How to write AI image prompts that look real

Most AI images look fake for the same reasons: perfect skin, glowing light, and nothing ordinary in the frame.

The structure

1. Subject — who or what, doing what.
2. Setting — a specific place.
3. Light — time of day and source: window light, overcast, street lamps.
4. Camera — lens and angle: 35mm, eye level, shallow depth of field.
5. Imperfections — a crease, a stray hair, everyday clutter.

Avoid these words

"Ultra detailed", "8K", "masterpiece", "hyperrealistic". They push models toward the shiny AI look.

Example

Candid photo of a woman reading at a café window on a rainy afternoon, soft grey daylight, 35mm lens, slight film grain, cup half finished, natural skin texture.

Iterate

Change one thing at a time. If the light is wrong, only change the light.