Image Generation Best Practices

Overview

To elevate your image results from "good" to "outstanding", you need to master professional prompting techniques and strategies. Here are proven best practices for achieving exceptional results.

Core Principles

1. Be Extremely Specific

Avoid vague descriptions - the more detailed information you provide, the better you can control the results.

❌ Wrong Example: "fantasy armor"

✅ Correct Example: "Ornate elven plate armor, etched with silver leaf patterns, featuring a high collar and falcon wing-shaped pauldrons."

2. Provide Context and Intent

Explain the purpose of the image. The model's understanding of context will influence the final output.

Example: "Design a logo for a high-end minimalist skincare brand" will produce better results than just "design a logo".

3. Iterate and Refine

Don't expect perfect results on the first try. Use the model's conversational nature to make small adjustments.

Refinement Examples:

• "Great result, but can you make the lighting warmer?"
• "Keep everything the same, but make the character's expression more serious."

4. Use Step-by-Step Instructions

For complex scenes with many elements, break your prompt into multiple steps.

Example:

1. "First, create a serene forest background shrouded in morning mist."
2. "Then, add an ancient moss-covered stone altar in the foreground."
3. "Finally, place a glowing sword on the altar."

5. Use "Semantic Negative Prompts"

Instead of saying "no cars", actively describe the desired scene.

❌ Avoid: "no cars"

✅ Recommended: "An empty, desolate street with no signs of traffic."

6. Control Camera Perspective

Use photography and cinematography language to control composition.

Common Terms:

• wide-angle shot
• macro shot
• low-angle perspective
• bird's eye view
• close-up
• medium shot
• establishing shot

Advanced Techniques

Style Control

Art Styles:

• "oil painting style"
• "watercolor technique"
• "digital art"
• "photorealistic"
• "minimalist design"

Period Styles:

• "Victorian era"
• "1950s retro"
• "cyberpunk futuristic"
• "medieval fantasy"

Lighting and Atmosphere

Lighting Descriptions:

• "soft golden hour lighting"
• "dramatic side lighting"
• "ambient lighting"
• "neon reflections"
• "moonlight filtering through clouds"

Atmosphere Creation:

• "mysterious and moody"
• "warm and cozy"
• "vibrant and energetic"
• "serene and peaceful"

Technical Parameters

Image Quality:

• "high resolution"
• "ultra detailed"
• "professional photography quality"
• "8K rendering"
• "cinematic quality"

Composition Techniques:

• "rule of thirds composition"
• "symmetrical composition"
• "leading lines composition"
• "framing composition"
• "golden ratio"

Common Problem Solutions

Problem: Images too generic

Solution: Add more specific details and unique elements

Problem: Inconsistent style

Solution: Clearly specify the art style at the beginning of your prompt

Problem: Poor composition

Solution: Use specific photography terms to describe the desired perspective

Problem: Unharmonious colors

Solution: Specify color schemes or palettes

Practical Templates

Portrait Template

[Style] + [Character Description] + [Expression/Pose] + [Clothing Details] + [Background] + [Lighting] + [Camera Angle]

Landscape Scene Template

[Time/Weather] + [Location Description] + [Main Elements] + [Detail Decorations] + [Atmosphere] + [Perspective] + [Art Style]

Product Design Template

[Product Type] + [Material Texture] + [Color Scheme] + [Design Style] + [Functional Features] + [Display Angle] + [Background Environment]

Reference Links

• Gemini API docs