AI Prompts for Realism
Artificial intelligence (AI) programs are increasingly adept at generating pictures from prompts. However, the technology still needs improvement; these images sometimes come out differently than the user envisions them. AI-generated images often seem off-putting, abstract, or just plain weird. These results can be a source of frustration for those who want to create realistic-looking images.
Fortunately, there is a way to have AI image generators create realistic photos. Knowing which details and specifications to use when writing AI prompts for realism can drastically alter the quality of AI images.
Tips for Writing AI Prompts for Realism
The first step in using an AI program is learning how to write prompts. Prompts are the instructions you give to the AI so that it knows how to respond or what to create. No matter what you are using an AI for, there are a few guidelines your prompts should always follow:
- Be clear and concise
- Specify any details you want to include in the image
- Phrase your prompt as a command, not a question
- Rewrite your prompt as many times as necessary until it achieves the desired result
When it comes to writing AI prompts for realism, though, there are a few more specifics you will need to include. You should clearly explain what the image should contain and describe the subject and setting in great detail. Knowing which words to use is the key to doing so effectively. The terms you use in your prompt will heavily influence how the AI program interprets your instructions. The more specific and detailed your prompts are, the more accurate the AI-generated image will be to your vision.
Here are several terms you can use in your prompts to help an AI create a realistic-looking image:
- Detailed
- Intricate
- photography
- Maximalist
- Beautiful
- Appealing
- Hyper realistic
Camera Specification to Use When Writing AI Prompts for Realism
You should include camera specifications in your prompt for realistic AI-generated images. These will help the AI create precisely the image you want. The two most important settings to detail are focal length and aperture, which the AI will simulate when generating the photo.
Focal length refers to the distance between the center of the lens and the camera sensor. The lower the focal length is, the wider view your image will have.
Aperture describes the opening of the lens and how much light it allows to pass. Low aperture settings have a smaller depth of field but capture more light, while high aperture settings capture a significant depth of field in sharper detail.
Both focal length and aperture can dramatically affect how realistic AI-generated photos turn out. If you are still getting familiar with focal length and aperture, here is a brief overview of both and how they affect image quality.
Focal Length
10-24mm: Creates a wide-angle perspective with increased depth of field. Good for landscapes.
24-70mm: Versatile focal length used for various types of photography. Good for events, streets, and portraits.
70-200mm: Creates sharp, high-quality images. Suitable for pictures taken at a distance.
200-400mm: Extended range setting. Good for wildlife and sporting event pictures taken from afar.
Aperture
Aperture is measured by an F-number that ranges from f/1.4 to f/32.
Small f-number, e.g. f/1.8: Shallow depth of field with a blurred background. Allows more light to be captured and is ideal for portraits.
Medium f-number, e.g. f/5.6: Balanced depth of field. Compromises between depth of field and sharpness for image quality that's good for landscapes and general photography.
Large f-number, e.g. f/16: Increased field depth with a larger focus area. Suitable for images in which you want everything in focus.
Examples of AI Prompts for Realism
When writing AI prompts for realism, you should combine a detailed description of your image's subject and environment with your preferred camera settings. The final result of your prompt should look something like these examples:
- "Generate a hyper-realistic photo of a lively street market with vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables. The market is bustling with people, and colorful umbrellas provide shade from the sun. Use the camera settings: Focal length - 35mm, aperture - f/2.8."
- "Generate a realistic and detailed photo of a cozy cabin in the woods surrounded by autumn foliage. The cabin has a warm fireplace glowing inside, and there's a wooden bench outside. Use the camera settings: Focal length - 50mm, Aperture - f/4."
- "Generate a realistic and maximalist photo of a vibrant flower garden with various colorful blooms. The garden is filled with roses, tulips, and daisies, with a small stone pathway winding through it. Use the camera settings: Focal length - 100mm, aperture - f/5.6."
- "Generate a hyper-realistic photo of a majestic waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff. The waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation, and a wooden bridge crosses a nearby stream. Use the camera settings: Focal length - 24mm, aperture - f/16."
AI Image Generators
Here are several AI image generators you can use to test out your AI prompts for realism in photos.
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