90+ AI Photography Prompts For You To Modify, Use, Flourish

How this works

Introduction

Welcome to the wild world of AI-generated art, where the only limit is your imagination (and maybe the AI's ability to understand your prompts).

In this article, we'll dive into the wacky and wonderful world of crafting prompts for DallE, the AI artist that's taking the creative world by storm.

Get ready to stretch your mind and let your creativity run amok as we explore how to conjure up everything from surreal landscapes to cyberpunk fashion shoots, all with the power of your words.

So let's take a trip down the rabbit hole of AI-assisted photography!

Generic Prompt For Photography

Here's a generic prompt for creating images in DallE for photography images.

Create a scene inspired by {art style}, incorporating elements such as {key elements}. Capture the scene with {photographic technique} using {camera and settings} to achieve {desired effect}. Use {lighting} to enhance the visual impact. The scene should have a {mood or atmosphere} and include {additional details}.

Important: Once you write this full prompt, ensure that you use ChatGPT to condense it/ make it cryptic, within 400 characters, before you visualize it in DallE. Prompts which are less than 400 characters give the best results.

Variable Options

For each of the variables in brackets, in the formula above, I have suggested 10 options below. These are Indian art and cultural styles but you can vary any of these.

Art Style

• Bommalattam Shadow Theatre
• Madhubani Dreamscape
• Tanjore Infrared Oasis
• Warli Wilderness
• Sculpture Garden Infrascapes
• Kalighat Paintings
• Pattachitra Mural
• Bhil Art
• Chola Bronzes
• Thanjavur Dolls

Cultural References

• Bommalattam shadow puppetry
• Madhubani art from Bihar
• Tanjore art
• Warli tribal art from Maharashtra
• Traditional Indian sculpture
• Kalighat painting traditions of Bengal
• Pattachitra painting of Odisha
• Bhil tribal art of central India
• Chola dynasty bronzes
• Thanjavur doll craftsmanship

Key Elements

• Leather puppet silhouettes
• Vibrant patterns and natural motifs
• Ornate architectural features
• Iconic stick figures and geometric motifs
• Stone and wood sculptures
• Bold, dramatic brushstrokes
• Intricate, narrative scenes
• Stylized animals and folklore characters
• Graceful, flowing forms
• Brightly colored, exaggerated figures

Photographic Technique

• Wide-angle lens
• Wide apertures
• Macro lenses
• Infrared camera
• Low angle
• Fish-eye lens
• Long exposure
• Tilt-shift lens
• Panoramic shot
• Drone photography

Camera and Settings

• Canon EOS R5, f/2.8, ISO 100
• Nikon Z7, f/1.8, ISO 200
• Sony A7R IV, f/4, ISO 400
• Fujifilm X-T4, f/2, ISO 800
• Panasonic Lumix S1R, f/3.5, ISO 1600
• Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III, f/5.6, ISO 3200
• Leica Q2, f/1.7, ISO 50
• Hasselblad X1D II, f/2.8, ISO 100
• Pentax K-1 Mark II, f/4.5, ISO 200
• Sigma fp, f/2.2, ISO 400

Desired Effect

• Vast scale
• Dreamlike depth of field
• Ethereal whites and dramatic burgundy tones
• Blurred boundaries between 2D and 3D
• High-contrast environment
• Bold, high-definition colors
• Rich, textured layers
• Soft, diffused glow
• Sharp, intricate details
• Expansive, sweeping vistas

Lighting

• Colored gels
• Off-camera lighting
• Backlighting
• Sun stars
• Diffused natural light
• Spot lighting
• Ambient light
• Silhouette lighting
• Softbox lighting
• Reflective surfaces

Mood or Atmosphere

• Misty, ethereal landscape
• Surreal, patterned environment
• Otherworldly garden
• Whimsical, trompe l'oeil scene
• Cosmic, surreal atmosphere
• Vibrant, lively festival
• Tranquil, serene oasis
• Mystical, ancient landscape
• Dynamic, energetic space
• Calming, meditative setting
  

Additional Details

• Articulated puppet limbs
• Real foliage and flowers
• Hindu deities and kundan stonework
• Life-sized Warli compositions
• Ancient, alien artifacts
• Traditional attire and ornaments
• Real-life characters and animals
• Mythological narratives
• Cultural symbols and icons
• Detailed craftsmanship

Now let's create some prompts with these variables.

Surreal and Dreamlike Prompts

1. Draw giant leather puppets, Hindu epics, misty landscape. Vibrant shadows, wide-angle, colored gels. --ar 16:9
2. Paint vivid patterns, mythological scenes, real foliage. Models with body art, surreal environment. Madhubani art. Dreamy depth of field.
3. Visualize infrared tropical oasis, ethereal whites, burgundy tones. Ornate features, deities, kundan work. Otherworldly backlighting. --ar 16:9
4. Visualize stick figures, geometrics with twigs, leaves. Life-sized compositions, low angle, blurred reality. --ar 16:9
5. Imagine Indian stone, wood artifacts amid surreal foliage. High-contrast, alien environment. Wide-angle, cosmic atmosphere. --ar 16:9

Miniature and Macro World Prompts

1. Depict undulating skyscrapers, laser-projected mudras, rhythmic light patterns, Carnatic music sync. --ar 16:
2. Envision kinetic cityscape, neon-lit structures, pulsing LED facades, dhol rhythm. --ar 16:9
3. Draw an eco-futuristic city, organic habitats, Warli motifs, biomimetic design.
4. Portray a megacity, animated Chhau mask gateways, dynamic expressions, holographic headdresses.
5. Portray fractal megastructure, intricate Gond patterns, infinite unfolding, animated cosmic motifs. --ar 16:9
6. Show light-refracting towers, Saura deities, transforming avatars. --ar 16:9
7. Draw festival-activated buildings, vibrant colors, aerial light drones. Urban, Architectural, Bihu art. --ar 16:9
8. Depict ancient Indian stepwell, low angle, wide-lens, geometric patterns, kaleidoscopic. --ar 16:9
9. Envision ornate sandstone facades, sunrise/sunset, dust particles, telephoto lens. --ar 16:9
10. Show bustling streets, kaleidoscope lens, fragmented view, psychedelic. --ar 16:9
11. Imagine styled miniatures, low angle, macro lens, focus stacking. --ar 16:9
12. Visualize Ganga Aarti, flickering flames, river reflections, long exposure. --ar 16:9

Landscapes and Nature Prompts

1. Twilight Brahmaputra: Mystical river, vibrant sky reflections, silhouetted boats. Sony A7R IV, 16-35mm f/2.8 @ 20mm, f/11, 20s, ISO 100, ND filter. --ar 16:9
2. Thar infrared alien: Ethereal dunes, vegetation, forts. Nikon D850 (converted), 24-120mm f/4 @ 35mm, f/8, 1/250s, ISO 100, 720nm filter. --ar 16:9
3. Misty Araku layers: Undulating hills, terraced valleys, coffee greens vs. blue mountains. Fujifilm GFX 100S, 32-64mm f/4 @ 45mm, f/11, 1/60s, ISO 200, GND filter. --ar 16:9
4. Sundarbans aerial maze: Root-lined waterways, mudflat patterns. DJI Mavic 3 @ 24mm, f/2.8, 1/500s, ISO 100. --ar 16:9
5. Zanskar ice waves: Sculpted frozen river, Himalayan backdrop. Canon EOS R5, 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 135mm, f/16, 1/125s, ISO 100, polarizer. --ar 16:9

Creative Portraits and Fashion Prompts

1. Prismatic self: Multi-exposure, monochrome palette grid. 50mm, f/5.6, 1/125s, ISO 400. --ar 16:9
2. Elemental quartet: Earth, air, fire, water embodied. Avant-garde natural costumes. 85mm, f/2.8, 1/200s, ISO 200. --ar 16:9
3. Clockwork monarch: Steampunk regalia, gears & brass. 105mm, f/4, 1/160s, ISO 100. Rembrandt lighting. --ar 16:9
4. Submerged catwalk: Avant-garde underwater fashion, coral backdrop. 24-90mm, 1/250s, f/4, ISO 400, strobes. --ar 16:9
5. Freefall fashion: Aerodynamic gown, clouds & sky. GoPro, wide-angle, 1/1000s, f/2.8, ISO 100. POV helmet mount. --ar 16:9
6. Modern Mona: Renaissance reimagined, golden hour. Medium format, 110mm, 1/125s, f/4, ISO 400. --ar 16:9
7. Alice's wardrobe: Model dwarfed by giant objects. 16-35mm, 1/200s, f/11, ISO 100. Forced perspective. --ar 16:9
8. Upcycled elegance: Recycled material fashion, industrial loft. 50mm, 1/160s, f/2.8, ISO 800. --ar 16:9

Abstract and Experimental Prompts

1. Kathak Rapture: Freeze a Kathak dancer's intricate footwork and spins. Use Nikon D850, 70-200mm f/2.8 at 200mm, f/4, 1/1000s, ISO 1600. Isolate dancer against black backdrop, --ar 16:9.
2. Garba Glow: Capture Garba's vibrant energy. Fujifilm X-T4, 16-55mm f/2.8 at 16mm, f/4, 1/60s, ISO 3200. Dancers in ghagra cholis under twinkling lights, --ar 16:9.
3. Bihu Frenzy: Photograph Bihu festival's vibrant celebrations. Nikon D850, 14-24mm f/2.8 at 20mm, f/11, 1/250s, ISO 400. Dancers in traditional attire amid colorful powder, --ar 16:9.
4. Chhau Choreography: Frame Chhau dancers' dramatic, mask-driven movements. Hasselblad X1D II, 80mm f/1.9 at f/4, 1/500s, ISO 400. Bold colors and patterns backdrop, --ar 16:9.
5. Warli Wonderland: Recreate Warli art with human models in white body paint. Canon EOS R5, 50mm f/1.2 at f/2, 1/200s, ISO 400. Earthy, minimalist backdrop, --ar 16:9.
6. Gond Dreamscapes: Bring Gond art's flora and fauna to life with double exposures and light painting. Nikon Z7 II, 24-70mm f/4 at f/8, 30s, ISO 400, --ar 16:9.
7. Saura Celestials: Depict Saura deities with UV-reactive body art under ultraviolet light. Nikon D850, 105mm f/2.8 macro at f/8, 1/200s, ISO 400, --ar 16:9.
8. Odissi Awakening: Capture an Odissi dancer in tribhanga pose. Sony A7R IV, 85mm f/1.4 at f/2, 1/200s, ISO 400. Warm side lighting, --ar 16:9.
9. Bharatanatyam Blossoms: Create an impressionistic portrait of a Bharatanatyam dancer with swirling powder. Canon EOS R5, 24-70mm f/2.8 at 50mm, f/8, 1/200s, ISO 400. Use fans for powder effect, --ar 16:9.
10. Bollywood Dance: Capture the vibrant energy of Bollywood dance. Use vivid colors and dynamic movements. Camera settings: 35mm, f/2.8, 1/250s, ISO 800, --ar 2:3.

Vintage and Retro Prompts

1. Kathakali Shadows: Silhouette Kathakali dancers against vibrant backdrop. Side-lit for striking profiles. Sony A7R IV, 135mm f/1.8, f/2.8, 1/250s, ISO 800. Shallow DoF. --ar 16:9
2. Rajasthani Hues: Model in traditional Rajasthani attire amid swirling pigments. Capture ornate details. Fuji GFX 100S, 110mm f/2, f/4, 1/160s, ISO 400. Fan for movement. --ar 16:9
3. Henna Flow: Long exposure of henna artist creating mandala. Nikon Z9, 24-70mm f/2.8 at 35mm, f/11, 30s, ISO 64. Tripod-mounted. --ar 16:9
4. Mughal Microcosms: Composite macro shots of Indian elements into surreal landscapes. Canon R5, 100mm f/2.8 macro, f/8, 1/200s, ISO 400. Focus stack. --ar 16:9
5. Banaras Twilight: Varanasi ghats at dusk. Frame steps, rituals, reflections. Fuji X-T4, 16-55mm f/2.8 at 16mm, f/11, 1.6s, ISO 200. ND filter. --ar 16:9
   

Sports and Action Prompts

1. Kabaddi Dynamite: Fisheye lens captures Kabaddi's raw energy. Nikon D780, 10-20mm at 135mm, f/8, ISO 400, 1/4000s. Freeze kinetic action, distort perspective.
2. Kalaripayattu Warrior: Young student in fierce pose, ancient martial art aura. Canon EOS R3, 14-35mm at 35mm, f/8, ISO 100. Kodachrome-like colors.
3. Kushti Mystic: Muscular wrestler in red langot, power radiating. Fujifilm X-Pro2, 18-135mm at 135mm, f/8, ISO 100. Velvia-inspired mystique.
4. Holi Riot: Revelers showered in vibrant powders. Nikon D780, 10-20mm at 20mm, f/8, ISO 100. Kodak-like color science.
5. Tandav Trance: Avant-garde dancer, fluorescent body art. Sony Alpha 7IV, 90mm, f/8, ISO 100. Surreal Velvia-inspired visuals.

Post-Apocalyptic and Dystopian Prompts

1. Mehrangarh Silhouettes: Capture Mehrangarh Fort against twilight sky. Position at Jaswant Thada during blue hour. Sony A7R IV, 70-200mm f/2.8 at 135mm, f/11, 2s, ISO 100. Use ND filter, --ar 16:9.
2. Jantar Mantar Alignment: During equinox, align camera with Jantar Mantar sundials. Capture shadow alignment. Fujifilm X-T4, 16-55mm f/2.8 at 16mm, f/11, 1/250s, ISO 200, --ar 16:9.
3. Golconda Reflections: Frame Golconda Fort's reflection in moat. Canon EOS R5, 24-70mm f/2.8 at 35mm, f/16, 1/15s, ISO 100. Use tripod and polarizing filter, --ar 16:9.
4. Charminar Chaos: Capture Laad Bazaar's vibrant chaos around Charminar. Nikon Z9, 14-24mm f/2.8 at 14mm, f/8, 1/250s, ISO 640. Kaleidoscopic lens effect, --ar 16:9.
5. Gwalior Light Trails: Create light trails at Gwalior Fort at night. Sony A7R III, 16-35mm f/2.8 at 16mm, f/11, 30s, ISO 100. Use tripod, --ar 16:9.

Surreal Architecture Prompts

1. Eiffel harp: Night. Golden strings. Tiny player. Medium format, 23mm, f/16, 8s, ISO 100. Ethereal dream. --ar 16:9
2. Baroque whispers: Stone cherubs, flora swirl. 105mm macro, f/4, 1/160s, ISO 200. Focus stack. --ar 16:9
3. Rajasthan's starry depths: Ancient steps, cosmic canvas. Sony A7S III, 16-35mm at 16mm, f/2.8, 25s, ISO 6400. Mirror lock, noise reduction, stack. --ar 16:9
4. Holi's chromatic mist: Mathura's joy. Fuji X-T4, 16-80mm at 35mm, f/11, 1/500s, ISO 400. Freeze haze. --ar 16:9
5. Delhi's forgotten chambers: Self in shadows. Off-camera light. Nikon Z7 II, 24-70mm at 35mm, f/5.6, 1/200s, ISO 1600. Moody drama. --ar 16:9

Food and Beverage Prompts

1. Cosmic elixir: Galactic swirls, glitter stars, planet ice. Dim bar, twinkling lights. Sony A7R IV, 90mm macro, f/4, 1/100s, ISO 1600. --ar 16:9
2. Sushi levitation: Deconstructed elements float. Japanese ink backdrop. Canon R5, 16-35mm, f/8, 1/200s, ISO 400. Fishing wire magic. --ar 16:9
3. Fae forest feast: Stump platters, mushroom sweets, fairy dust. Misty woods, dappled light. Nikon Z7 II, 50mm, f/2.8, 1/160s, ISO 800. Shallow DoF. --ar 16:9
4. Neon street eats: Asian market chaos, steam, glow. Fuji X-T4, 23mm, 1/15s, f/2.8, ISO 3200. Gritty immersion. --ar 16:9
5. Space gastronomy: Floating spheres, gels, foams. Stark clinic light. Hasselblad X1D II, 120mm macro, f/11, 1/60s, ISO 100. Texture focus. --ar 16:9

Automotive Prompts

1. Steampunk Rally: Steam-powered vehicles race in a post-apocalyptic landscape. Rusted metal, gears, smoke, orange sky. Sony A9 II, 24-70mm, 1/1000s, f/4, ISO 400. Panning for speed. --ar 16:9
2. Bioluminescent Drift: Electric car drifts in glowing forest. Canon R5, 50mm, 1/60s, f/1.8, ISO 6400. Light trails, ethereal feel. --ar 16:9
3. Microcosmic Joyride: Mini car in surreal landscape of giant flora. Nikon Z7 II, 105mm macro, 1/200s, f/11, ISO 200. Focus stack. --ar 16:9
4. Lunar Luxury: Art deco limo on the moon, chrome reflecting Earth. Hasselblad X1D II, 45mm, 1/125s, f/8, ISO 100. Polarizing filter. --ar 16:9
5. Underwater Elegance: 1950s convertible underwater, seagrass, fish. Olympus OM-D E-M1X, 8mm fisheye, 1/250s, f/4, ISO 400. Strobes. --ar 16:9

Travel and Destination Prompts

1. Kashmir Palaces: Shikaras on Dal Lake, Himalayan backdrop, sunset hues. Nikon Z7 II, 24-70mm, f/8, 1/200s, ISO 100. Polarizing filter. --ar 16:9
2. Madurai Ceiling: Meenakshi Temple's colorful mandalas. Sony A7R IV, 12-24mm, f/5.6, 1/60s, ISO 1600. Tripod, soft light. --ar 16:9
3. Kovalam Fest: Fishing festival chaos, decorated boats, palm backdrop. Olympus OM-D E-M1 III, 40-150mm, f/4, 1/1000s, ISO 200. Continuous AF. --ar 16:9
4. Varanasi Ghats: Dawn rituals at Ganges, golden glow. Canon EOS R5, 70-200mm, f/2.8, 1/500s, ISO 400. Tripod. --ar 16:9
5. Jaisalmer Mirage: Fort in Thar Desert, sunset hues. Fujifilm GFX 100, 32-64mm, f/11, 1/200s, ISO 100. ND filter. --ar 16:9

Pets and Animal Prompts

1. Puppy Eden: Giant flora, pups explore. Wide-angle (16-35mm), f/11, 1/200s, ISO 400. Scale contrast, all in focus. --ar 16:9
2. Night Pride Hunt: Lions, camera trap, off-camera flash. Telephoto (400mm), f/4, 1/1000s, ISO 1600. Isolate action. --ar 16:9
3. Paradise Birds Duel: New Guinea mist, courtship display. High-speed, telephoto (600mm), f/4, 1/2000s, ISO 800. Remote flash for depth. --ar 16:9
4. Pachyderm Aquaballet: Underwater drone, wide-angle (8-15mm fisheye), f/2.8, 1/250s, ISO 400. Split-level surrealism. --ar 16:9
5. Hummer Prism: Multi-cam array, high-speed sync. Macro (100mm), f/11, 1/8000s, ISO 200. Composite kaleidoscope. --ar 16:9

Health and Wellness Prompts

1. Ayurvedic Alchemy: Still life of copper vessels, herbs, spices on vibrant textile. Nikon Z7 II, 50mm, f/8, 1/100s, ISO 200. Natural window light. --ar 16:9
2. Yoga in Ruins: Yogi in asana amid Hampi ruins. Dawn shot. Sony A7R IV, 16-35mm, f/11, 1/200s, ISO 400. Polarizing filter. --ar 16:9
3. Spice Market Meditation: Elderly woman meditating in spice market chaos. Canon EOS R5, 85mm, f/1.4, 1/1000s, ISO 800. Shallow DoF. --ar 16:9
4. Kolam Mandala: Aerial view of woman creating kolam with organic powders. DJI Mavic 2 Pro, 28mm, f/2.8, 1/200s, ISO 100. --ar 16:9
5. Himalayan Herb Harvest: Healer gathering herbs at dawn in misty mountains. Fujifilm GFX 100, 110mm, f/4, 1/125s, ISO 800. Shallow DoF. --ar 16:9

Technology and Gadgets Prompts

1. Cosmic Rangoli Tech: Circuit boards, microchips, colorful wires in rangoli. LED lights flicker. Sony A7R IV, 24mm tilt-shift, f/11, 8s, ISO 100. Infinite depth. --ar 16:9
2. Desi Drone Racers: Drone racing in Old Delhi streets. Custom drones with truck art. DJI Air 2S, 1-inch sensor, f/2.8, 1/1000s, ISO 100. Immersive FPV. --ar 16:9
3. Hacker Haven: Hackers in chai-scented cafe, neon lights, holograms. Fujifilm X-T4, 16-55mm, f/2.8, 1/60s, ISO 3200. Cyberpunk vibe. --ar 16:9
4. Mughal Mechatronics: Robotic guard in Mughal palace courtyard. Hasselblad X1D II, 80mm, f/5.6, 1/125s, ISO 400. Detailed fusion. --ar 16:9
5. Bioluminescent Bollywood: Dancers in glowing costumes on moonlit beach. Canon EOS R5, 24-70mm, f/2.8, 20s, ISO 1600. Surreal light trails. --ar 16:9

Seasonal and Holiday Themes Prompts

1. Theyyam Transcendence: Performer in trance, ornate costume blurs into colors. Sony A7R IV, 24-70mm, 1/15s, f/5.6, ISO 6400. Panning for motion. --ar 16:9
2. Diwali Diya Dreamscape: Rangoli with diyas, woman in saree. Fujifilm GFX 100S, 32-64mm, 1/60s, f/8, ISO 800. Shallow DoF. --ar 16:9
3. Onam Pookalam Cosmos: Pookalam with cosmic backdrop, flower elephants. Nikon Z9, 14-24mm, 20s, f/11, ISO 400. Multi-exposure blend. --ar 16:9
4. Navroze Equinox: Haft-Seen table at equinox sunrise. Canon EOS R5, 100-500mm, 1/1000s, f/8, ISO 100. ND filter. --ar 16:9
5. Christmas Nativity Rebirth: Nativity with phoenix Jesus, wise men in Indian attire. Hasselblad X2D 100C, 80mm, 4s, f/5.6, ISO 3200. Off-camera flashes. --ar 16:9

Conclusion

As we've seen, the possibilities for creating stunning, imaginative photographs are endless.

I have used a lot of Indian motifs: art, architecture, places.

By harnessing the power of carefully crafted prompts and pushing the boundaries of what's possible, you can become the master of your own AI-generated artistic universe.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, experimenting AI photography is a fantastic way to unleash your creativity and explore new frontiers in photography. Modify these prompts as you wish.

So go forth, and let your wildest visual dreams become a reality. Just remember, with great AI power comes great artistic responsibility – use it wisely, and never stop pushing the limits of your imagination!

Next Steps

1. To help you find your way around Phewture, I have put together a set of AI Recipes under Wayfinding. Do go through these and you'll navigate like a pro through this stream of consciousness. 😄
   
2. If you're looking for MidJourney Photo Prompts, I have article on that.
   
3. The Learning Methods are exercises that I'd recommend if you wish to wrap your head around the possibilities of using AI Recipes at work, or for play.
   
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