Posternity - Document Details

Key Principles

No weighted prompts — You can't assign importance using things like ::1 or parentheses — simply describe what matters most first in your sentence.
No technical flags or codes — Posternity doesn't use parameters like --ar, --v, or --style. Just write naturally.
No hex codes or RGB values — Instead of #E4BC73, say "golden yellow", "soft peach", or "warm beige". Descriptive color language works best.
Order matters — The earlier a subject appears in your prompt, the more weight it's likely to carry. Put your most important subjects and ideas up front.

Multilingual Support

You can write prompts in many languages, but English yields the most consistent results — especially when your image includes text. Non-Latin scripts (like Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic) may not render accurately.

Using Posternity's Magic Prompt will automatically translate and enhance your prompt in English.

Style Tips

While short, tag-like prompts (e.g., "old photo, winter, snow, cabin") may work, Posternity's AI performs better with full sentences or structured phrases. Think about how you'd describe the image to a friend:

✅ "A vintage photograph of a snowy mountain cabin at sunset, soft film grain, warm golden tones."

Well-structured language helps the model understand context, composition, and relationships in your image.

Writing Effective Prompts

Structure Your Prompts

Good prompts follow a logical structure:

Main Subject — What is the primary focus?
Setting/Environment — Where does it take place?
Style/Artistic Direction — How should it look?
Technical Details — Lighting, composition, quality

Use Descriptive Language

Be specific — "Golden retriever" instead of "dog"
Include emotions — "Joyful expression" or "melancholic mood"
Describe lighting — "Soft morning light" or "dramatic shadows"
Mention composition — "Close-up portrait" or "wide landscape view"

Style and Artistic Direction

Artistic Styles

Photography — "Professional headshot", "street photography", "macro photography"
Digital Art — "Digital painting", "3D render", "vector illustration"
Traditional Art — "Watercolor painting", "oil painting", "pencil sketch"
Vintage Styles — "1950s advertisement", "Victorian era", "Art Deco"

Quality and Resolution

Image Quality — "High resolution", "4K", "professional quality"
Camera Effects — "Bokeh background", "shallow depth of field", "film grain"
Post-Processing — "Color graded", "HDR", "vintage filter"

Prompt Examples

Portrait Photography

"Professional headshot of a confident businesswoman in a modern office, soft natural lighting, shallow depth of field, high resolution"
"Vintage portrait of an elderly man with a weathered face, black and white photography, dramatic lighting, film grain texture"

Landscape and Nature

"Serene mountain landscape at golden hour, misty valleys, pine forests, warm color palette, cinematic composition"
"Macro photography of a dewdrop on a flower petal, shallow depth of field, natural lighting, high detail"

Creative and Artistic

"Surreal digital art of a floating city in the clouds, steampunk architecture, warm sunset lighting, highly detailed"
"Watercolor illustration of a cozy coffee shop, soft pastel colors, hand-painted style, warm and inviting atmosphere"

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Too vague — "Beautiful sunset" → "Dramatic sunset over ocean with orange and pink clouds"
Conflicting styles — "Realistic cartoon" → Choose one style and be consistent
Over-complicating — Keep prompts focused and clear
Ignoring composition — Mention framing, angle, and perspective

Advanced Tips

Using References

You can reference artistic styles, photographers, or specific techniques:

"In the style of Ansel Adams landscape photography"
"Art Deco poster design with geometric patterns"
"Studio lighting like Richard Avedon portraits"

Iterative Refinement

Start with a basic prompt and refine it:

Basic: "Dog in park"
Better: "Golden retriever playing in autumn park"
Best: "Happy golden retriever running through fallen leaves in autumn park, golden hour lighting, shallow depth of field, professional photography"

Using Magic Prompt

Posternity's Magic Prompt feature automatically enhances your prompts by:

Adding technical details for better results
Improving grammar and structure
Adding artistic and technical specifications
Optimizing for the selected AI model

Simply enable Magic Prompt and let our AI improve your prompt automatically!

Advanced Composition Techniques

Understanding composition principles helps create more impactful images:

Rule of Thirds

Divide your image conceptually into thirds horizontally and vertically. Place key elements along these lines or at their intersections for balanced compositions:

"Portrait of a woman positioned in the right third of the frame, looking left, urban background, professional photography"
"Landscape with mountain peaks in the upper third, reflection lake in the lower third, golden hour lighting"

Leading Lines

Use natural or architectural lines to guide the viewer's eye through the image:

"Winding road leading to distant mountains, aerial perspective, dramatic clouds"
"Railway tracks converging towards sunset, symmetrical composition, cinematic lighting"

Symmetry and Patterns

Symmetrical compositions and repeating patterns create visual harmony:

"Perfectly symmetrical modern architecture reflected in still water, minimalist composition"
"Repeating pattern of colorful umbrellas from above, geometric composition, vibrant colors"

Lighting Techniques

Lighting dramatically affects mood and atmosphere. Here are key lighting scenarios to specify:

Natural Lighting

Golden Hour: "Warm golden hour lighting, long shadows, soft diffused light"
Blue Hour: "Cool blue hour twilight, city lights beginning to glow, deep blue sky"
Overcast: "Soft overcast lighting, even shadows, muted colors, cloudy day"
Midday: "Harsh midday sun, strong contrast, crisp shadows"

Studio Lighting

Rembrandt Lighting: "Rembrandt lighting setup, triangle of light on cheek, dramatic portrait"
Butterfly Lighting: "Butterfly lighting from above, glamour portrait style, soft shadows under nose"
Edge Lighting: "Rim lighting from behind, glowing edges, dramatic silhouette effect"
Split Lighting: "Split lighting, half face in shadow, dramatic contrast, moody portrait"

Creative Lighting

Backlighting: "Subject backlit by sunset, lens flare, silhouette effect, golden rim light"
Chiaroscuro: "Chiaroscuro lighting technique, strong contrast between light and shadow, dramatic mood"
Neon Lighting: "Cyberpunk neon lighting, vibrant pink and blue glow, urban night scene"

Color Theory and Palettes

Understanding color relationships enhances visual impact:

Color Schemes

Monochromatic: "Monochromatic blue color scheme, various shades and tones of blue, cohesive palette"
Complementary: "Complementary color scheme, orange and blue contrast, vibrant and dynamic"
Analogous: "Analogous color palette, warm reds oranges and yellows, harmonious sunset tones"
Triadic: "Triadic color scheme, red yellow and blue balanced throughout, playful composition"

Color Mood

Warm Palette: Creates energy, passion, and warmth - "Warm color palette, reds oranges and golds, cozy autumn atmosphere"
Cool Palette: Conveys calm, serenity, and professionalism - "Cool color palette, blues and teals, tranquil ocean mood"
Muted Palette: Subtle and sophisticated - "Muted pastel palette, soft desaturated colors, minimalist aesthetic"
High Contrast: Bold and dramatic - "High contrast black and white, dramatic shadows, film noir style"

Perspective and Camera Angles

Camera angle and perspective dramatically affect how subjects are perceived:

Camera Angles

Eye Level: "Eye level perspective, natural viewpoint, straightforward composition"
High Angle: "High angle shot looking down, subject appears smaller, vulnerable perspective"
Low Angle: "Low angle shot looking up, dramatic perspective, subject appears powerful and dominant"
Bird's Eye View: "Aerial bird's eye view directly from above, geometric patterns visible, unique perspective"
Worm's Eye View: "Extreme low angle worm's eye view, towering perspective, dramatic sky visible"

Distance and Framing

Extreme Close-up: "Extreme close-up of human eye, detailed iris texture, macro photography"
Close-up: "Close-up portrait, shoulders and head visible, intimate framing"
Medium Shot: "Medium shot from waist up, balanced composition, conversational distance"
Full Shot: "Full body shot, entire subject visible head to toe, environmental context"
Wide Shot: "Wide establishing shot, subject in environment, sense of scale and place"

Genre-Specific Prompting

Different genres require specific approaches and terminology:

Fashion Photography

"High fashion editorial, model in avant-garde couture, dramatic pose, studio lighting, Vogue magazine style"
"Street style fashion photography, natural urban setting, candid confident pose, modern casual wear"
"Luxury fashion shoot, elegant evening gown, marble background, soft glamour lighting, high-end aesthetic"

Product Photography

"E-commerce product shot, watch on clean white background, perfect lighting, all details visible, commercial photography"
"Lifestyle product photography, artisan coffee cup on rustic wooden table, natural morning light, cozy atmosphere"
"Tech product render, smartphone with water droplets, dramatic lighting, reflective surface, advertising quality"

Architectural Photography

"Modern architectural photography, glass skyscraper facade, geometric lines, blue hour lighting, professional real estate"
"Interior architecture, minimalist living room, natural light through large windows, Scandinavian design aesthetic"
"Historic building exterior, Gothic cathedral details, warm afternoon light, preservation documentation style"

Food Photography

"Food photography overhead flat lay, colorful healthy breakfast bowl, natural daylight, rustic styling, Instagram aesthetic"
"Fine dining presentation, gourmet plated dish, elegant garnish, soft restaurant lighting, Michelin star quality"
"Food action shot, honey drizzling onto pancake stack, motion blur, warm golden tones, appetizing composition"

Working with Negative Prompts

While Posternity focuses on positive descriptions, understanding what to avoid can improve results:

Instead of Negative Instructions

Rather than stating what you don't want, describe what you do want:

Instead of: "No blur" → Use: "Sharp focus, crisp details, high clarity"
Instead of: "Not dark" → Use: "Bright, well-lit, vibrant lighting"
Instead of: "No people" → Use: "Empty landscape, peaceful solitude, nature scene"

Prompt Length and Detail Balance

Finding the right balance between detail and simplicity:

Short Prompts (10-20 words)

Best for simple, focused concepts:

"Minimalist product shot, white background, professional lighting"
"Portrait of elderly artist in studio, natural light"

Medium Prompts (20-40 words)

Ideal for most use cases, providing clear direction:

"Cyberpunk city street at night, neon signs reflecting on wet pavement, crowds of people, futuristic atmosphere, cinematic lighting, high detail"

Detailed Prompts (40+ words)

For complex scenes requiring precise control:

"Epic fantasy landscape, ancient stone castle perched on misty mountain peak, dramatic storm clouds gathering, golden sunset light breaking through clouds, winding river valley below, medieval architecture, photorealistic style, atmospheric perspective, highly detailed, cinematic composition"

Seasonal and Time-Based Prompts

Capture specific times and seasons effectively:

Seasons

Spring: "Spring cherry blossoms in full bloom, soft pink petals, fresh green leaves, gentle breeze, renewal atmosphere"
Summer: "Bright summer day at the beach, crystal clear turquoise water, golden sand, intense sunlight, vacation vibes"
Autumn: "Autumn forest path covered in fallen leaves, warm orange and red foliage, misty morning, golden hour glow"
Winter: "Winter wonderland scene, fresh snow covering pine trees, soft morning light, peaceful quiet atmosphere, frosted details"

Times of Day

Dawn: "Pre-dawn twilight, first light on horizon, deep blue sky transitioning to pink, serene morning stillness"
Morning: "Early morning mist, soft diffused sunlight, dew on grass, fresh start atmosphere"
Noon: "Bright midday sun overhead, strong shadows, vibrant colors, high-energy atmosphere"
Evening: "Late afternoon golden light, long shadows, warm tones, day ending peacefully"
Night: "Deep night scene, starry sky, moonlight illumination, mysterious nocturnal atmosphere"

Emotion and Mood

Convey specific feelings through descriptive language:

Positive Emotions

Joy: "Joyful celebration, vibrant colors, dynamic movement, people laughing, energetic atmosphere"
Serenity: "Peaceful zen garden, smooth stones, raked sand patterns, minimalist composition, tranquil mood"
Wonder: "Sense of awe and wonder, vast cosmic landscape, nebula colors, infinite space, contemplative mood"

Dramatic Emotions

Mystery: "Mysterious foggy forest, hidden path, uncertain visibility, suspenseful atmosphere, noir aesthetic"
Melancholy: "Melancholic rainy day, person alone by window, soft grey tones, introspective mood, gentle sadness"
Tension: "Tense dramatic moment, stormy weather approaching, dark clouds, ominous lighting, suspenseful composition"

Cultural and Historical Contexts

Reference specific periods and cultures for authentic styling:

Historical Periods

Victorian Era: "Victorian era interior, ornate furniture, rich fabrics, gas lamp lighting, period accurate details, historical authenticity"
Art Deco: "Art Deco design, geometric patterns, gold and black color scheme, 1920s glamour, luxurious aesthetic"
Mid-Century Modern: "Mid-century modern living room, clean lines, teak furniture, atomic age styling, 1950s aesthetic"
Contemporary: "Contemporary minimalist design, neutral palette, clean aesthetics, current trends, modern sophistication"

Cultural Influences

Japanese: "Japanese aesthetic, wabi-sabi philosophy, natural materials, minimalist zen design, traditional craftsmanship"
Mediterranean: "Mediterranean coastal village, whitewashed buildings, blue shutters, terracotta roofs, warm sunlight, coastal charm"
Nordic: "Scandinavian design, hygge atmosphere, natural wood tones, soft textiles, cozy minimalism, Nordic style"

Technical Camera Specifications

Include camera-specific terminology for realistic photographic results:

Lens Specifications

Wide Angle: "Shot with 24mm wide-angle lens, expansive field of view, slight barrel distortion, architectural photography"
Standard: "50mm lens perspective, natural field of view matching human vision, versatile composition"
Telephoto: "Telephoto 200mm lens, compressed perspective, background blur, shallow depth of field, isolated subject"
Macro: "Macro lens extreme close-up, minute details visible, 1:1 magnification ratio, shallow focus plane"

Camera Settings Effects

Shallow Depth of Field: "Shot at f/1.4 aperture, extremely shallow depth of field, creamy bokeh background, subject sharp focus"
Deep Focus: "f/16 aperture, deep depth of field, foreground and background both sharp, landscape photography technique"
Long Exposure: "Long exposure photography, light trails, motion blur in moving elements, silky smooth water, stationary elements sharp"
High ISO Grain: "High ISO film grain texture, grainy atmospheric quality, low light photography aesthetic"

Post-Processing Styles

Specify post-processing effects and editing styles:

Color Grading

Cinematic: "Cinematic color grading, teal and orange look, Hollywood film style, professional color correction"
Vintage: "Vintage color grading, faded colors, slightly desaturated, nostalgic film look, retro processing"
High Key: "High key lighting and processing, bright and airy, minimal shadows, clean white tones, optimistic mood"
Low Key: "Low key processing, dark moody tones, dramatic shadows, selective lighting, noir aesthetic"

Special Effects

HDR: "HDR processing, enhanced dynamic range, detailed shadows and highlights, vivid colors, realistic rendering"
Cross Processing: "Cross-processed film look, unexpected color shifts, artistic color cast, experimental aesthetic"
Bleach Bypass: "Bleach bypass effect, desaturated colors, high contrast, gritty texture, dramatic look"

Prompting Guide