

→ Use for: Heroic moments, spiritual scenes, epic scale.
→ Avoid for: Realistic urban scenes, casual moods, or anything grounded.
→ Prompt tip: god rays breaking through storm clouds, dramatic light beams over mountain valley, cinematic scale

🟣 neon-lit

Artificial light from neon signs or tubes. Saturated, colored spill (often pink, cyan, purple), high local contrast, deep shadows.

→ Use for: Cyberpunk, nightlife, retro urban scenes.
→ Avoid for: Natural daylight, vintage warmth, or neutral palettes.
→ Prompt tip: neon-lit alley at night, pink and cyan spill on wet pavement, subject face lit by sign glow, deep shadows

🕯️ candlelit

Single, flickering, warm point source. Strong falloff (bright near flame, dark just inches away), orange/amber tones, soft highlights.

→ Use for: Intimacy, historical drama, suspense, romance.
→ Avoid for: Full-body shots, group scenes, or anything needing even illumination.
→ Prompt tip: candlelit close-up, warm flickering light on face, deep shadows in background, soft amber glow on skin

🌙✨ moonlit

Very low-level, cool ambient light. Not truly “moonlight” (too dim for cameras), but cinematic interpretation: soft blue fill with subtle highlights.

→ Use for: Night romance, gothic scenes, quiet tension.
→ Avoid for: Action scenes, facial clarity without fill, or warm moods.
→ Prompt tip: moonlit forest clearing, soft blue ambient light, subtle silver highlights on face, mist in air

☁️☁️ overcast light

Cloud-covered daylight. Acts like a giant softbox—flat, shadowless, neutral.

→ Use for: Product photography, consistent skin tones, outdoor shoots needing control.
→ Avoid for: Drama, texture emphasis, or directional storytelling.
→ Prompt tip: overcast daylight, even illumination, no shadows on face, natural skin tones, soft background

⚡ studio strobe

Controlled, powerful flash. Can be hard or soft depending on modifier. Crisp shadows, frozen motion, full control over direction.

→ Use for: Commercial portraits, fashion, high-clarity product shots.
→ Avoid for: Naturalistic moods, ambient realism, or organic feel.
→ Prompt tip: studio strobe with softbox, crisp shadows, controlled highlights on cheekbones, black backdrop

⚪ high-key lighting

Bright, minimal shadows, mostly white or light gray tones. Feels open, clean, optimistic.

→ Use for: Beauty ads, commercial cheer, health/beauty products.
→ Avoid for: Noir, horror, or emotionally complex scenes.
→ Prompt tip: high-key lighting, bright white background, soft fill on face, minimal shadows, clean aesthetic

⚫ low-key lighting

Mostly dark tones, with small areas of light. High contrast, mystery, tension.

→ Use for: Noir, thriller, gothic, dramatic portraiture.
→ Avoid for: Commercial friendliness, family content, or clarity-focused shots.
→ Prompt tip: low-key lighting, deep black background, single light on one side of face, dramatic shadow across eyes

🎨 Rembrandt lighting

Classic portrait lighting: triangle of light on the shadow-side cheek. One key light at 45° above and to the side.

→ Use for: Timeless portraits, masculine or introspective moods.
→ Avoid for: Symmetrical looks, full-flat lighting needs.
→ Prompt tip: Rembrandt lighting, triangle of light on left cheek, soft shadows on right side of face, warm fill

💄 butterfly lighting

Key light directly in front and above the subject, casting a butterfly-shaped shadow under the nose. Flattering for high cheekbones.

→ Use for: Glamour, classic Hollywood portraits, feminine elegance.
→ Avoid for: Masculine grit, naturalism, or wide-angle distortion.
→ Prompt tip: butterfly lighting, shadow under nose shaped like butterfly, soft fill under chin, glamorous portrait

↔️ split lighting

Light hits exactly one half of the face; the other half is in shadow. Creates duality, tension, or boldness.

→ Use for: Character studies, villain reveals, strong personality shots.
→ Avoid for: Friendly, approachable, or commercial moods.
→ Prompt tip: split lighting, left side of face fully lit, right side in deep shadow, dramatic contrast

🖼️ chiaroscuro

Extreme contrast between light and dark—artistic, painterly, often with a single light source. Rooted in Baroque painting.

→ Use for: Gothic, classical art recreations, dramatic still lifes.
→ Avoid for: Modern realism, flat design, or casual scenes.
→ Prompt tip: chiaroscuro lighting, single candle source, deep black shadows, illuminated hand and face, oil painting style

💡🟠 tungsten glow

Warm, orange-tinted indoor light from incandescent bulbs (2700–3200K). Creates cozy or dated atmosphere.

→ Use for: Hotel rooms, vintage interiors, intimate night scenes.
→ Avoid for: Daylight realism, cool tech environments.
→ Prompt tip: tungsten glow from bedside lamp, warm orange cast on skin, soft shadows, vintage hotel room

💡💚 fluorescent ambience

Cool, flat, often green-tinted light from office or store fixtures. Feels sterile, artificial, or unsettling.

→ Use for: Horror, dystopia, institutional scenes.
→ Avoid for: Warmth, beauty, or naturalism.
→ Prompt tip: fluorescent ambience, cool green cast on skin, flat shadows, hospital corridor, overhead lighting

☀️ daylight-balanced

Clean, neutral white light (~5500K). Mimics midday sun without harshness—used in studios with daylight-balanced LEDs.

→ Use for: Accurate color reproduction, e-commerce, editorial clarity.
→ Avoid for: Mood-driven, stylized, or emotionally charged scenes.
→ Prompt tip: daylight-balanced studio lighting, neutral white tones, accurate skin color, no color cast

🪟 window light

Natural light from a large window—directional but soft if diffused by curtains. Classic for portraits.

→ Use for: Natural portraits, lifestyle photography, soft drama.
→ Avoid for: Full control environments (weather-dependent), or hard contrast needs.
→ Prompt tip: soft window light from left, natural fill on face, subtle shadows on right, linen curtains in background

🔦 spotlight beam

Focused, circular pool of light on subject; rest of scene dark. Theatrical, isolating, dramatic.

→ Use for: Stage performances, interrogations, symbolic focus.
→ Avoid for: Environmental storytelling, wide context.
→ Prompt tip: spotlight beam on face, dark background, sharp edge to light pool, theatrical drama

Your camera choice isn’t technical—it’s narrative. A fisheye screams distortion; a 50mm whispers truth. AI mimics real optics when you name them.

🔍 shallow depth of field

Subject in sharp focus, background blurred. Achieved with wide apertures (f/1.2–f/2.8). Isolates emotion, hides chaos.

→ Use for: Portraits, intimate moments, product close-ups.
→ Avoid for: Group shots, architecture, or when context matters.
→ Prompt tip: shallow depth of field, subject sharp, background bokeh, f/1.8

🏔️ deep focus

Everything sharp—from foreground to horizon. Requires small apertures (f/8–f/16).

→ Use for: Landscapes, architectural scenes, cinematic wide shots.
→ Avoid for: Close emotional portraits where background distracts.
→ Prompt tip: deep focus, everything in sharp detail, f/11, landscape clarity

🪞 macro 1:1

Lens reproduces subject at life size. Extreme close-up—skin pores, insect eyes, fabric weave.

→ Use for: Textural detail, scientific realism, beauty macro.
→ Avoid for: Full-body or environmental context.
→ Prompt tip: macro 1:1, extreme close-up of eyelashes, skin texture visible, f/2.8

🪄 telephoto compression

Long lenses (70mm+) compress distance—background appears closer to subject. Flattering for portraits.

→ Use for: Street portraits, wildlife, isolating subjects in crowds.
→ Avoid for: Wide environmental storytelling.
→ Prompt tip: telephoto compression, subject isolated against blurred cityscape, 135mm lens

🌌 ultra-wide angle

Lenses below 24mm exaggerate perspective—foreground stretches, background recedes. Adds drama or disorientation.

→ Use for: Interiors, architectural exaggeration, surreal distortion.
→ Avoid for: Flattering portraits (distorts faces).
→ Prompt tip: ultra-wide angle, dramatic perspective, close foreground, receding background, 16mm

👤 85mm portrait lens

The gold standard for portraits. Flattering compression, natural perspective, beautiful bokeh.

→ Use for: Headshots, fashion, cinematic portraiture.
→ Avoid for: Tight interiors or group shots.
→ Prompt tip: 85mm portrait lens, soft background blur, natural face proportions, f/1.4

🎞️ 50mm prime

“Nifty fifty”—mimics human vision. Sharp, affordable, versatile.

→ Use for: Street photography, documentary, everyday realism.
→ Avoid for: Extreme close-ups or dramatic compression.
→ Prompt tip: 50mm prime lens, natural field of view, street scene, f/1.8

🏙️ 35mm street lens

Slightly wider than 50mm—captures subject + environment. The journalist’s choice.

→ Use for: Environmental portraits, urban storytelling.
→ Avoid for: Tight headshots (includes too much background).
→ Prompt tip: 35mm street lens, subject in urban setting, context included, f/2.0

🌀 f/1.4 bokeh

Ultra-wide aperture = creamy background blur. Emotion over environment.

→ Use for: Moody portraits, low-light intimacy.
→ Avoid for: Scenes needing background clarity.
→ Prompt tip: f/1.4 bokeh, dreamy background melt, subject sharp, shallow focus

📐 f/8 sharp detail

Small aperture = maximum sharpness across frame. Technical precision.

→ Use for: Product shots, architecture, group photos.
→ Avoid for: Artistic blur or mood isolation.
→ Prompt tip: f/8 sharp detail, everything in focus, product photography, clean lighting

🧱 tilt-shift

Selective focus plane—makes real scenes look like miniature models.

→ Use for: Conceptual art, toy-like cityscapes.
→ Avoid for: Realism or natural portraits.
→ Prompt tip: tilt-shift effect, miniature city, selective focus band, toy-like appearance

👁️ fisheye

Extreme barrel distortion—180° view. Surreal, chaotic, playful.

→ Use for: Action sports, psychedelic art, distorted interiors.
→ Avoid for: Classical beauty or realism.
→ Prompt tip: fisheye lens, extreme barrel distortion, circular frame, warped architecture

🎬 anamorphic lens flare

Horizontal blue streaks from wide cinema lenses. Says “Hollywood.”

→ Use for: Cinematic sci-fi, retro-futurism, blockbuster mood.
→ Avoid for: Documentary or natural lighting.
→ Prompt tip: anamorphic lens flare, horizontal blue streaks, cinematic sun glare, blockbuster look

🎥 cinematic

Not a lens—but a visual language: 24fps motion blur, film grain, shallow focus, desaturated tones.

→ Use for: Stills that feel like movie frames.
→ Avoid for: Commercial clarity or product focus.
→ Prompt tip: cinematic still, film grain, shallow depth of field, desaturated colors, 35mm film look

⏳ long exposure

Slow shutter (1s+) blurs motion: silky water, light trails, ghostly people.

→ Use for: Waterfalls, night traffic, ethereal movement.
→ Avoid for: Sharp action or frozen moments.
→ Prompt tip: long exposure, silky waterfall, motion blur, tripod stability

🌀 motion blur

Subject moves during exposure—implies speed, chaos, energy.

→ Use for: Sports, dance, urban energy.
→ Avoid for: Portraits or static product shots.
→ Prompt tip: motion blur, running figure, directional streaks, urban energy

🏎️ panning blur

Camera follows moving subject—subject sharp, background blurred horizontally.

→ Use for: Racing, cycling, dynamic motion.
→ Avoid for: Static or vertical compositions.
→ Prompt tip: panning blur, cyclist sharp, horizontal background streaks, motion direction left to right

✨ lens flare

Light scatters inside lens—adds realism or dreaminess, depending on context.

→ Use for: Sunlit realism, nostalgic warmth.
→ Avoid for: Clean studio or clinical shots.
→ Prompt tip: lens flare, sun just outside frame, soft glow on subject, natural light

🌈 chromatic aberration

Color fringing on high-contrast edges—common in cheap lenses or vintage glass.

→ Use for: Gritty realism, analog imperfection, lo-fi mood.
→ Avoid for: High-end commercial or clean digital looks.
→ Prompt tip: chromatic aberration, purple fringing on edges, vintage lens effect, lo-fi aesthetic

⭕ vignetting

Darkened corners—draws eye to center. Natural in wide lenses or added in post.

→ Use for: Portraits, intimate moods, classic photography.
→ Avoid for: Product grids or technical documentation.
→ Prompt tip: vignetting, darkened corners, focus drawn to subject center, classic photo look

🌤️ polarizing filter

Reduces glare, deepens blue skies, saturates foliage. Outdoor essential.

→ Use for: Landscape, water, glass, automotive.
→ Avoid for: Low-light or indoor shots.
→ Prompt tip: polarizing filter, deep blue sky, no glare on water, saturated green leaves

🌫️ soft focus filter

Deliberate haze—diffused highlights, dreamy glow. Not the same as blur.

→ Use for: Glamour, vintage romance, ethereal beauty.
→ Avoid for: Sharp realism or texture emphasis.
→ Prompt tip: soft focus filter, dreamy glow, diffused highlights, vintage beauty portrait

Composition isn’t decoration—it’s visual grammar. It tells the viewer where to look, how to feel, and what matters. AI follows these rules when you name them.

🧩 rule of thirds

Place key elements along imaginary vertical/horizontal lines at 1/3 and 2/3 of the frame. Creates balance and tension.

→ Use for: Portraits, landscapes, editorial photography.
→ Avoid for: Symmetrical or minimalist concepts where centering is intentional.
→ Prompt tip: rule of thirds, subject on left vertical line, horizon on lower third

🎯 centered composition

Subject placed dead center. Creates stability, formality, or boldness.

→ Use for: Fashion close-ups, symmetry, architectural facades.
→ Avoid for: Dynamic or narrative scenes needing movement.
→ Prompt tip: centered composition, subject in middle of frame, symmetrical background

🛣️ leading lines

Lines (roads, shadows, arms) that guide the eye toward the subject.

→ Use for: Environmental portraits, street photography, depth creation.
→ Avoid for: Abstract or flat compositions.
→ Prompt tip: leading lines, cobblestone path guiding to subject, converging perspective

⚖️ symmetry

Mirror balance—left and right (or top/bottom) match perfectly. Feels orderly, sacred, or surreal.

→ Use for: Architecture, reflections, gothic aesthetics.
→ Avoid for: Chaotic or spontaneous moods.
→ Prompt tip: perfect symmetry, mirrored palace hall, central axis composition

🌀 asymmetry

Intentional imbalance—creates visual tension and modernity.

→ Use for: Avant-garde fashion, dynamic portraiture.
→ Avoid for: Classical or ceremonial scenes.
→ Prompt tip: asymmetry, subject off-center with empty space on right, visual tension

☁️ negative space

Large empty area around subject. Emphasizes isolation, minimalism, or scale.

→ Use for: Moody portraits, product shots, cinematic stills.
→ Avoid for: Busy or detailed storytelling.
→ Prompt tip: negative space, lone figure on left, vast empty sky on right

🖼️ minimal framing

Bare essentials only—no clutter, no distraction. Clean authority.

→ Use for: Luxury branding, modern art, editorial.
→ Avoid for: Narrative complexity or maximalist styles.
→ Prompt tip: minimal framing, single object on white background, no props

🎭 dutch angle

Horizon tilted. Creates unease, dynamism, or psychological tension.

→ Use for: Thrillers, action, surreal portraits.
→ Avoid for: Calm, stable, or documentary realism.
→ Prompt tip: dutch angle, tilted horizon, subject off-balance, cinematic tension

🦅 bird’s-eye view

Shot from directly above. Shows patterns, vulnerability, or scale.

→ Use for: Fashion flat lays, urban patterns, conceptual art.
→ Avoid for: Intimate facial expressions.
→ Prompt tip: bird’s-eye view, figure lying on floor, overhead perspective

🐜 worm’s-eye view

Shot from ground level looking up. Makes subject heroic or imposing.

→ Use for: Power poses, architecture, fantasy.
→ Avoid for: Casual or grounded realism.
→ Prompt tip: worm’s-eye view, subject towering against sky, dramatic scale

🔽 top-down view

Vertical overhead—common in food, product, or flat-lay photography.

→ Use for: E-commerce, editorial flat lays, recipe photos.
→ Avoid for: Portraits or 3D depth emphasis.
→ Prompt tip: top-down view, arranged objects on table, no shadows

🛏️ flat lay

Objects arranged on flat surface, shot from above. Clean, commercial, curated.

→ Use for: Lifestyle products, fashion accessories, editorial.
→ Avoid for: Human emotion or environmental context.
→ Prompt tip: flat lay, designer jewelry on marble, soft shadows, pastel background

👁️‍🗨️ over-the-shoulder

Camera behind one person, showing what they see. Creates intimacy or confrontation.

→ Use for: Dialogue scenes, POV tension, narrative shots.
→ Avoid for: Solo portraits or abstract art.
→ Prompt tip: over-the-shoulder, blurred back of head in foreground, subject in distance

👀 point-of-view shot (POV)

Viewer sees through the subject’s eyes. Immersive and immediate.

→ Use for: Action, horror, first-person narrative.
→ Avoid for: Traditional portraiture or beauty shots.
→ Prompt tip: POV shot, hands holding rose, blurred foreground, soft focus background

👤 profile shot

Subject shown from the side—90° angle. Emphasizes silhouette and form.

→ Use for: Classical portraits, fashion, sculptural lighting.
→ Avoid for: Expressive facial engagement (eyes not visible).
→ Prompt tip: profile shot, sharp nose contour, rim lighting on cheekbone, black background

🔍 close-up

Head and shoulders fill frame. Captures emotion and detail.

→ Use for: Emotional portraits, interviews, beauty.
→ Avoid for: Environmental storytelling.
→ Prompt tip: close-up, eyes sharp, shallow depth of field, cinematic lighting

👁️ extreme close-up

Only part of face or object—e.g., eyes, lips, texture. Intense and intimate.

→ Use for: Hyperreal beauty, texture focus, dramatic tension.
→ Avoid for: Full context or identity clarity.
→ Prompt tip: extreme close-up, glossy red lips, freckles on skin, shallow focus

🧍 medium shot

Waist-up framing. Balances subject and environment.

→ Use for: Editorial, fashion, conversational scenes.
→ Avoid for: Extreme emotion or full context.
→ Prompt tip: medium shot, subject in vintage coat, urban background, natural light

🧍‍♀️ full-body shot

Entire body visible. Shows outfit, pose, and setting.

→ Use for: Fashion, character design, environmental context.
→ Avoid for: Subtle facial expressions.
→ Prompt tip: full-body shot, model in cyberpunk attire, neon alley background, dramatic lighting

🌎 ultra-wide shot

Vast scene—subject small within environment. Emphasizes scale or isolation.

→ Use for: Epic landscapes, dystopian settings, conceptual art.
→ Avoid for: Personal or intimate moments.
→ Prompt tip: ultra-wide shot, tiny figure on cliff edge, stormy ocean below, cinematic scale

🌆 establishing shot

Opens a scene—shows location and context. Often wide or aerial.

→ Use for: World-building, cinematic sequences, storytelling.
→ Avoid for: Close emotional focus.
→ Prompt tip: establishing shot, gothic cathedral at dusk, fog in streets, cinematic mood

🧊 isometric view

3D-like 2D perspective—no vanishing points. Common in games and diagrams.

→ Use for: Pixel art, product mockups, retro design.
→ Avoid for: Photorealism or natural depth.
→ Prompt tip: isometric view, tiny room with furniture, clean lines, flat lighting

📱 portrait orientation

Vertical frame—optimized for phones, social media, close focus.

→ Use for: Instagram, mobile content, single-subject focus.
→ Avoid for: Landscapes or wide scenes.
→ Prompt tip: portrait orientation, vertical framing, subject centered, --ar 9:16

🖥️ landscape orientation

Horizontal frame—cinematic, environmental, narrative.

→ Use for: Movies, landscapes, group scenes.
→ Avoid for: Mobile-first vertical content.
→ Prompt tip: landscape orientation, wide cinematic frame, --ar 16:9

Color isn’t mood—it’s code. AI doesn’t “feel” red. It recognizes patterns tied to cultural, cinematic, and photographic contexts. Name the palette like a designer, not a poet.

⚪⚫ monochrome

Single hue with varying tones—often grayscale, but can be sepia, cyanotype, etc.

→ Use for: Timeless portraits, graphic contrast, editorial minimalism.
→ Avoid for: Joyful, energetic, or product-focused scenes.
→ Prompt tip: monochrome palette, grayscale tones, high tonal range, no color

🖤🤍 black and white

Pure grayscale—no color data. Emphasizes texture, light, and form.

→ Use for: Documentary, noir, classic photography.
→ Avoid for: Fashion that relies on color, or modern branding.
→ Prompt tip: black and white photograph, rich blacks, clean whites, film grain

🟣🔵 duotone

Two-color scheme—typically one dark, one light (e.g., blue + orange, purple + gold).

<→ Use for: Album covers, retro ads, stylized editorials.
→ Avoid for: Realistic skin tones or natural scenes.
→ Prompt tip: duotone color scheme, deep purple shadows, gold highlights, graphic poster style

🌸 pastel palette

Soft, desaturated colors—mint, blush, powder blue. Feels gentle, nostalgic, or dreamy.

→ Use for: Y2K aesthetics, baby brands, soft fashion.
→ Avoid for: Gritty, dramatic, or high-contrast scenes.
→ Prompt tip: pastel palette, soft pink and mint background, dreamy lighting, 2000s vibe

🌫️ muted tones

Desaturated but not gray—subtle, earthy, sophisticated.

→ Use for: Scandinavian design, editorial fashion, calm interiors.
→ Avoid for: Neon energy or pop art.
→ Prompt tip: muted tones, dusty rose and olive palette, soft shadows, natural light

🍂 earth tones

Browns, ochres, greens, terracottas. Grounded, organic, warm.

→ Use for: Nature, rustic settings, sustainable branding.
→ Avoid for: Futuristic or cyber themes.
→ Prompt tip: earth tones, clay pot on wooden table, warm olive walls, natural texture

💎 jewel tones

Rich, saturated colors—emerald, sapphire, ruby, amethyst. Luxurious and bold.

→ Use for: Glamour, fantasy, luxury fashion.
→ Avoid for: Minimalism or clinical settings.
→ Prompt tip: jewel tones, emerald dress against velvet, deep sapphire shadows, cinematic lighting

🌈 neon palette

Electric pinks, cyans, yellows. High energy, artificial glow.

→ Use for: Cyberpunk, nightlife, Y2K revival.
→ Avoid for: Naturalism or vintage warmth.
→ Prompt tip: neon palette, pink and cyan street signs, glowing skin highlights, urban night

🎥 teal and orange

Hollywood’s default cinematic grade—teal shadows, orange midtones.

→ Use for: Blockbuster movies, action scenes, dramatic contrast.
→ Avoid for: Documentary realism or soft moods.
→ Prompt tip: teal and orange color grading, cinematic film look, dramatic skin tones, blockbuster aesthetic

🔥 warm tones

Yellows, oranges, reds—evokes fire, sunset, intimacy.

→ Use for: Romance, vintage, comfort.
→ Avoid for: Cold, sterile, or clinical scenes.
→ Prompt tip: warm tones, amber light on skin, golden hour glow, cozy interior

❄️ cool tones

Blues, cyans, purples—feels calm, distant, or melancholic.

→ Use for: Sci-fi, winter, emotional distance.
→ Avoid for: Warmth or celebration.
→ Prompt tip: cool tones, blue ambient light, silver highlights, winter mood

⚡ high contrast

Strong difference between light and dark—bold, graphic, dramatic.

→ Use for: Noir, street photography, graphic design.
→ Avoid for: Soft beauty or gentle moods.
→ Prompt tip: high contrast, deep blacks, bright whites, graphic lighting

☁️ low contrast

Subtle tonal shifts—muted, soft, dreamy.

→ Use for: Ethereal beauty, foggy landscapes, vintage film.
→ Avoid for: Action or clarity-focused work.
→ Prompt tip: low contrast, soft highlights, gentle shadows, filmic look

🌫️ desaturated

Color stripped of intensity—feels nostalgic, bleak, or refined.

→ Use for: Dystopia, indie film, minimalist fashion.
→ Avoid for: Joy, energy, or commercial vibrancy.
→ Prompt tip: desaturated colors, muted greens and browns, overcast mood, cinematic realism

💥 vibrant saturation

Colors pushed to maximum intensity—electric, joyful, or artificial.

→ Use for: Pop art, fantasy, advertising.
→ Avoid for: Realism or subtlety.
→ Prompt tip: vibrant saturation, intense red dress, glowing cyan background, pop art style

🌀 complementary colors

Opposites on the color wheel (e.g., red/green, blue/orange)—creates visual tension.

→ Use for: Dynamic compositions, fashion contrast, eye-catching ads.
→ Avoid for: Harmonious or calming scenes.
→ Prompt tip: complementary colors, blue dress against orange wall, high visual contrast

🌊 analogous scheme

Colors next to each other on the wheel (e.g., blue, teal, green)—harmonious and calm.

→ Use for: Nature, wellness, serene interiors.
→ Avoid for: High-energy or disruptive visuals.
→ Prompt tip: analogous color scheme, teal, blue, and green tones, oceanic harmony

🔺 triadic scheme

Three evenly spaced colors on the wheel (e.g., red, yellow, blue)—bold but balanced.

→ Use for: Illustration, retro design, playful branding.
→ Avoid for: Sophisticated minimalism.
→ Prompt tip: triadic color scheme, red, yellow, and blue elements, balanced contrast

🔀 split-complementary

Base color + two adjacent to its opposite—less harsh than pure complementary.

→ Use for: Vibrant but harmonious design.
→ Avoid for: Monochrome or duotone goals.
→ Prompt tip: split-complementary colors, blue base with orange-yellow and red-orange accents

🎨 gradient wash

Smooth color transition—often used in backgrounds or abstract art.

→ Use for: Digital art, UI mockups, dreamy backdrops.
→ Avoid for: Realistic scenes or texture focus.
→ Prompt tip: gradient wash, soft pink to purple sky, no hard edges, atmospheric

🎞️ split toning

Different colors in highlights and shadows (e.g., warm highlights, cool shadows).

→ Use for: Cinematic grading, photo finishing, mood enhancement.
→ Avoid for: Accurate color reproduction.
→ Prompt tip: split toning, golden highlights, cool blue shadows, cinematic film look

📸 sepia tone

Warm brown monochrome—evokes early photography or nostalgia.

→ Use for: Historical themes, vintage storytelling.
→ Avoid for: Modern or futuristic scenes.
→ Prompt tip: sepia tone, 1920s portrait, warm brown palette, film grain

✨ color splash

Mostly black and white with one color accent—draws immediate attention.

→ Use for: Advertising, symbolic focus, dramatic emphasis.
→ Avoid for: Natural or balanced color scenes.
→ Prompt tip: color splash, red rose in black and white scene, only flower in color

🎬 cinematic color grade

Stylized color curve used in film—teal/orange, bleach bypass, etc.

→ Use for: Movie-like stills, dramatic narratives.
→ Avoid for: Product accuracy or neutral documentation.
→ Prompt tip: cinematic color grade, desaturated greens, enhanced skin tones, filmic contrast

Materials aren’t just “what things are made of”—they’re tactile language. AI renders surface detail based on real-world photographic patterns. Name the material like a product designer, not a poet.

✨ polished chrome

Mirror-like metal—reflects surroundings sharply. Feels futuristic, cold, or luxurious.

→ Use for: Sci-fi interfaces, luxury cars, high-end tech.
→ Avoid for: Rustic, organic, or soft moods.
→ Prompt tip: polished chrome surface, sharp reflections, studio lighting, futuristic

🪨brushed aluminum

Metal with fine linear grain—matte but metallic. Industrial, clean, functional.

→ Use for: Apple-style tech, aerospace, modern architecture.
→ Avoid for: Ornate or vintage scenes.
→ Prompt tip: brushed aluminum panel, subtle linear grain, soft reflections, minimalist design

🔩 stainless steel

Cool, durable metal—less reflective than chrome, more neutral than aluminum.

→ Use for: Kitchens, medical tools, industrial design.
→ Avoid for: Warm or organic settings.
→ Prompt tip: stainless steel countertop, soft highlights, clean surface, kitchen interior

🪙 aged brass

Warm metal with patina—tarnished gold, soft glow, historical weight.

→ Use for: Vintage interiors, luxury decor, gothic details.
→ Avoid for: Futuristic or sterile environments.
→ Prompt tip: aged brass doorknob, warm patina, soft highlights, Victorian hallway

🪨 oxidized copper patina

Green-blue corrosion layer—evokes time, chemistry, and weather.

→ Use for: Steampunk, historical architecture, alchemy.
→ Avoid for: Clean modernism or hygiene-focused scenes.
→ Prompt tip: oxidized copper patina, green-blue crust, weathered texture, rooftop detail

🪵 weathered wood

Grayed, cracked, sun-beaten timber. Tells a story of time and exposure.

→ Use for: Rustic cabins, abandoned structures, coastal scenes.
→ Avoid for: New interiors or clinical spaces.
→ Prompt tip: weathered wood planks, sun-bleached gray, deep cracks, coastal barn

🌊 driftwood grain

Smooth, bleached wood shaped by water—softer than weathered wood, more organic.

→ Use for: Beach decor, spa aesthetics, minimalist sculpture.
→ Avoid for: Urban grit or industrial themes.
→ Prompt tip: driftwood grain, pale beige texture, smooth curves, ocean-worn surface

🪨 marble veining

Swirling white stone with gray or gold veins. Luxurious, cold, permanent.

→ Use for: High-end interiors, luxury products, classical sculpture.
→ Avoid for: Casual or temporary settings.
→ Prompt tip: marble veining, white Carrara surface, soft gray swirls, polished finish

🪨 granite speckle

Granular stone with colored flecks—durable, earthy, grounded.

→ Use for: Countertops, monuments, rugged design.
→ Avoid for: Delicate or ethereal scenes.
→ Prompt tip: granite speckle, black base with white and gold flecks, matte polish

🪨 terrazzo chips

Composite stone with colorful aggregate—playful but architectural.

→ Use for: Mid-century design, boutique floors, retro-modern branding.
→ Avoid for: Minimalism or historical accuracy.
→ Prompt tip: terrazzo chips, pink and white aggregate in concrete, polished surface

🧱 concrete microtexture

Fine-grained, matte concrete—urban, brutalist, honest.

→ Use for: Architecture, industrial interiors, minimalist furniture.
→ Avoid for: Warm or ornate spaces.
→ Prompt tip: concrete microtexture, fine gray surface, no gloss, brutalist wall

🎨 cracked paint

Flaking, peeling color—suggests decay, age, or neglect.

→ Use for: Abandoned places, dystopia, emotional metaphors.
→ Avoid for: New products or clean aesthetics.
→ Prompt tip: cracked paint, peeling blue layers on wood, exposed undercoat, abandoned room

🏠 peeling plaster

Walls losing their skin—raw, vulnerable, historical.

→ Use for: War-torn buildings, vintage decay, gothic interiors.
→ Avoid for: Modern luxury or hygiene-focused scenes.
→ Prompt tip: peeling plaster, crumbling wall, exposed brick beneath, soft ambient light

🌿 mossy stone

Stone covered in soft green growth—damp, ancient, alive.

→ Use for: Forest ruins, fairy tales, eco-mysticism.
→ Avoid for: Urban or dry environments.
→ Prompt tip: mossy stone, green velvet growth on wet rock, forest floor, diffused light

🧱 brickwork

Exposed masonry—textured, rhythmic, structural.

→ Use for: Lofts, industrial spaces, urban backdrops.
→ Avoid for: Seamless or futuristic design.
→ Prompt tip: brickwork, red clay bricks with mortar lines, urban alley, natural light

🪨 slate tile

Layered gray stone—matte, cool, natural fracture lines.

→ Use for: Bathrooms, rooftops, rustic elegance.
→ Avoid for: Bright or playful scenes.
→ Prompt tip: slate tile, uneven gray surface, natural cleft texture, bathroom wall

🪞 frosted glass

Translucent but not transparent—softens light, hides detail.

→ Use for: Privacy partitions, spa interiors, soft diffusion.
→ Avoid for: Clear visibility or sharp focus.
→ Prompt tip: frosted glass panel, diffused light behind, soft silhouette, modern interior

🖼️ stained glass

Colored glass with lead lines—sacred, decorative, luminous.

→ Use for: Churches, fantasy, art nouveau.
→ Avoid for: Realism or minimalism.
→ Prompt tip: stained glass window, red and blue panes, sunlight projection, cathedral interior

🔲 matte plastic

Non-reflective synthetic surface—clean, modern, utilitarian.

→ Use for: Tech gadgets, toys, 90s design.
→ Avoid for: Luxury or organic feels.
→ Prompt tip: matte plastic casing, soft-touch surface, muted color, retro tech

💄 glossy lacquer

High-shine finish—bold, wet-looking, luxurious or artificial.

→ Use for: Japandi furniture, nail art, automotive.
→ Avoid for: Natural or matte-focused styles.
→ Prompt tip: glossy lacquer table, deep red shine, sharp reflections, studio lighting

🖤 velvet nap

Fabric with directional pile—absorbs light, feels rich and deep.

→ Use for: Luxury fashion, theater, gothic interiors.
→ Avoid for: Sporty or casual contexts.
→ Prompt tip: velvet nap, black fabric with directional sheen, soft shadows, dramatic lighting

🧵 satin sheen

Smooth, reflective fabric—elegant, fluid, slightly artificial.

→ Use for: Evening wear, lingerie, bridal.
→ Avoid for: Workwear or rugged styles.
→ Prompt tip: satin sheen, champagne dress, soft highlights on folds, studio portrait

🧵 silk fabric

Natural fiber with soft luster—delicate, expensive, flowing.

→ Use for: High fashion, historical costume, luxury.
→ Avoid for: Streetwear or utilitarian design.
→ Prompt tip: silk fabric, soft drape, subtle sheen, golden hour light

🧵 linen weave

Textured, slubby natural fabric—breathable, rustic, honest.

→ Use for: Scandinavian interiors, summer fashion, artisanal goods.
→ Avoid for: Glamour or synthetic aesthetics.
→ Prompt tip: linen weave, visible slubs, natural beige tone, soft window light

Environment sets the stage. Weather sets the mood. AI treats these as photographic context—not poetic metaphor. Be specific about conditions, not feelings.

☀️ clear sky

Unobstructed blue sky—strong sunlight, sharp shadows, high contrast.

→ Use for: Daytime realism, travel, optimism.
→ Avoid for: Moody or dramatic scenes.
→ Prompt tip: clear sky, bright blue background, sharp midday shadows, summer day

☁️⚡ dramatic clouds

Massive, textured cumulonimbus or storm fronts—adds scale and tension.

→ Use for: Epic landscapes, apocalyptic scenes, cinematic drama.
→ Avoid for: Calm or minimalist moods.
→ Prompt tip: dramatic clouds, towering storm formations, golden light breaking through, cinematic sky

☁️ overcast

Uniform gray sky—soft, shadowless light, neutral tones.

→ Use for: Product photography, consistent skin tones, urban realism.
→ Avoid for: Warmth or high-contrast drama.
→ Prompt tip: overcast sky, soft even light, no shadows, muted colors

🌫️ foggy

Dense water vapor near ground—reduces visibility, softens edges, adds mystery.

→ Use for: Gothic scenes, suspense, dream sequences.
→ Avoid for: Clarity-focused or bright commercial shots.
→ Prompt tip: foggy forest, low visibility, soft atmospheric perspective, moody

💧 misty

Lighter than fog—creates soft glow without full obscurity.

→ Use for: Romantic landscapes, morning scenes, ethereal beauty.
→ Avoid for: Sharp architectural or technical renders.
→ Prompt tip: misty lake at dawn, soft haze over water, gentle light diffusion

🌧️ light drizzle

Fine rain—wet surfaces, subtle reflections, melancholic mood.

→ Use for: Urban loneliness, quiet moments, noir.
→ Avoid for: Dry or warm aesthetics.
→ Prompt tip: light drizzle, wet cobblestones, reflections on pavement, moody city street

⛈️ heavy rain

Driving downpour—visible streaks, soaked textures, high drama.

→ Use for: Action, despair, intensity.
→ Avoid for: Clean or dry product shots.
→ Prompt tip: heavy rain, water streaks on glass, soaked clothing, dramatic lighting

💧✨ puddles and reflections

Still water on ground—mirrors sky or lights, doubles visual interest.

→ Use for: Night cityscapes, poetic symmetry, abstract compositions.
→ Avoid for: Dry or desert scenes.
→ Prompt tip: puddles and reflections, neon signs mirrored on wet street, cinematic night

🌩️ stormy sky

Dark, turbulent clouds—implies danger or transformation.

→ Use for: Fantasy battles, emotional climaxes, gothic drama.
→ Avoid for: Peaceful or commercial contexts.
→ Prompt tip: stormy sky, dark rolling clouds, greenish ambient light, wind-blown trees

⚡ lightning strike

Instant burst of light—freezes motion, casts stark shadows.

→ Use for: Horror, supernatural, high drama.
→ Avoid for: Calm or continuous lighting.
→ Prompt tip: lightning strike, split-second flash, subject illuminated against dark, stormy night

🌈 rainbow arc

Spectral band after rain—symbolic, hopeful, rare.

→ Use for: Whimsy, children’s books, post-storm hope.
→ Avoid for: Gritty realism or dystopia.
→ Prompt tip: rainbow arc over mountain valley, soft clouds, post-rain clarity, vibrant colors

❄️ snow flurries

Light, falling snow—gentle motion, soft atmosphere.

→ Use for: Quiet winter scenes, holiday moods, soft drama.
→ Avoid for: Summer or desert contexts.
→ Prompt tip: snow flurries, soft flakes in air, muted winter palette, cozy interior glow

🌨️ fresh snowfall

Undisturbed white blanket—clean, silent, pristine.

→ Use for: Minimalism, isolation, purity.
→ Avoid for: Urban chaos or warm tones.
→ Prompt tip: fresh snowfall, untouched white ground, pine trees dusted, soft overcast light

❄️🌀 blizzard whiteout

Zero visibility—wind-driven snow, loss of depth, survival mood.

→ Use for: Isolation, danger, extremity.
→ Avoid for: Clarity or detail-focused scenes.
→ Prompt tip: blizzard whiteout, no horizon, figure barely visible, wind-driven snow

🧊 hailstorm

Ice pellets—sharp, chaotic, destructive.

→ Use for: Disaster scenes, tension, unnatural weather.
→ Avoid for: Calm or natural harmony.
→ Prompt tip: hailstorm, ice on ground, shattered glass effect, dramatic sky

🏜️ dust storm

Dry airborne particles—ochre haze, reduced visibility, arid tension.

→ Use for: Post-apocalyptic, desert survival, dystopia.
→ Avoid for: Clean or humid environments.
→ Prompt tip: dust storm, ochre sky, obscured sun, desert highway

🌀 sandstorm

Violent wind lifting sand—dense, abrasive, chaotic.

→ Use for: Sci-fi deserts, ancient warfare, extreme conditions.
→ Avoid for: Controlled or indoor scenes.
→ Prompt tip: sandstorm, swirling golden particles, buried structures, survival gear

💨 wind-swept

Visible motion in hair, fabric, or foliage—implies energy or exposure.

→ Use for: Drama, freedom, environmental force.
→ Avoid for: Still life or studio control.
→ Prompt tip: wind-swept hair, fabric rippling, dramatic motion, cliff edge

💦 humid haze

Moisture in air—soft focus, warm glow, tropical weight.

→ Use for: Jungle scenes, summer nights, sensuality.
→ Avoid for: Crisp winter or dry desert.
→ Prompt tip: humid haze, soft golden light, moisture on skin, tropical night

🌫️🏙️ smoggy urban air

Pollution-laden atmosphere—brownish veil, reduced contrast, dystopian.

→ Use for: Cyberpunk, industrial critique, noir.
→ Avoid for: Clean nature or wellness themes.
→ Prompt tip: smoggy urban air, hazy skyline, muted colors, neon signs diffused

💧🌿 morning dew

Water droplets on surfaces—freshness, new beginnings, delicate detail.

→ Use for: Nature close-ups, spring themes, purity.
→ Avoid for: Dry or industrial scenes.
→ Prompt tip: morning dew, droplets on spiderweb, soft sunrise light, garden close-up

❄️ frosted ground

Thin ice layer on soil or grass—crisp, fragile, early winter.

→ Use for: Quiet mornings, rural scenes, subtle cold.
→ Avoid for: Midday summer or tropical.
→ Prompt tip: frosted ground, white sparkle on grass, soft morning light, shallow depth of field

🌌 aurora borealis

Green/purple atmospheric glow—magical, rare, otherworldly.

→ Use for: Fantasy, wonder, northern landscapes.
→ Avoid for: Urban realism or equatorial settings.
→ Prompt tip: aurora borealis, green ribbons in night sky, snow-covered pines, starry background

✨ starry night sky

Clear night with visible stars—no light pollution, deep blacks.

→ Use for: Cosmic scale, solitude, romance.
→ Avoid for: Cityscapes with light pollution.
→ Prompt tip: starry night sky, Milky Way visible, dark landscape, long exposure effect

AI doesn’t “understand” art—it recognizes patterns trained from billions of real images. Name the medium like a museum curator, not a mood board. One medium at a time. Mixing confuses the model.

🛢️ oil painting impasto

Thick, textured paint strokes—visible brushwork, rich color layering, physical depth.

→ Use for: Baroque drama, expressive portraits, classical recreation.
→ Avoid for: Clean digital or photographic realism.
→ Prompt tip: oil painting impasto, thick brush strokes, textured surface, Rembrandt lighting

💧 watercolor wash

Translucent pigment on paper—soft edges, blooming gradients, white paper showing through.

→ Use for: Botanical illustration, dreamy scenes, delicate emotion.
→ Avoid for: High-contrast or sharp detail.
→ Prompt tip: watercolor wash, soft blue gradients, white paper texture visible, loose floral study

🎨 gouache poster style

Opaque watercolor—matte, flat colors, sharp edges, vintage graphic feel.

→ Use for: Mid-century posters, editorial art, bold illustration.
→ Avoid for: Realistic skin or soft transitions.
→ Prompt tip: gouache poster style, flat red and mustard blocks, clean outlines, 1950s travel ad

🖌️ acrylic painting

Versatile paint—can mimic oil or watercolor depending on application. Fast-drying, vibrant.

→ Use for: Contemporary art, expressive color, mixed techniques.
→ Avoid for: Classical oil realism or delicate washes.
→ Prompt tip: acrylic painting, bold color blocks, visible canvas texture, modern portrait

✒️ ink line art

Black ink on white—contour lines, no shading, graphic clarity.

→ Use for: Technical illustration, manga, logo-style art.
→ Avoid for: Mood, texture, or realism.
→ Prompt tip: ink line art, clean contour drawing, no fill, white background

🪵 charcoal sketch

Soft, smudged black medium—high contrast, expressive, gritty.

→ Use for: Figure studies, dramatic portraits, raw emotion.
→ Avoid for: Color or precision.
→ Prompt tip: charcoal sketch, smudged shadows, white highlights on cheek, expressive portrait

✏️ graphite pencil sketch

Range from hard (sharp lines) to soft (dark tones)—realistic, detailed, academic.

→ Use for: Portrait studies, architectural drafts, realism.
→ Avoid for: Bold color or abstraction.
→ Prompt tip: graphite pencil sketch, detailed face study, cross-hatching, 9B softness

🖍️ colored pencil

Layered wax-based color—textured, hand-drawn, nostalgic.

→ Use for: Botanical art, children’s book style, intimate detail.
→ Avoid for: Photorealism or smooth gradients.
→ Prompt tip: colored pencil drawing, layered green tones, visible paper grain, botanical leaf study

🎨 pastel chalk

Soft, powdery pigment—blended by hand, matte finish, vibrant but delicate.

→ Use for: Impressionist portraits, soft landscapes, vintage feel.
→ Avoid for: Sharp edges or durability.
→ Prompt tip: pastel chalk portrait, blended skin tones, soft background, Degas style

💨 airbrush illustration

Spray-painted smooth gradients—1980s album covers, automotive art, seamless blends.

→ Use for: Retro sci-fi, fantasy pin-ups, smooth metallics.
→ Avoid for: Hand-drawn texture or brushwork.
→ Prompt tip: airbrush illustration, smooth gradients, neon cityscape, 1980s sci-fi poster

🖊️ marker rendering

Flat, saturated color with sharp edges—architectural or fashion flats.

→ Use for: Design sketches, comic flats, product mockups.
→ Avoid for: Realistic lighting or texture.
→ Prompt tip: marker rendering, flat color blocks, black outlines, fashion design sheet

🖼️ digital matte painting

Cinematic environments—photo-real but painterly, used in film VFX.

→ Use for: Epic landscapes, fantasy worlds, movie backdrops.
→ Avoid for: Close-up portraits or product focus.
→ Prompt tip: digital matte painting, mountain fortress at sunset, photo-real but painted, cinematic scale

🔷 vector flat style

Clean, scalable shapes—no gradients, hard edges, modern UI aesthetic.

→ Use for: Logos, infographics, app icons.
→ Avoid for: Realism or texture.
→ Prompt tip: vector flat style, minimal human icon, two-tone color, no gradients

🕹️ pixel art

Low-resolution grid-based—nostalgic, blocky, constrained palette.

→ Use for: Retro games, 8-bit aesthetics, indie branding.
→ Avoid for: Detail or realism.
→ Prompt tip: pixel art, 16x16 character, limited palette, 90s RPG style

🔺 low-poly 3D

Geometric simplification—faceted surfaces, modern 3D aesthetic.

→ Use for: Tech branding, abstract art, game assets.
→ Avoid for: Organic realism or skin texture.
→ Prompt tip: low-poly 3D, faceted human head, triangular surfaces, soft ambient light

📦 voxel art

3D pixels—blocky, Minecraft-like, cubic forms.

→ Use for: Game design, isometric scenes, playful tech.
→ Avoid for: Smooth curves or realism.
→ Prompt tip: voxel art, city skyline made of cubes, isometric view, soft shadows

📐 isometric art

3D illusion with parallel lines—no perspective distortion.

→ Use for: Infographics, game maps, product exploded views.
→ Avoid for: Cinematic depth or realism.
→ Prompt tip: isometric art, office desk with objects, clean lines, flat lighting

🎨 cel-shaded anime

Flat color with bold outlines—mimics hand-drawn animation.

→ Use for: Anime characters, stylized action, manga scenes.
→ Avoid for: Photorealism or soft gradients.
→ Prompt tip: cel-shaded anime, bold outlines, flat skin tones, dramatic eyes

🖨️ manga screentone

Halftone patterns for shading—dots, lines, textures from print comics.

→ Use for: Authentic manga style, black-and-white comics.
→ Avoid for: Color or smooth tones.
→ Prompt tip: manga screentone, dot pattern shading on face, black ink, white background

📸 comic book halftone

CMYK-style dots for color printing—retro comic aesthetic.

→ Use for: Superhero art, pop art, vintage comics.
→ Avoid for: Digital smoothness or realism.
→ Prompt tip: comic book halftone, Ben-Day dots, primary colors, action pose

🪵 woodcut print

Carved block printing—bold lines, high contrast, rustic texture.

→ Use for: Folk art, historical themes, graphic posters.
→ Avoid for: Color or softness.
→ Prompt tip: woodcut print, black ink on paper, carved texture, medieval scene

🖨️ linocut

Softer than woodcut—smooth cuts, expressive lines, hand-printed feel.

→ Use for: Modern printmaking, protest art, abstract forms.
→ Avoid for: Detail or realism.
→ Prompt tip: linocut style, bold black shapes, expressive curves, white paper

📜 etching

Acid-bitten metal plate—fine lines, tonal depth, classical precision.

→ Use for: Historical reproduction, detailed landscapes, fine art.
→ Avoid for: Bold color or modern graphics.
→ Prompt tip: etching style, fine cross-hatching, tonal depth, 18th-century cityscape

✂️ collage cutout

Layered paper elements—tactile, fragmented, surreal.

→ Use for: Dada art, editorial illustration, mixed media.
→ Avoid for: Unity or realism.
→ Prompt tip: collage cutout, vintage magazine fragments, overlapping layers, surreal portrait

Fashion isn’t costume—it’s character coding. AI recognizes styles from real-world photography and editorial archives. Name the aesthetic like a stylist, not a mood board.

👟 streetwear

Oversized silhouettes, branded layers, urban utility—rooted in skate, hip-hop, and youth culture.

→ Use for: Contemporary portraits, urban editorials, Gen Z branding.
→ Avoid for: Historical accuracy or formal settings.
→ Prompt tip: streetwear outfit, baggy jeans, graphic tee, puffer jacket, sneakers, urban alley

🎩 haute couture

Custom-made luxury—hand-sewn, sculptural, extravagant. Reserved for elite fashion houses.

→ Use for: High-fashion editorials, fantasy, red carpet drama.
→ Avoid for: Casual or realistic street scenes.
→ Prompt tip: haute couture gown, hand-embroidered gold thread, dramatic silhouette, runway lighting

✂️ avant-garde fashion

Experimental, conceptual, often unwearable—prioritizes idea over function.

→ Use for: Art photography, fashion film, editorial statements.
→ Avoid for: Commercial wearability or realism.
→ Prompt tip: avant-garde fashion, asymmetrical latex dress, geometric headpiece, stark studio lighting

⚪ minimalist outfit

Neutral palette, clean lines, no logos—quiet confidence, architectural form.

→ Use for: Scandinavian branding, wellness, modern elegance.
→ Avoid for: Maximalism or street energy.
→ Prompt tip: minimalist outfit, beige linen suit, no accessories, soft natural light

👔 business formal

Tailored suits, polished shoes, conservative colors—corporate authority.

→ Use for: Executive portraits, finance, professional context.
→ Avoid for: Rebellion, fantasy, or casual moods.
→ Prompt tip: business formal, navy suit, white shirt, silk tie, office background

🧥 smart casual

Polished but relaxed—blazer with jeans, loafers without socks, effortless control.

→ Use for: Lifestyle branding, cafe scenes, approachable professionalism.
→ Avoid for: Black-tie or grunge.
→ Prompt tip: smart casual, olive blazer over white tee, dark jeans, leather loafers

🌿 bohemian style

Flowing fabrics, earth tones, layered jewelry—free-spirited, artisanal, romantic.

→ Use for: Festival scenes, wellness retreats, vintage romance.
→ Avoid for: Corporate or futuristic themes.
→ Prompt tip: bohemian style, flowy maxi dress, layered necklaces, flower crown, golden hour

🖤 gothic fashion

Black palette, lace, leather, Victorian or punk influences—mystical, dramatic, romantic darkness.

→ Use for: Gothic portraits, alt fashion, cinematic drama.
→ Avoid for: Bright, cheerful, or commercial vibes.
→ Prompt tip: gothic fashion, black lace corset, velvet cape, silver jewelry, moonlit alley

🎸 punk style

Ripped fabrics, safety pins, band tees, DIY rebellion—anti-establishment rawness.

→ Use for: Music editorials, protest art, urban grit.
→ Avoid for: Luxury or harmony.
→ Prompt tip: punk style, torn black jacket, plaid pants, studded belt, urban decay

🎸 grunge aesthetic

Flannel, ripped jeans, combat boots—1990s Seattle slackness, apathetic cool.

→ Use for: Nostalgic editorials, alternative music, raw realism.
→ Avoid for: Polished or glamorous scenes.
→ Prompt tip: grunge aesthetic, oversized flannel shirt, ripped jeans, messy hair, overcast light

🪩 retro 70s

Bell-bottoms, earth tones, wide collars—disco, folk, and psychedelic influences.

→ Use for: Period drama, vintage revival, warm nostalgia.
→ Avoid for: Futurism or minimalism.
→ Prompt tip: retro 70s, brown corduroy suit, turtleneck, vintage car, warm film tone

📼 vintage 90s

Minimal makeup, slip dresses, chokers, baggy jeans—grunge meets early digital.

→ Use for: Y2K nostalgia, indie film, analog mood.
→ Avoid for: Baroque or futuristic.
→ Prompt tip: vintage 90s, black slip dress, choker necklace, matte skin, soft window light

🎭 1920s flapper

Beaded fringe dresses, cloche hats, short bobs—jazz age rebellion.

→ Use for: Period pieces, art deco themes, black-tie fantasy.
→ Avoid for: Modern streetwear.
→ Prompt tip: 1920s flapper, beaded fringe dress, feather headband, smoky eyes, candlelit room

🏰 Victorian dress

High necks, corsets, lace, bustles—opulent, restrained, historical.

→ Use for: Gothic romance, historical drama, steampunk.
→ Avoid for: Casual or futuristic contexts.
→ Prompt tip: Victorian dress, high-neck black gown, lace gloves, candlelit library

⚔️ medieval tunic

Wool or linen, simple cut, earth tones—functional, rustic, pre-industrial.

→ Use for: Fantasy, historical reenactment, rustic realism.
→ Avoid for: Modern fashion or synthetic materials.
→ Prompt tip: medieval tunic, brown wool, leather belt, forest setting, natural light

🛡️ fantasy armor

Ornate, impractical, symbolic—inspired by games and myth, not real warfare.

→ Use for: Character design, RPG art, cinematic heroes.
→ Avoid for: Historical accuracy or realism.
→ Prompt tip: fantasy armor, silver pauldrons with dragon motifs, glowing rune etching, dramatic lighting

🚀 sci-fi bodysuit

Form-fitting, high-tech fabric, sleek seams—futuristic functionality or eroticism.

→ Use for: Space opera, cyberpunk, concept art.
→ Avoid for: Period or rustic scenes.
→ Prompt tip: sci-fi bodysuit, matte black nanofiber, glowing blue seams, space station interior

🔌 cyberpunk attire

Neon accents, techwear layers, augmented accessories—urban dystopia meets street fashion.

→ Use for: Neo-Tokyo scenes, hacker aesthetics, rain-soaked nightscapes.
→ Avoid for: Natural or historical settings.
→ Prompt tip: cyberpunk attire, reflective trench coat, LED implants, neon alley at night

⚙️ steampunk outfit

Brass goggles, leather corsets, clockwork details—Victorian meets industrial fantasy.

→ Use for: Alternate history, fantasy conventions, mechanical whimsy.
→ Avoid for: Minimalism or digital futurism.
→ Prompt tip: steampunk outfit, brass goggles, leather harness, cogwheel necklace, gaslit street

🧘 athleisure

Performance fabric worn casually—leggings, hoodies, clean sneakers—comfort as style.

→ Use for: Lifestyle branding, wellness, urban casual.
→ Avoid for: Formal or dramatic scenes.
→ Prompt tip: athleisure, black high-waisted leggings, oversized hoodie, clean white sneakers

🧥 denim jacket

Universal casual layer—worn, faded, customizable with patches or paint.

→ Use for: Street portraits, rebellion, timeless cool.
→ Avoid for: Black-tie or fantasy.
→ Prompt tip: denim jacket, slightly faded, rolled sleeves, white tee underneath, urban setting

🖤 leather jacket

Rebellious, timeless, tactile—motorcycle or bomber cuts, worn-in shine.

→ Use for: Rock portraits, noir, urban edge.
→ Avoid for: Innocent or delicate moods.
→ Prompt tip: leather jacket, matte black, worn collar, subject against brick wall, golden hour

🌧️ trench coat

Classic waterproof outerwear—cinematic, mysterious, weather-ready.

→ Use for: Noir, detective scenes, rainy cityscapes.
→ Avoid for: Summer or casual settings.
→ Prompt tip: trench coat, beige gabardine, collar up, rainy street, moody lighting

✈️ bomber jacket

Ribbed cuffs, zip front, military origin—casual but structured.

→ Use for: Streetwear, aviation themes, retro military.
→ Avoid for: Formal elegance.
→ Prompt tip: bomber jacket, olive green, ribbed hem, white tee, urban rooftop

Cameras aren’t neutral. Each has a visual fingerprint—film grain, color science, lens flare, focus roll-off. AI mimics these from real-world photo archives. Name the camera like a DP, not a spec sheet.

🎞️ Leica M6 (35mm film, classic rangefinder look)

Sharp center, soft corners, high micro-contrast, “Leica glow.” Documentary soul with poetic edge.

→ Use for: Street photography, intimate portraits, timeless realism.
→ Avoid for: Studio perfection or wide landscapes.
→ Prompt tip: shot on Leica M6, 35mm film, high contrast, soft vignette, street portrait

📸 Hasselblad 500 C/M (medium format sharpness, Zeiss pop)

Large negative = insane detail, smooth tonal transitions, “Zeiss pop” on highlights.

→ Use for: Fashion editorials, skin texture, luxury product shots.
→ Avoid for: Fast action or gritty realism.
→ Prompt tip: Hasselblad 500 C/M, medium format film, Zeiss lens sharpness, smooth skin tones, studio lighting

🔄 Rolleiflex 2.8F (TLR vintage portrait glow)

Twin-lens reflex—slight softness, dreamy highlights, square frame. Classic 1950s warmth.

→ Use for: Vintage portraits, feminine elegance, nostalgic moods.
→ Avoid for: Action or technical precision.
→ Prompt tip: Rolleiflex 2.8F, square portrait, soft vintage glow, 1950s aesthetic, natural light

🎞️ Pentax 67 (medium-format shallow depth look)

Massive negative + fast lens = creamy bokeh with lifelike presence. Loved by wedding and portrait film shooters.

→ Use for: Emotional portraits, cinematic stills, filmic depth.
→ Avoid for: Architecture or group shots.
→ Prompt tip: Pentax 67, medium format film, shallow depth of field, creamy bokeh, golden hour portrait

📐 Mamiya RZ67 (studio portrait clarity)

Modular medium format—razor sharp, flat field, studio-grade color. Used by Annie Leibovitz.

→ Use for: High-end portraits, commercial fashion, controlled lighting.
→ Avoid for: Handheld street or spontaneous scenes.
→ Prompt tip: Mamiya RZ67, studio portrait, sharp detail across frame, controlled lighting, film grain

🔍 Contax T2 (compact 35mm, Zeiss contrast)

Pocket film camera—legendary Zeiss lens, punchy contrast, point-and-shoot magic.

→ Use for: Candid travel, urban snapshots, nostalgic realism.
→ Avoid for: Low-light or shallow depth control.
→ Prompt tip: Contax T2, 35mm film, Zeiss contrast, candid street moment, natural light

📺 Canon AE-1 Program (classic 35mm snapshot feel)

1980s workhorse—grainy, slightly soft, warm color bias. The “everyday film” look.

→ Use for: Nostalgic diary style, youth culture, analog imperfection.
→ Avoid for: Clinical sharpness or modern polish.
→ Prompt tip: Canon AE-1 Program, 35mm film, slight grain, warm tones, summer afternoon

🎥 Nikon F3 (pro 35mm documentary look)

Rugged, reliable, neutral color—used by war photographers. Honest, unembellished truth.

→ Use for: Photojournalism, raw realism, historical mood.
→ Avoid for: Glamour or dreamy aesthetics.
→ Prompt tip: Nikon F3, 35mm film, neutral tones, grainy texture, documentary street scene

🖨️ Polaroid SX‑70 (instant film softness)

Self-developing, dreamy, limited dynamic range—haunting and immediate.

→ Use for: Intimate moments, surreal still lifes, nostalgic artifacts.
→ Avoid for: Clarity, color accuracy, or detail.
→ Prompt tip: Polaroid SX-70, instant film, soft focus, pastel tones, white border

📱 Fujifilm X100V (modern filmic color, 23mm)

Digital but mimics film—Classical Chrome mode, sharp lens, street-ready.

→ Use for: Contemporary street, lifestyle, hybrid film-digital look.
→ Avoid for: Extreme bokeh or vintage grain.
→ Prompt tip: Fujifilm X100V, 23mm, Classic Chrome film simulation, sharp street portrait

🎬 Canon 5D Mark II (early DSLR cinematic shallow DOF)

First DSLR to shoot 1080p—revolutionized indie film. Soft highlights, moody shadows.

→ Use for: Cinematic YouTube, indie film look, romantic realism.
→ Avoid for: High-resolution commercial or clean modernity.
→ Prompt tip: Canon 5D Mark II, cinematic shallow DOF, soft highlights, indie film look

🎥 ARRI Alexa (cinema color science)

Hollywood standard—natural skin tones, wide dynamic range, film-like latitude.

→ Use for: Blockbuster stills, high-end cinematic portraits, skin realism.
→ Avoid for: Gritty lo-fi or analog grain.
→ Prompt tip: ARRI Alexa, cinematic color science, natural skin tones, soft shadows, filmic grade

Analog isn’t a filter—it’s a system of imperfections. AI recognizes these from real scanned film archives. Name the era, not the mood.

💿 2000s Y2K aesthetic

Digital point-and-shoots with low resolution, soft focus, and oversaturated colors—think early Instagram or disposable digicams.

→ Use for: Nostalgic youth culture, retro-futurism, playful editorials.
→ Avoid for: High-resolution realism or filmic grain.
→ Prompt tip: 2000s Y2K aesthetic, oversaturated colors, soft focus, digital noise, casual snapshot

📸 35mm film photograph

The standard analog format—grain, dynamic range, and color rendition shaped by emulsion chemistry.

<→ Use for: Authentic film realism, street photography, timeless portraits.
→ Avoid for: Clinical digital perfection.
→ Prompt tip: 35mm film photograph, fine grain, natural color rendition, slight vignette

📷 analog camera look

General term for non-digital rendering—grain, soft highlights, organic imperfection.

→ Use for: When you want film feel without specifying stock.
→ Avoid for: Clean commercial or product shots.
→ Prompt tip: analog camera look, organic grain, soft contrast, natural skin tones

💡 point-and-shoot flash

Harsh, direct on-camera flash—washed-out faces, deep shadows, nostalgic amateurism.

→ Use for: Party photos, 90s/2000s realism, lo-fi intimacy.
→ Avoid for: Flattering portraits or cinematic lighting.
→ Prompt tip: point-and-shoot flash, harsh frontal light, deep shadows behind subject, indoor party

⚡ direct flash photography

No bounce, no diffusion—maximum contrast, red-eye risk, raw immediacy.

→ Use for: Documentary rawness, crime scene mood, surreal flatness.
→ Avoid for: Beauty or softness.
→ Prompt tip: direct flash photography, flat lighting, high contrast, no ambient fill, urban night

🎞️ grainy film texture

Visible emulsion particles—adds tactility and era coding. Stronger in high-ISO or pushed film.

→ Use for: Gritty realism, 1970s cinema, emotional rawness.
→ Avoid for: Smooth digital or luxury aesthetics.
→ Prompt tip: grainy film texture, ISO 1600 look, visible grain in shadows, documentary style

☁️ soft vintage lighting

Diffused, low-contrast illumination—typical of home portraits or window-lit film shots.

→ Use for: Nostalgic family scenes, gentle moods, analog intimacy.
→ Avoid for: Drama or sharp modernity.
→ Prompt tip: soft vintage lighting, window light on face, low contrast, 1980s home photo

🎨 slight color shift

Film aging or processing quirks—magenta shadows, green highlights, warm fade.

→ Use for: Found footage, memory aesthetics, archival feel.
→ Avoid for: Color-critical or product work.
→ Prompt tip: slight color shift, faded magenta shadows, warm highlights, vintage scan

🔥 warm undertones

Overall amber bias—common in tungsten film or aged prints.

→ Use for: Cozy interiors, 1970s nostalgia, romantic warmth.
→ Avoid for: Cool or clinical scenes.
→ Prompt tip: warm undertones, amber cast on skin, vintage family photo, soft focus

🏠 natural indoor lighting

Mixed sources—lamps, windows, no flash. Feels lived-in and authentic.

→ Use for: Documentary, lifestyle, candid realism.
→ Avoid for: Controlled studio or high drama.
→ Prompt tip: natural indoor lighting, soft window + lamp mix, no flash, home environment

🏨 hotel room aesthetic

Tungsten lamps, patterned bedspreads, muted colors—intimate, transient, cinematic.

→ Use for: Noir, romance, character studies, travel diaries.
→ Avoid for: Bright or clinical settings.
→ Prompt tip: hotel room aesthetic, warm bedside lamp, patterned sheets, shallow depth of field

📰 editorial lifestyle photo

Candid but composed—natural light, relatable clothing, environmental storytelling.

→ Use for: Magazine features, brand storytelling, authentic portraiture.
→ Avoid for: Fantasy or high-concept art.
→ Prompt tip: editorial lifestyle photo, natural light, relaxed pose, meaningful environment

📸 candid pose

Unposed, mid-movement—captures authenticity over perfection.

→ Use for: Documentary, street, emotional truth.
→ Avoid for: Glamour or formal portraits.
→ Prompt tip: candid pose, mid-laugh, natural gesture, analog film grain

📼 retro vibe

Stylistic shorthand for 80s/90s visual language—pastels, soft focus, analog texture.

→ Use for: Nostalgia campaigns, music videos, period mood.
→ Avoid for: Futurism or realism.
→ Prompt tip: retro vibe, 1990s color palette, soft focus, film grain, casual styling

🌀 slight blur and film grain

Imperfect focus + emulsion texture—human, not algorithmic.

→ Use for: Memory aesthetics, dream sequences, emotional abstraction.
→ Avoid for: Technical clarity or product focus.
→ Prompt tip: slight blur and film grain, motion softness, ISO 800 texture, nostalgic mood

📉 low contrast look

Compressed tonal range—muted highlights and lifted shadows. Common in overcast film or scans.

→ Use for: Dreamy moods, melancholy, softness.
→ Avoid for: Drama or high-energy scenes.
→ Prompt tip: low contrast look, lifted blacks, soft highlights, overcast film aesthetic

☁️ soft shadows and highlights

No harsh transitions—typical of window light or overcast days on film.

→ Use for: Gentle portraits, wellness, calm authority.
→ Avoid for: Noir or high drama.
→ Prompt tip: soft shadows and highlights, diffused light, filmic roll-off, natural skin

🎞️ unfiltered 2000s photography

Raw digicam output—no presets, no editing. Slightly off-white balance, soft optics.

→ Use for: Authentic Y2K, internet nostalgia, diary realism.
→ Avoid for: Polished or stylized work.
→ Prompt tip: unfiltered 2000s photography, off-white balance, soft focus, casual moment

⏳ nostalgic analog mood

Emotional shorthand for “memory”—grain, fade, vignette, warmth.

→ Use for: Personal projects, storytelling, emotional resonance.
→ Avoid for: Technical or commercial precision.
→ Prompt tip: nostalgic analog mood, warm fade, soft vignette, film grain, personal moment

🎞️ shot on Kodak Portra 400

The gold standard for portraits—warm skin tones, soft highlights, forgiving exposure latitude.

→ Use for: Wedding, fashion, lifestyle, skin-focused work.
→ Avoid for: High-contrast or cool-toned scenes.
→ Prompt tip: shot on Kodak Portra 400, warm skin tones, soft highlights, pastel backgrounds

Film stocks aren’t “presets.” They’re chemical recipes with distinct color science, grain structure, and dynamic range. AI mimics these from real scanned archives. Name the stock like a cinematographer—not a filter menu.

🌅 Kodak Portra 400

Warm skin tones, soft highlights, forgiving exposure. The portrait standard since the 1990s.

→ Use for: Weddings, fashion, lifestyle, natural light.
→ Avoid for: High-contrast or cool-toned scenes.
→ Prompt tip: Kodak Portra 400, warm skin tones, pastel backgrounds, soft highlights, film grain

🌤️ Kodak Portra 160

Finer grain, cooler than Portra 400, more neutral color—ideal for studio or bright sun.

→ Use for: Controlled lighting, product, fine art.
→ Avoid for: Low light or dramatic warmth.
→ Prompt tip: Kodak Portra 160, fine grain, neutral skin tones, studio lighting, soft shadows

🎨 Kodak Ektar 100

Ultra-saturated colors, sharp detail, punchy reds—made for landscapes and bold fashion.

→ Use for: Vibrant scenes, summer editorials, product color.
→ Avoid for: Natural skin tones or muted palettes.
→ Prompt tip: Kodak Ektar 100, saturated reds and greens, sharp detail, bright daylight

📷 Kodak Gold 200

Consumer film—warm, slightly soft, nostalgic amber cast. The “family vacation” look.

→ Use for: Nostalgic realism, candid moments, Y2K revival.
→ Avoid for: Professional precision or cool tones.
→ Prompt tip: Kodak Gold 200, warm amber cast, soft focus, summer afternoon, casual snapshot

🖤 Kodak Tri‑X 400

Classic B&W—gritty, high contrast, pronounced grain. Loved by street photographers.

→ Use for: Documentary, noir, raw emotion.
→ Avoid for: Softness or color work.
→ Prompt tip: Kodak Tri-X 400, high contrast black and white, visible grain, street photography

⚪ Kodak T‑Max 400

Modern B&W—fine grain, high resolution, smooth tonal range. Cleaner than Tri-X.

→ Use for: Architectural B&W, studio portraits, technical clarity.
→ Avoid for: Gritty lo-fi aesthetics.
→ Prompt tip: Kodak T-Max 400, fine grain black and white, smooth gradients, studio lighting

🎬 Kodak Vision3 250D

Daylight-balanced cinema film—natural skin, soft highlights, cinematic latitude.

→ Use for: Daytime film scenes, realistic drama, sunlit portraits.
→ Avoid for: Low light or tungsten interiors.
→ Prompt tip: Kodak Vision3 250D, cinematic daylight, natural skin tones, soft roll-off

🌃 Kodak Vision3 500T

Tungsten-balanced cinema film—excellent in low light, rich shadows, movie-night feel.

→ Use for: Night scenes, neon-lit streets, indoor drama.
→ Avoid for: Bright daylight without correction.
→ Prompt tip: Kodak Vision3 500T, cinematic night, tungsten balance, deep shadows, urban setting

🌈 Kodak Ektachrome E100

Slide film—cool tones, saturated but not warm, fine grain. Used in National Geographic.

→ Use for: Travel, landscapes, daylight realism with pop.
→ Avoid for: Warm skin or indoor tungsten.
→ Prompt tip: Kodak Ektachrome E100, cool saturation, fine grain, daylight landscape

🌌 CineStill 800T

Modified cinema film for stills—halation (glow) around highlights, moody, cinematic.

→ Use for: Night portraits, neon scenes, dreamy drama.
→ Avoid for: Clean daylight or minimalism.
→ Prompt tip: CineStill 800T, halation glow, cinematic night, neon reflections, 35mm

☀️ CineStill 50D

Daylight version—fine grain, Kodachrome-like color, subtle pastels.

→ Use for: Sunlit filmic looks, vintage travel, soft realism.
→ Avoid for: Low light or high ISO needs.
→ Prompt tip: CineStill 50D, fine grain, pastel tones, golden hour, cinematic daylight

🌿 Fujifilm Velvia 50

Ultra-saturated slide film—electric greens and blues. Landscape photographer’s weapon.

→ Use for: Nature, travel, fantasy color.
→ Avoid for: Skin tones or realism.
→ Prompt tip: Fujifilm Velvia 50, electric green foliage, saturated blue sky, sharp detail

📸 Fujifilm Provia 100F

Balanced slide film—accurate color, fine grain, professional standard.

→ Use for: Commercial, product, editorial color accuracy.
→ Avoid for: Stylized warmth or mood.
→ Prompt tip: Fujifilm Provia 100F, accurate color reproduction, fine grain, studio lighting

🏙️ Fujifilm Superia 400

Consumer color negative—green/magenta shift, soft, nostalgic urban feel.

→ Use for: Street photography, 90s/2000s mood, candid realism.
→ Avoid for: Neutral skin or studio work.
→ Prompt tip: Fujifilm Superia 400, slight green cast, soft focus, urban street, natural light

🌙 Fujifilm Natura 1600

High-speed film for low light—grainy, warm, designed for night without flash.

→ Use for: Indoor night scenes, candlelight, available-light portraits.
→ Avoid for: Daylight or clean output.
→ Prompt tip: Fujifilm Natura 1600, high ISO grain, warm low-light, candlelit portrait

🖤 Ilford HP5 Plus 400

Versatile B&W—wide exposure latitude, classic grain, street and documentary staple.

→ Use for: Urban photography, journalism, expressive monochrome.
→ Avoid for: Fine art smoothness or color.
→ Prompt tip: Ilford HP5 Plus 400, classic black and white grain, high contrast, street scene

🌫️ Ilford Delta 3200

Rated at 3200 but often pushed—extreme grain, mood, and shadow depth.

→ Use for: Noir, horror, experimental low-light.
→ Avoid for: Clarity or subtlety.
→ Prompt tip: Ilford Delta 3200, extreme grain, deep blacks, moody interior, pushed film look

🎞️ Agfa Vista 200

Budget film—muted colors, slight pink shift, soft contrast. Quiet nostalgia.

→ Use for: Diary-style photography, gentle memories, analog imperfection.
→ Avoid for: Bold color or sharpness.
→ Prompt tip: Agfa Vista 200, muted pastels, soft contrast, pink undertone, casual moment

🌀 Lomography 800

Creative high-speed film—unpredictable color shifts, high saturation when pushed.

→ Use for: Experimental, party, surreal color.
→ Avoid for: Consistency or realism.
→ Prompt tip: Lomography 800, saturated color shifts, high ISO grain, experimental portrait

💜 LomoChrome Purple

Infrared-style film—foliage turns purple, skies yellow, surreal palette.

→ Use for: Fantasy, dream sequences, artistic distortion.
→ Avoid for: Natural color or documentary.
→ Prompt tip: LomoChrome Purple, purple trees, yellow sky, surreal landscape, 35mm film

🖨️ Polaroid 600 Color

Instant film—muted pastels, soft focus, white border. Nostalgic immediacy.

→ Use for: Intimate moments, artifacts, lo-fi charm.
→ Avoid for: Detail or color accuracy.
→ Prompt tip: Polaroid 600 Color, soft pastel tones, white border, instant photo aesthetic

🖼️ Polaroid SX‑70 Color

More saturated than 600, finer detail—classic instant film elegance.

→ Use for: Artistic portraits, vintage still lifes.
→ Avoid for: Bright daylight (overexposes easily).
→ Prompt tip: Polaroid SX-70 Color, rich instant film tones, soft focus, white border

📱 Fuji Instax Mini

Digital-like instant—lower dynamic range, flat colors, toy camera feel.

→ Use for: Playful snapshots, youth culture, disposable mood.
→ Avoid for: Professional or filmic looks.
→ Prompt tip: Fuji Instax Mini, flat colors, soft detail, casual party photo, white frame

Background isn’t “what’s behind.” It’s narrative context. AI treats environments as photographic or cinematic sets—name them like a production designer, not a mood board.

⬜ seamless white paper backdrop

Studio staple—zero context, pure focus on subject. Clean, commercial, clinical.

→ Use for: E-commerce, beauty, product shots.
→ Avoid for: Storytelling or mood.
→ Prompt tip: seamless white paper backdrop, studio lighting, no shadows, product focus

🎨 pastel colorama backdrop

Soft single-color background—popular in 1970s editorial and modern lifestyle shoots.

→ Use for: Fashion portraits, soft branding, Y2K revival.
→ Avoid for: Gritty or dramatic scenes.
→ Prompt tip: pastel colorama backdrop, mint green sweep, soft shadows, 70s aesthetic

🎬 cyclorama studio

Curved wall-to-floor backdrop—creates infinite space, used in film and high-end ads.

→ Use for: Cinematic portraits, automotive, luxury.
→ Avoid for: Documentary realism.
→ Prompt tip: cyclorama studio, soft gray curve, even lighting, subject floating in space

🧱 brutalist concrete wall

Raw, textured, unadorned—architectural honesty, urban weight.

→ Use for: Street fashion, dystopia, masculine portraiture.
→ Avoid for: Warmth or softness.
→ Prompt tip: brutalist concrete wall, rough texture, overcast light, urban portrait

🏘️ aged brick alley

Weathered urban texture—moss, grime, history in every joint.

→ Use for: Noir, streetwear, cinematic realism.
→ Avoid for: Clean or futuristic scenes.
→ Prompt tip: aged brick alley, moss in cracks, wet pavement, moody lighting

🏭 industrial warehouse

Exposed beams, metal, dust—raw space for fashion, dance, or conceptual art.

→ Use for: Editorial shoots, avant-garde, music videos.
→ Avoid for: Intimate or delicate moods.
→ Prompt tip: industrial warehouse, steel beams, concrete floor, dust in air, natural light from high windows

🪞 art deco interior

Geometric luxury—mirrors, brass, symmetry. 1920s opulence.

→ Use for: Glamour, vintage fantasy, noir elegance.
→ Avoid for: Minimalism or modern casual.
→ Prompt tip: art deco interior, geometric mirrors, gold trim, moody lighting, vintage bar

🛋️ mid‑century modern living room

Warm woods, clean lines, Eames chairs—1950s optimism and function.

→ Use for: Lifestyle, wellness, retro branding.
→ Avoid for: Gothic or futuristic themes.
→ Prompt tip: mid-century modern living room, teak furniture, mustard sofa, sunlight through blinds

⚪ Scandinavian minimal room

White walls, light wood, no clutter—calm, functional, human-centered.

→ Use for: Wellness, clean beauty, editorial simplicity.
→ Avoid for: Maximalism or drama.
→ Prompt tip: Scandinavian minimal room, white walls, oak floor, single plant, soft natural light

🎋 Japanese tatami room

Straw mats, shoji screens, negative space—Zen restraint and harmony.

→ Use for: Meditation, cultural portraits, quiet minimalism.
→ Avoid for: Urban chaos or Western maximalism.
→ Prompt tip: Japanese tatami room, straw mats, sliding paper doors, soft diffused light

🟣 neon alleyway

Urban night soaked in artificial color—cyberpunk’s heartbeat.

→ Use for: Sci-fi, nightlife, dystopian fashion.
→ Avoid for: Daylight realism or naturalism.
→ Prompt tip: neon alleyway, pink and cyan signs, wet pavement, fog, cyberpunk mood

🎮 retro 80s arcade

Wood paneling, CRT glow, plastic buttons—nostalgic digital playground.

→ Use for: Y2K revival, retro gaming, vibrant youth culture.
→ Avoid for: Serious or historical drama.
→ Prompt tip: retro 80s arcade, glowing game screens, wood panel walls, colorful lights

🍔 1950s diner booth

Chrome, vinyl, checkerboard—Americana optimism and kitsch.

→ Use for: Period drama, retro romance, pop culture.
→ Avoid for: Futurism or minimalism.
→ Prompt tip: 1950s diner booth, red vinyl seats, chrome trim, jukebox in background

📚 Victorian library

Dark wood, leather, towering shelves—scholarly gothic grandeur.

→ Use for: Fantasy, gothic romance, intellectual character studies.
→ Avoid for: Modern or sparse aesthetics.
→ Prompt tip: Victorian library, mahogany shelves, leather books, candlelight glow

🏰 baroque palace hall

Gold leaf, frescoes, marble—absolute power made visible.

→ Use for: Historical fantasy, opulent fashion, royal drama.
→ Avoid for: Humble or contemporary scenes.
→ Prompt tip: baroque palace hall, gilded ceilings, marble columns, dramatic chandelier light

⛪ gothic cathedral nave

Stone vaults, stained glass, vertical scale—spiritual awe through architecture.

→ Use for: Religious symbolism, gothic fashion, cinematic scale.
→ Avoid for: Casual or modern interiors.
→ Prompt tip: gothic cathedral nave, ribbed vaults, colored light through windows, mist in air

🧪 futuristic laboratory

White surfaces, glowing panels, sterile precision—sci-fi intellect.

→ Use for: Bio-punk, tech editorials, dystopian control.
→ Avoid for: Organic or rustic moods.
→ Prompt tip: futuristic laboratory, white walls, blue LED strips, glass equipment, clean aesthetic

🚀 space station corridor

Metal grates, warning stripes, artificial light—humanity in the void.

→ Use for: Sci-fi, isolation narratives, cosmic drama.
→ Avoid for: Earthbound realism.
→ Prompt tip: space station corridor, metallic walls, red emergency lights, zero-gravity feel

🌆 cyberpunk skyline

Towering megastructures, holograms, rain—neon-drenched urban overload.

→ Use for: Sci-fi covers, dystopian fashion, digital rebellion.
→ Avoid for: Nature or simplicity.
→ Prompt tip: cyberpunk skyline, towering neon buildings, flying cars, perpetual rain, night

🌱 solarpunk greenhouse

Lush plants, glass, sustainable tech—hopeful future, not dystopia.

→ Use for: Eco-fashion, utopian design, green futurism.
→ Avoid for: Gritty or apocalyptic themes.
→ Prompt tip: solarpunk greenhouse, glass walls, hanging plants, solar panels, soft sunlight

🎋 misty bamboo forest

Vertical lines, soft fog, green monochrome—Zen mystery and calm.

→ Use for: Martial arts, fantasy, meditative portraits.
→ Avoid for: Urban or industrial scenes.
→ Prompt tip: misty bamboo forest, vertical stalks, soft fog, diffused green light

🏜️ desert dunes at dusk

Golden waves of sand, long shadows, isolation—epic minimalism.

→ Use for: Heroic portraits, fashion solitude, cinematic scale.
→ Avoid for: Cluttered or urban contexts.
→ Prompt tip: desert dunes at dusk, golden hour light, long shadows, lone figure on ridge

🌊 rocky seaside cliffs

Crashing waves, wind-swept stone, dramatic scale—nature’s power.

→ Use for: Romantic drama, gothic fashion, elemental contrast.
→ Avoid for: Calm interiors or studio control.
→ Prompt tip: rocky seaside cliffs, ocean spray, wind-blown hair, stormy sky, cinematic wide shot

🌲 snowy pine forest

White silence, evergreen accents, cold purity—stillness and isolation.

→ Use for: Fairy tales, winter fashion, quiet introspection.
→ Avoid for: Heat, chaos, or urban energy.
→ Prompt tip: snowy pine forest, soft snow on branches, blue ambient light, lone figure in coat