AI Prompt Engineering: 15 Tips for Better Image Generation

Why Prompts Matter

The difference between a mediocre AI image and a stunning one often comes down to the prompt. Same model, same settings—different prompts produce wildly different results.

This guide covers 15 proven techniques for writing better prompts with models like Nano Banana Pro.

The Prompt Formula

Before diving into tips, here's a reliable formula:

[Subject] + [Details] + [Setting] + [Style] + [Lighting] + [Quality]

Example:

A majestic lion (subject) with a flowing golden mane (details) standing on a rocky cliff (setting) in oil painting style (style) with dramatic sunset lighting (lighting), highly detailed, 4K (quality)

Now let's break down each component.

Tip 1: Be Specific About Your Subject

Bad: A woman
Good: A young woman in her 20s with curly red hair and freckles

The more specific you are, the more control you have over the output.

Subject Details to Include:

• Age and appearance
• Clothing and accessories
• Expression and pose
• Distinguishing features

Tip 2: Describe the Action or Pose

Static subjects are boring. Add movement or intention.

Static: A cat
Dynamic: A cat mid-leap, reaching for a butterfly, muscles tensed

Action Words That Work:

• Running, jumping, dancing
• Looking, gazing, staring
• Holding, reaching, pointing
• Sitting, standing, lying

Tip 3: Set the Scene

Context transforms images. Where is your subject?

No context: A coffee cup
With context: A steaming coffee cup on a rustic wooden table by a rain-streaked window, cozy café interior

Scene Elements:

• Location (indoor/outdoor)
• Time of day
• Weather conditions
• Background elements

Tip 4: Specify Art Style

AI models can mimic countless styles. Be explicit about what you want.

Popular Style Keywords:

Tip 5: Control Lighting

Lighting sets the mood more than almost any other element.

Lighting Keywords:

• Warm: golden hour, sunset, candlelight, warm tones
• Cool: blue hour, moonlight, overcast, cool tones
• Dramatic: rim lighting, chiaroscuro, high contrast
• Soft: diffused light, overcast, soft shadows
• Studio: professional lighting, three-point lighting

Tip 6: Add Quality Modifiers

These tell the AI you want high-quality output.

Effective Quality Keywords:

• highly detailed
• 4K, 8K resolution
• sharp focus
• professional photography
• masterpiece
• award-winning

Use 2-3 quality modifiers, not more. Too many can confuse the model.

Tip 7: Use Negative Prompts Wisely

Many generators support negative prompts—things you don't want.

Common Negative Prompts:

• blurry, out of focus
• low quality, pixelated
• distorted, deformed
• watermark, signature
• extra limbs, extra fingers

Check if your chosen service supports negative prompts. Nano Banana handles these well.

Tip 8: Specify Camera Angle

Camera perspective dramatically changes the feel.

Angle Keywords:

• Close-up: portrait, headshot, macro
• Medium: half-body, waist-up
• Wide: full body, wide angle, establishing shot
• Aerial: bird's eye view, drone shot, top-down
• Low: worm's eye view, looking up, heroic angle

Tip 9: Include Composition Terms

Photography and art composition terms work well.

Composition Keywords:

• rule of thirds
• centered composition
• symmetrical
• leading lines
• depth of field
• bokeh background

Tip 10: Reference Specific Artists or Photographers

AI models understand artistic references.

Example:

Portrait in the style of Annie Leibovitz, dramatic lighting, editorial photography

Note: Use this ethically. Reference styles, not to copy specific works.

Tip 11: Describe Textures and Materials

Textures add realism and interest.

Texture Keywords:

• smooth, rough, bumpy
• metallic, glossy, matte
• fabric: silk, velvet, leather, denim
• natural: wood grain, stone, grass
• wet, dry, dusty

Tip 12: Set the Mood

Emotional keywords guide the overall feel.

Mood Keywords:

• Positive: joyful, peaceful, hopeful, whimsical
• Intense: dramatic, powerful, epic, mysterious
• Calm: serene, tranquil, meditative, soft
• Dark: moody, ominous, melancholic, noir

Tip 13: Use Color Palettes

Specify colors for cohesive results.

Example:

A forest scene with a color palette of deep greens, golden yellows, and soft browns, autumn atmosphere

Color Keywords:

• warm colors, cool colors
• pastel, vibrant, muted
• monochromatic, complementary
• specific colors: crimson, teal, amber

Tip 14: Iterate and Refine

Your first prompt rarely produces the perfect image.

Iteration Process:

1. Start with a basic prompt
2. Generate and analyze the result
3. Identify what's missing or wrong
4. Add or modify specific keywords
5. Regenerate and compare

With savvymake's pay-as-you-go pricing, iteration is affordable.

Tip 15: Save Your Best Prompts

Build a personal prompt library.

Organize By:

• Subject type (portraits, landscapes, products)
• Style (realistic, artistic, anime)
• Use case (social media, marketing, personal)

Reuse and adapt successful prompts for consistent results.

Prompt Examples by Use Case

Product Photography

Professional product photo of a luxury watch on a marble surface, 
soft studio lighting, clean white background, commercial photography, 
sharp focus, 4K, advertising quality

Social Media Content

Aesthetic flat lay of coffee and notebook on a cozy bed, 
morning light through sheer curtains, warm tones, 
Instagram style, lifestyle photography

Marketing Banner

Abstract geometric background with flowing gradients in blue and purple, 
modern corporate style, clean and professional, 
suitable for text overlay, 16:9 aspect ratio

Character Art

Fantasy warrior princess with silver armor and flowing cape, 
standing on a cliff overlooking a mystical valley, 
epic fantasy art style, dramatic lighting, highly detailed

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Prompt Too Short

"A dog" gives the AI too much freedom. Be specific.

2. Prompt Too Long

Extremely long prompts can confuse the model. Aim for 50-150 words.

3. Contradictory Instructions

"Bright sunny day with dark moody atmosphere" confuses the AI.

4. Too Many Subjects

Focus on one main subject. Multiple subjects compete for attention.

5. Ignoring Aspect Ratio

Match your prompt to your chosen aspect ratio. A landscape prompt works better in 16:9.

Testing Your Prompts

Before committing to high-resolution generations:

1. Test at low resolution using savvymake's affordable rates
2. Compare variations with slight prompt changes
3. Identify winning elements from successful generations
4. Combine best elements into your final prompt
5. Generate final version at desired quality

Conclusion

Great prompts are a skill you develop over time. Start with the formula, apply these 15 tips, and iterate based on results.

The best way to learn is practice. With savvymake's cost-effective pricing, you can experiment without breaking the bank.

Key takeaways:

• Be specific about subject, style, and lighting
• Use quality modifiers strategically
• Iterate and refine your prompts
• Save successful prompts for reuse

Ready to practice? Start generating with Nano Banana Pro →