# Image Prompting Guide

> Fallback reference when ai-artist skill is not available

## Universal Structure

```
[Subject + Details] [Action/Pose] [Setting/Environment]
[Style/Medium] [Artist/Movement Reference]
[Lighting] [Camera/Lens] [Composition]
[Quality Modifiers] [Aspect Ratio]
```

## Core Principles

### 1. Clarity
- Be specific, avoid ambiguity
- Use descriptive nouns and adjectives
- State what you want, not what you don't want (unless model supports negative prompts)

### 2. Structure
```
[Subject] → [Style] → [Composition] → [Technical Quality]
```

### 3. Iteration
- Start simple, add details progressively
- A/B test variations
- Save successful patterns for reuse

## Platform Quick Reference

### Gemini/Nano Banana
- Narrative paragraphs > keyword lists
- 32K context allows detailed descriptions
- Hex colors: `#9F2B68` for precision
- Multi-image: Up to 14 references
- See: [gemini-nano-banana.md](gemini-nano-banana.md)

### Midjourney v6.1
```
[prompt] --ar 16:9 --style raw --v 6.1
```
| Param | Values |
|-------|--------|
| `--ar` | 1:1, 16:9, 9:16, 4:3 |
| `--style` | raw, default |
| `--chaos` | 0-100 |
| `--weird` | 0-3000 |

### DALL-E 3
- Natural language only, no parameters
- Be descriptive, not keyword-heavy
- Specify "HD quality" in prompt

### Stable Diffusion / Flux
```
(important:1.3), normal, (less important:0.8)
Negative: ugly, blurry, deformed, watermark
```

## Style Keywords

**Art Movements:** photorealistic, hyperrealistic, cyberpunk, steampunk, minimalist, art deco

**Media Types:** oil painting, watercolor, digital art, 3D render, vector art, pencil sketch

**Photography:** portrait, landscape, macro, product, editorial, architectural

## Lighting Vocabulary

| Term | Effect |
|------|--------|
| Golden hour | Warm, soft, directional |
| Blue hour | Cool, moody, twilight |
| Rembrandt | Triangle on cheek, dramatic |
| Rim/back | Edge highlight, separation |
| Volumetric | Light rays visible |

## Camera/Lens Terms

- 50mm (standard), 85mm (portrait), 35mm (wide)
- Shallow DOF, Deep DOF, Bokeh
- Low angle, High angle, Dutch angle

## Composition Keywords

rule of thirds, golden ratio, centered, symmetrical, leading lines, negative space, layered depth

## Troubleshooting

| Problem | Solution |
|---------|----------|
| Generic results | Add specific style refs, mood |
| Inconsistent character | Use --ref, describe persistent features |
| Wrong composition | Specify shot type, camera angle |
| Off-brand colors | Use hex codes explicitly |

## References

- [Gemini Nano Banana](gemini-nano-banana.md) - Gemini-specific techniques
- [Prompting Templates](prompting-templates.md) - Domain-specific templates