How to write cinematic AI photo prompts (2026 guide)

Great AI photos start with great prompts. Here is the framework we use for every prompt on this site.

1. Lighting first

Name your light: golden hour, softbox, neon rim light. Lighting is 50% of the look.

2. Lens & camera

85mm, f/1.8, shallow depth of field — camera language steers realism.

3. Mood & palette

Two or three colour words (warm amber, teal shadow) keep the palette coherent.

4. Finish with grain

“Subtle film grain” hides AI gloss and adds realism.