ChatGPT Prompt for Image Generation
Generate an image of [subject, described specifically -- physical details, not just a category], in [style, named precisely -- e.g. "photorealistic," "flat vector illustration," "watercolor painting"], set in [setting, with concrete detail on location and time of day], with [lighting, described directionally, e.g. "soft light from a window on the left"]. Framing: [shot type, e.g. "close-up," "wide shot"]. Aspect ratio: [e.g. "square" or "widescreen"].
Generating a brand-new image with ChatGPT — rather than editing an existing photo — works best when you name the subject, style, and setting together, since leaving any of the three vague produces a generic, catalog-style result.
What this produces
A newly generated image matching the subject, style, and setting you specify — created from scratch rather than derived from an uploaded photo.
Variations
Two ready-to-copy versions for different needs.
Generate an illustration of [subject, described with specific visual detail], in [art style, e.g. “digital painting with visible brushwork” or “flat vector illustration with clean geometric shapes”], set in [setting, described concretely], with [mood or lighting, e.g. “warm late-afternoon light” or “cool blue moonlit tones”]. Include [any specific compositional elements you want, e.g. “a strong diagonal line leading the eye toward the subject”].
Generate a photorealistic image of [subject or scene, described with real specificity], [setting, with concrete location and time-of-day detail], with [lighting, described directionally and by quality — e.g. “hard midday sun creating strong shadows” or “diffused overcast light with minimal shadow”], shot as a [framing, e.g. “wide establishing shot” or “tight close-up”]. Include realistic environmental detail (texture, reflections, atmospheric perspective) appropriate to the setting.
Related: try ChatGPT Prompt for Realistic Photos or ChatGPT Trait Prompt for Photo Editing for a different angle on this.
FAQ
Can I use this to edit an existing photo instead?
This prompt is built for generating new images from scratch — for editing an existing photo, use the dedicated ChatGPT Prompt for Photo Editing page instead.
How many images does ChatGPT generate per request?
Typically one image per request — ask for a few variations if you want options to compare.
Can I request a specific aspect ratio?
Yes — mention the aspect ratio (square, portrait, widescreen) explicitly in your prompt.
