Effective photo prompts for use with AI on Google Search should include specific details about the subject, style, environment, and technical aspects. Being descriptive and iterative can help achieve the desired outcome.

Core prompt structure

Start with a simple sentence and add more details.

Basic format:

[Subject] [Action] [Environment] in the style of a [Style/Lighting]

Example:

Key elements to include in your prompt

More detailed prompts provide greater control over the final image.

Subject details

Environment and setting

Style and aesthetic

Technical details

Example prompts for different styles

Cinematic portrait

High-contrast film noir edit of a portrait, extreme chiaroscuro lighting with hard, deep black shadows and bright, stylized highlights, subtle 35mm film grain, vintage sepia tint, 8K resolution.

Realistic fantasy scene

A young woman standing in a misty, ethereal forest at dawn. The air is filled with glowing fireflies, and she wears a dress made of delicate, woven leaves. Soft, diffused lighting, hyper-realistic, wide-angle shot.

Retro-futuristic style

Cyberpunk neon-lit portrait in a rainy urban environment. Strong blue and magenta neon rim lighting reflecting off wet surfaces. Increase saturation on the lights only, keep the rest of the image dark.

Editorial fashion photo

Ultra-HD glamour portrait taken during the golden hour. The model is backlit by soft, warm sunlight, with a shallow depth of field to keep her in focus. Shot on Nikon Z9, editorial style.

How to use an image as a starting point

You can also upload an image and ask to edit it.