Photo transformation using artificial intelligence has become one of the most popular trends in recent weeks. ChatGPT with the GPT-4o model offers impressive capabilities for transforming ordinary photographs into artistic images inspired by various styles. However, to obtain truly exceptional and satisfying results, it’s crucial to skillfully formulate prompts – the instructions we provide to AI. In this guide, you’ll learn techniques for creating effective prompts that will help you achieve exactly the effects you’re looking for.
Anatomy of an Effective Prompt
A good prompt is more than just a simple command “change this photo to style X.” It’s a precise instruction that contains several key elements:
1. Basic Transformation Instruction
Start by clearly stating what you expect:
- “Transform this photo into…”
- “Convert this photograph to…”
- “Process this image in the style of…”
2. Specifying a Particular Style
Indicate exactly what style you want to achieve:
- Instead of the general “anime style,” write “anime style in the Studio Bones convention with bold outlines and vivid colors”
- Instead of “painting,” specify “oil painting in the style of 17th-century Dutch masters”
3. Characteristic Elements of the Style
List specific visual characteristics of the chosen style:
- “…with thick brush strokes and vibrant colors”
- “…with characteristic cel-shading and simplified backgrounds”
- “…with intense contrast of light and shadow and deep perspective”
4. References to Specific Artists or Works
Provide names of artists or titles of works that well illustrate the desired style:
- “…as in the works of Makoto Shinkai, particularly from the film ‘Suzume'”
- “…inspired by Edward Hopper’s paintings, with his characteristic use of light”
- “…in the style of Moebius’ comic book covers from the 80s”
5. Mood and Atmosphere
Specify the desired mood or atmosphere:
- “…creating a calm, melancholic atmosphere”
- “…with an energetic, dynamic character”
- “…maintained in a warm, nostalgic golden hour aesthetic”
6. Technical Modifications
You can also ask for specific technical modifications:
- “…increasing color saturation by 20%”
- “…preserving clear facial features of the person in the photo”
- “…adding a depth of field effect with blurred background”
Examples of Comprehensive Prompts
Here are a few examples of well-constructed prompts that combine all the above elements:
Example 1: Portrait Transformation into Anime Style
Transform this portrait into an anime style inspired by Kyoto Animation studio, with soft, rounded lines and delicate, pastel colors. Maintain the resemblance to the person in the photo, but add typical anime large, expressive eyes and stylized hair. Create a warm, friendly atmosphere with gentle, soft lighting, similar to that from the anime "Violet Evergarden." Add subtle light effects in the background, but maintain the main focus on the character's face.
Example 2: Landscape Transformation into Impressionist Painting Style
Convert this landscape photograph into a painting in impressionist style, inspired by Claude Monet's works from his "Water Lilies" series. Use visible, textured brush strokes and diffused, vibrant colors that capture the play of light. Emphasize reflections in the water and the dynamics of the sky. Create a calm, dreamy atmosphere through the use of a cool, but bright color palette. Slightly increase the contrast between areas of light and shadow to achieve a deeper visual effect.
Example 3: Urban Photo Transformation into Cyberpunk Style
Process this urban photo into a futuristic scene in cyberpunk style, inspired by the aesthetics of the film "Blade Runner 2049" and the game "Cyberpunk 2077." Add neon lights in fuchsia and turquoise, holographic advertisements on buildings, and flying vehicles in the sky. Apply a cold, blue-purple color scheme with contrasting warm accents. Increase contrast and add a rain effect with reflections of lights on wet surfaces. Preserve the general layout of streets and buildings, but modernize them with futuristic architectural elements.
Techniques for Combining and Mixing Styles
One of the most creative techniques is combining different styles for unique effects. Here’s how to do it:
1. Combining Two Visual Styles
You can ask for a combination of two different aesthetics:
Transform this photo by combining the style of Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints with elements of contemporary pop art. Maintain the flat colors and bold outlines characteristic of ukiyo-e, but add bright, neon accents and repeating patterns typical of pop art.
2. Mixing Eras and Techniques
You can also experiment with combining different artistic periods and techniques:
Convert this photograph into a work combining Renaissance composition and lighting with the technique and color palette of expressionism. Apply classical composition with a central figure, but use distorted proportions and intense, emotional colors.
3. Media Fusion
Interesting effects can be achieved by asking for a combination of different media:
Process this photo in a style combining watercolor with elements of collage and digital graphics. The background should have a watercolor character with fluid color transitions, the main elements should be distinct as in digital graphics, and some details added as cutouts in collage style.
Dictionary of Key Terms for Creating Precise Prompts
Knowledge of appropriate terminology significantly facilitates the formulation of effective prompts. Here are some useful terms:
Artistic Terminology:
- Color palette – a set of colors used in an image
- Example in prompt: “…with a warm color palette dominated by shades of orange and brown”
- Composition – arrangement of elements in an image
- Example in prompt: “…with a dynamic, diagonal composition emphasizing movement”
- Perspective – the way of representing three-dimensional space on a flat surface
- Example in prompt: “…with exaggerated perspective from a low angle to emphasize the monumentality of the building”
- Texture – the tactile impression of the image surface
- Example in prompt: “…with a distinct texture resembling thickly applied oil paint”
- Chiaroscuro – the treatment of light and shadow
- Example in prompt: “…with dramatic chiaroscuro, with deep shadows”
Technical Terminology:
- Saturation – intensity of colors
- Example in prompt: “…with increased color saturation for a vivid, surrealistic effect”
- Contrast – the difference between light and dark areas
- Example in prompt: “…with high contrast emphasizing textures and details”
- Depth of field – the range of distance in which objects appear sharp
- Example in prompt: “…with shallow depth of field to isolate the main subject from the blurred background”
- Exposure – the amount of light in the image
- Example in prompt: “…with slight overexposure for a dreamy, ethereal effect”
- Grain – visible grain or noise in the image
- Example in prompt: “…with subtle grain typical of analog film photography from the 70s”
Strategies for Iterative Prompt Refinement
Rarely does the first prompt give an ideal result. An effective strategy is iterative refinement:
1. Start with a Simple Prompt
The first prompt can be relatively simple:
Transform this photo into watercolor style.
2. Evaluate the Result and Identify Areas for Improvement
After receiving the first result, consider:
- What worked well?
- What needs improvement?
- What elements are missing?
3. Refine the Prompt by Adding Details
Add more details based on the first result:
Transform this photo into watercolor style, using more subdued, earthy colors. Add more distinct outlines to preserve facial details. Achieve an effect of slight paint diffusion at the edges.
4. Continue the Iteration Process
You can refine the prompt multiple times until you achieve a satisfactory result:
Transform this photo into watercolor style in the wet-on-wet technique, typical of William Turner's works. Use a delicate palette in shades of sepia and blue, with subtle transitions between colors. Preserve the distinct facial features of the main subject, but allow the background to gently diffuse. Add the effect of hand-drawn ink outlines in key places, as in Japanese watercolors. Create a nostalgic, reflective atmosphere by adding warm, golden light falling from the left side.
Common Mistakes in Creating Prompts and How to Avoid Them
1. Instructions That Are Too General
Mistake: “Change to anime style” Improvement: “Change to 90s anime style, inspired by Studio Gainax works, with bold outlines and dynamic composition”
2. Contradictory Elements
Mistake: “Make a photo in minimalist style with many details and rich textures” Improvement: Choose one approach: “Make a photo in minimalist style with a limited color palette and large areas of solid color” OR “Make a photo with rich textures and details, showcasing fine elements”
3. Ignoring the Context of the Original Photo
Mistake: Asking for a style completely inappropriate for the given type of photo Improvement: Adapt the style to the photo content, e.g., “Transform this family portrait into a warm, full of life style of Norman Rockwell illustrations, emphasizing bonds and interactions between characters”
4. Information Overload
Mistake: A prompt containing too many contradictory or redundant pieces of information Improvement: Focus on 3-5 most important aspects of the style you want to achieve
5. Overly Technical Language
Mistake: Using very specialized terms that AI might not understand in a visual context Improvement: Use commonly known artistic terms or explain precisely what effect you’re aiming for
Summary
Creating effective prompts for photo transformations is a skill that can be developed through practice. The key elements are:
- Precision – clearly specify what you expect
- Detail – add specific style elements
- References – cite known artists or works
- Iteration – refine prompts based on the results you receive
- Experimentation – don’t be afraid to combine different styles and techniques
Over time, you’ll develop your own “language” for communicating with AI that will allow you to achieve better and more unique results. Remember that the best effects come with experience – each prompt is another lesson in communicating with artificial intelligence.
Using the techniques and tips presented in this article, you’ll be able to create prompts that transform your ordinary photos into true works of art, exactly matching your artistic vision.