| name | image-generation |
| description | Enhances image generation prompts with Subject-Context-Style structure, style anchors, character consistency, mcp-image workflows. Not for video generation, TTS, FFmpeg, audio, or design-to-code. |
Image Generation Prompt Best Practices
Prompt Structure
Enhance every image generation prompt around three core elements:
1. SUBJECT (What)
The main focus of the image.
- Physical characteristics: textures, materials, colors, scale
- Actions, poses, expressions if applicable
- Distinctive features that define the subject
2. CONTEXT (Where/When)
The environment and conditions.
- Setting, background, spatial relationships (foreground, midground, background)
- Time of day, weather, atmospheric conditions
- Mood and emotional tone of the scene
3. STYLE (How)
The visual treatment.
- Artistic or photographic approach: reference specific artists, movements, or styles
- Lighting design: direction, quality, color temperature, shadows
- Camera/lens choices: specify focal length, aperture, and shooting angle when photographic
Core Principles
- Preserve intent -- Enrich the user's original vision, never override it
- Positive descriptions only -- Describe what should be present; rephrase any exclusion as an inclusion
- Specific over vague -- "golden hour sunlight at 15 degree angle" beats "nice lighting"
- Natural flow -- Weave elements into a single flowing description, not a bullet list
Enhancement Patterns
Hyper-Specific Details
Add concrete visual details where the user left gaps:
- Lighting: direction, quality, color temperature, shadow behavior. Always name the physical source ("warm afternoon sun through west window", not "warm lighting") -- named sources produce consistent shadows
- Textures: surface materials, weathering, reflectivity
- Atmosphere: particulates, humidity, depth haze
- Scale: relative sizes, distances, proportions
Camera Control Terminology
When a photographic look is appropriate:
- Lens type: "shot with 85mm portrait lens", "wide-angle 24mm"
- Aperture: "shallow depth of field at f/1.8", "deep focus at f/11"
- Angle: "low angle emphasizing height", "bird's eye view"
- Motion: "motion blur on the paws", "frozen mid-action"
Atmospheric Enhancement
Convey mood through environmental details:
- Emotional tone: "serene", "ominous", "jubilant"
- Light quality: "dappled shadows", "harsh midday sun", "soft diffused overcast"
- Weather/air: "morning mist", "dust particles in a sunbeam"
Text in Images
When the image should contain readable text (signs, labels, titles, typography):
- Specify the exact text content in quotes:
"OPEN 24 HOURS" in bold sans-serif
- Describe visual treatment: font style, weight, size relative to the scene
- Define placement and integration: "centered on the storefront awning", "hand-lettered on the chalkboard"
Feature Patterns
Character Consistency
When the same character must be recognizable across multiple images:
- Include at least 3 recognizable visual markers (distinctive scar, signature clothing, unique hairstyle, characteristic accessory)
- Use anchoring words: "distinctive", "signature", "always wears", "always has"
- Be specific: "round tortoiseshell glasses" not just "glasses"
- Use
inputImagePath to iterate on a base character image until all markers are locked in, then use that locked image as the reference for subsequent generations
Compositional Integration (Multi-Element Blending)
When combining multiple visual elements in one scene:
- Define spatial relationships with proportions: "foreground (40% of frame)", "midground", "background"
- Use integration language: "seamlessly blending", "harmoniously composed", "naturally integrated"
- Specify relative scale and interaction between elements
Real-World Accuracy
When depicting real places, cultures, or historical elements:
- Use specific terminology: "traditional Edo-period architecture", "authentic Moroccan zellige tilework"
- Include culturally accurate details
- Reference geographical or historical specifics
Purpose-Driven Enhancement
Tailor the prompt to the intended use:
| Purpose | Emphasis |
|---|
| Product photo | Clean background, studio lighting, commercial appeal |
| UI mockup | Flat design elements, consistent spacing, screen-appropriate |
| Presentation slide | Bold composition, clear focal point, text-friendly layout |
| Social media | Eye-catching, vibrant, crop-friendly aspect ratio |
| Book/album cover | Typography space, dramatic mood, symbolic elements |
| Video style anchor | Highest quality, 4K resolution, named physical light source, fine surface textures, film-like grain. This image becomes the visual reference for downstream video generation -- maximize detail and lighting consistency |
Video Style Anchor Pipeline
When generating images that will serve as style references for AI video production:
- Use highest quality: request maximum quality and 4K resolution -- the anchor conditions all downstream video
- Character consistency: maintain character consistency when generating multiple hero images for the same scene or character
- Iterate before committing: use
inputImagePath to refine the hero image until lighting, texture, and composition are exactly right
- Blend for composites: combine reference photography with branded elements when building composite anchors
- Match video prompt lighting: use the exact same physical light source description in the image prompt that will appear in the video prompt -- shadow direction must be consistent across the chain
Image Editing
When modifying an existing image:
- Preserve the original's core characteristics: color palette, lighting style, composition
- Use anchoring phrases: "maintain the existing...", "preserve the original...", "keep the same..."
- Be specific about what to change vs what to keep unchanged
- Describe modifications relative to the existing image, not from scratch
Example
Input: "A happy dog in a park"
Enhanced: "Golden retriever mid-leap catching a red frisbee, ears flying, tongue out in joy, in a sunlit urban park. Soft morning light filtering through oak trees creates dappled shadows on emerald grass. Background shows families on picnic blankets, slightly out of focus. Shot from low angle emphasizing the dog's athletic movement, with motion blur on the paws suggesting speed."
