6 Prompt Keywords for Photorealistic Images

A well-designed prompt is not simply a description of images in human-like sentences. It is a sequence of keywords separated by commas, and writing it in this way elevates the chance of getting effective results. One of the most important keyword groups is Art Media¹. By using medium keywords like pencil drawing or oil painting in the prompt, we indicate the expected outcome of the image. Let’s take a look at popular and less popular mediums for creating photorealistic images.

Images presented below in this post have been generated using Stable Diffusion:

1. a1111 and deliberate model
2. Negative prompt:

out of frame, worst quality, normal quality, low quality, low res, blurry, text, watermark, logo, banner, extra digits, cropped, jpeg artifacts, signature, username, error, sketch, duplicate, ugly, monochrome, horror, geometry, mutation, disgusting, bad anatomy, bad hands, three hands, three legs, bad arms, missing legs, missing arms, poorly drawn face, bad face, fused face, cloned face, worst face, three crus, extra crus, fused crus, worst feet, three feet, fused feet, fused thigh, three thigh, fused thigh, extra thigh, worst thigh, missing fingers, extra fingers, ugly fingers, long fingers, horn, extra eyes, huge eyes, 2girl, amputation, disconnected limbs, cartoon, cg, 3d, unreal, animate

1. Photo

Probably the most used medium keyword is: photo. It can give an effect similar to a photo taken by a DSLR, especially when we add other keywords to prompt, for example resolution keyword: 8k. Example:

photo of a woman, realistic, 8k, natural, candid

Result:

Prompt: photo of a woman, realistic, 8k, natural, candid

Adding the 8k resolution keyword gives a higher level of detail and clarity. But let’s also remember that the model has been trained based on a big number of different images, that has been described with keywords. And source images described with keyword 8k or 4k are most likely to be professional photography pictures, that provide overall high quality of outcome.

2. Analog Photo

While digital photography has become dominant in recent years due to its convenience and accessibility, analog photography continues to have a dedicated following among photographers and artists who appreciate its unique characteristics and the hands-on nature of the process. Example:

analog photo of a woman

Result:

Prompt: analog photo of a woman

Analog photography can be used for many purposes, including:

• Artistic Expression: Many photographers and artists prefer analog photography for its unique and often nostalgic aesthetic qualities.

• Documentary Photography: Analog photography has been historically used for capturing important moments in history, such as war photography, social movements, and everyday life. Famous photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Dorothea Lange used analog cameras for their iconic images.

• Fine Art Photography: Analog photographs are often sought after by collectors and displayed in art galleries as fine art pieces.

3. Lomography Photo

Lomography is a style of photography characterized by its use of toy cameras, unconventional equipment, and experimental techniques. It is a form of analog that embraces imperfections, quirks, and unpredictabilities to create unique and artistic images. Example:

lomography photo of a woman

Result:

Prompt: lomography photo of a woman

Key characteristics and features of Lomography photography include:

• Lo-Fi Aesthetic: Lomography embraces a “low-fidelity” aesthetic, where images may have light leaks, color shifts, vignetting (darkened corners), and other imperfections that are often considered flaws in traditional photography but are celebrated in Lomography.

• Vivid Colors: Lomo cameras often produce images with vibrant and saturated colors, giving photos a distinct and eye-catching look.

• Multiple Exposures: Many Lomo cameras allow for multiple exposures on a single frame, enabling the photographer to layer different images onto one another for creative effects.

Lomography is used primarily for artistic and creative expression. It’s a departure from traditional, technically precise photography and encourages artists to embrace chance, spontaneity, and the unexpected. Lomographers often shoot everyday scenes, street photography, portraits, and landscapes but with a distinctive, dreamy, and often surreal quality.

To sum up, this medium keyword can be used when we seek on experimenting and creative outcome rather than technical perfection.

4. BW Photo

In essence, Black and White photography is a versatile medium that allows artists to focus on the essential elements of an image, experiment with creative expression, and convey a wide range of emotions and concepts. It continues to be an important and respected form of photography in both artistic and practical purposes. Example:

bw photo of a woman

Result:

Prompt: bw photo of a woman

Black and White photos have been a fundamental part of photography since its inception. They are used for various artistic, documentary, and practical purposes:

• Artistic Expression: Many artists use Black and White photography to convey mood, emotion, and a timeless quality in their images. Removing color from the equation can emphasize other elements like composition, lighting, and texture.

• Portraits: Black and White portraits can be particularly striking. They often emphasize the subject’s facial expressions, features, and character without the distraction of color.

• Documentary and Photojournalism: Black and White photos are sometimes used in documentary and photojournalistic work to create a sense of historical significance, capture the essence of a moment, or evoke a sense of nostalgia.

• Fine Art Photography: Black and White photography is often associated with fine art. It allows photographers to create visually impactful and thought-provoking images that may not be tied to the limitations of color.

• High-Contrast Photography: Black and White photography is well-suited for high-contrast scenes, such as landscapes with dramatic lighting, as it can bring out details and create striking compositions.

• Historical and Vintage Aesthetics: Black and White photos can be used to mimic the look of old or historical photographs, adding a sense of authenticity to certain projects.

• Historical and Vintage Aesthetics: Black and White photos can be used to mimic the look of old or historical photographs, adding a sense of authenticity to certain projects.

5. Cyanotype

Cyanotype prints are known for their distinctive blue and white color palette and are often used for artistic and creative purposes. Example:

cyanotype of a woman

Result:

Prompt: cyanotype of a woman

They have been used in various applications, including:

• Fine Art Photography: Many artists and photographers use cyanotype as an alternative and artistic printing method to create unique and expressive images.

• Blueprints: Historically, cyanotype was used for creating blueprints in architectural and engineering drawings. It was an efficient and cost-effective way to reproduce technical drawings.

• Botanical Illustration: Cyanotype is used by botanists and naturalists to create detailed prints of plants, leaves, and other botanical specimens.

• Textile Arts: Cyanotype can be applied to fabrics, and artists use it to create textile designs and patterns.

Cyanotype remains a popular choice for artists and photographers who appreciate its unique aesthetics and historical significance in the world of photography and image-making.

6. Anthotype Photo

In reality An anthotype is a photographic printing process that uses natural plant extracts to create images on a photosensitive surface, such as paper or fabric. It is a non-toxic and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional photographic printing methods that use chemicals like silver nitrate. Anthotypes are known for their unique and delicate appearance. Example:

anthotype photo of a woman

Result:

Prompt: anthotype photo of a woman

Due to their organic and non-toxic nature, anthotypes are primarily used for artistic and experimental photography. They are not as stable or long-lasting as traditional photographic prints, as the colors can fade over time when exposed to light, but this ephemeral quality is often part of their artistic appeal.

Conclusions

In this exploration of prompt keywords for photorealistic images, we’ve delved into 6 mediums to bring your creative visions to life:

1. Photo: This classic keyword, often paired with resolution tags like “8k,” can produce results akin to DSLR-taken photographs, offering exceptional detail and realism.

2. Analog Photo: In the digital age, analog photography still holds its charm. It offers a unique aesthetic and tactile experience, making it a compelling choice for those who appreciate its timeless qualities.

3. Lomography Photo: Lomography embraces imperfections and quirks, resulting in dreamy, surreal, and captivating images. If you seek creativity over technical perfection, this is an excellent choice.

4. BW Photo: Black and White photography strips away color distractions, allowing you to focus on composition, lighting, and emotion. It’s a powerful medium for conveying mood and narrative.

5. Cyanotype: Cyanotype prints, with their distinctive blue hues, are perfect for artistic and creative endeavors. They’ve found applications in fine art, blueprints, botanical illustration, and textile arts.

6. Anthotype Photo: Anthotypes offer a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative by using natural plant extracts. Their ephemeral quality adds a unique touch to artistic and experimental photography.

Remember, the choice of medium keyword should align with your artistic vision and the story you want to convey through your images. Experimentation can lead to fascinating results, and each medium has its own charm and character.

I encourage you to try different mediums, feel free to explore keywords further using this Image Generator

You can explore more keywords by checking Stable Diffusion prompt generator: https://conceptify.it

If you have suggestion, drop a line at hello@conceptify.it

Happy prompting!

Source

1. https://supagruen.github.io/StableDiffusion-CheatSheet ↩