A model-agnostic vocabulary for describing images to AI. Mix these keywords to control composition, mood, and style in Midjourney, DALL-E, or any generator.
Close-up / extreme close-upTight on the subject or a single detail.Wide / establishing shotShow the full scene and environment.Rule of thirdsPlace the subject off-center for a balanced composition.Symmetrical / centeredFormal, balanced framing with the subject dead-center.Low / high angleCamera below (powerful) or above (vulnerable) the subject.Birds-eye / top-downLooking straight down; great for flat-lays and maps.Negative spaceEmpty area around the subject for a minimal, airy look.Golden hourWarm, soft light just after sunrise or before sunset.Blue hourCool, moody twilight just before sunrise or after sunset.Rim / backlightLight behind the subject creating a glowing outline.Softbox / diffusedEven, shadowless studio light; flattering for portraits.Hard / dramaticStrong directional light with deep, defined shadows.Volumetric / god raysVisible beams of light through fog or dust.Neon / cinematicStylized colored lighting for mood and atmosphere.35mm / 50mm / 85mmWide-ish, natural, and portrait focal lengths respectively.MacroExtreme magnification of tiny subjects.Fisheye / wide-angleExaggerated, curved, expansive field of view.TelephotoCompressed perspective; isolates distant subjects.Bokeh / shallow depth of fieldBlurred background with the subject in sharp focus.Tilt-shiftSelective focus that makes scenes look miniature.PhotorealisticLooks like a real photograph; pair with camera/lens terms.CinematicFilm-still look: color grading, dramatic framing, aspect ratio.Oil painting / watercolorTraditional art mediums with visible texture.3D render / octaneClean CGI look; name the renderer for consistency.Flat / vector / isometricGraphic, illustrative styles for icons and infographics.Anime / studio styleReference a recognizable animation or illustration style.Concept art / matte paintingDetailed, atmospheric environment illustration.Highly detailedPushes the model toward intricate textures and fine detail.8K / ultra HDSignals high resolution and crispness.Sharp focusKeeps the subject crisp and well-defined.Color paletteName colors or moods: "muted earth tones," "vibrant pastels."Texture words"Glossy," "matte," "rough," "metallic" steer surface look.Want ready-to-use prompts to go with this cheatsheet?
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