PromptCraft Guide

Image Generation Prompts: From Beginner to Pro

A practical guide with examples, reusable prompts, and workflow notes for image, midjourney, dall-e.

imagemidjourneydall-e

The Difference Between Text and Image Prompts

Unlike text AI, image generators need visual descriptions, not conceptual instructions. You're directing a visual artist, not a writer.

Key Elements of Good Image Prompts

  1. Subject: What's the main focus?
  2. Style: Photorealistic, illustration, painting, etc.
  3. Lighting: Natural, studio, dramatic, golden hour
  4. Composition: Close-up, wide angle, rule of thirds
  5. Mood: Serene, dramatic, energetic, mysterious
  6. Technical: Camera type, lens, film stock (for photography)

Platform Differences

Midjourney

  • Best for: Artistic, creative imagery
  • Syntax: --ar 16:9 --v 6 --s 750
  • Strengths: Style, mood, artistic quality

DALL-E 3

  • Best for: Following detailed instructions
  • Strengths: Text rendering, specific compositions

Stable Diffusion

  • Best for: Control and customization
  • Uses: Positive + negative prompts, weighting

Pro Tips

  • Describe what you want to SEE, not what it means
  • Use comma-separated descriptors
  • Reference specific artists or styles
  • Specify camera angle and lens type for photography

Browse

Explore our Midjourney prompts and collections.