- Rachel Bistricer
- a few seconds ago
- 8 min read
In this article, we'll walk you through how to craft realistic AI photos using AI tools and how to edit photos for the perfect final touch. With 34 million AI images being created daily, crafting a great AI image depends heavily on the AI art prompt you provide. The prompt serves as the AI’s instructions, so precise and strategic phrasing is critical. The more clearly you communicate your idea, the more likely the AI is to generate an image that feels realistic and aligns with your vision.
AI-generated images transform how we approach design, empowering creators of all skill levels to bring bold ideas to life. From seasoned designers to beginners experimenting with new tools, mastering realistic AI photos can unlock endless possibilities for projects. But what makes an AI-generated image feel lifelike, rather than flat or artificial? And how can you harness this technology to create truly standout graphic designs?
TL;DR: How to make realistic AI photos
This guide explores creating lifelike AI-generated images using an AI portrait generator by mastering prompts, refining details, and leveraging post-processing techniques. It emphasizes the importance of lighting, camera settings, resolution, and atmosphere to achieve realism. Ethical considerations and practical examples are also provided to inspire creativity.
What are realistic AI photos?
Realistic AI photos are images generated by artificial intelligence that closely resemble real-life scenes, objects, or people. These visuals are not just outputs of a random algorithm. They are crafted through an intricate process of training AI with large datasets of real images, and fine-tuned through user-provided guidance.
The appeal of realistic AI photos lies in their versatility. They can elevate campaigns with customized visuals, create lifelike mockups for design projects, or bring abstract ideas to life. The key lies in understanding how to use the tools at your disposal effectively, and refining your approach as you experiment.
According to Ido Kosover, head of Media at Wix:
"We are at an era where the roles of artificial intelligence in the future of work and humanity intertwine to forge an innovative destiny. The question is no longer how AI works but how we prepare for what is coming."
8 prompt details to make realistic AI photos
01. Lighting
Lighting can make or break the illusion of realism. Without clear lighting instructions, your AI photo risks looking flat or unnatural. Take the time to imagine the scene’s light and describe its specifics vividly. When designing a prompt, consider these elements to mimic authentic lighting conditions.
Type of light: Specify whether you want soft, diffused light or hard, direct light in the image. Phrases like “soft natural lighting” or “studio spotlight with defined shadows” help AI understand your intention.
Source and direction: Where is the light coming from? A prompt like “morning sunlight streaming through a window from the left” adds layers of believability.
Color temperature: Define whether your lighting has warm, golden tones or cool, blue undertones. For example, “dusk lighting with a warm glow” creates atmosphere.
02. Camera settings
If you want your AI-generated photo to look like it was taken with a professional camera, referencing camera settings is invaluable. Treat camera settings as an integral part of your prompt development to exude expertise and professionalism. These can affect tone, depth, and visual fidelity.
Aperture impacts focus and depth of field. For instance, include “f/1.8 for shallow depth of field” to emphasize a dreamy, blurred background.
Shutter speed determines motion and sharpness. Add “fast shutter speed for crisp detail” to clarify your preferences to AI models.
ISO levels control brightness and noise. Use prompts like “low ISO for sharp image clarity” where detail is paramount.
03. Resolution
Resolution serves as the backbone of a high-quality photo. The perceived realism rests heavily on the level of detail. Providing guidance on resolution helps sharpen textures, making your image feel tangible. Including it in your prompt ensures your AI image is crisp and suitable for large-screen or close-up viewing.
Use phrases like “high-resolution texture with fine detail” or “1080p clarity” to emphasize sharpness.
Avoid overly vague descriptors; be specific about the quality you need, such as “4K resolution for lifelike definition.”
04. Depth of field
The depth of field conveys where the focus lies and how sharp or blurred the surroundings are. Harnessing the depth of field creates layers of intricacy that immerse viewers in your AI-generated visuals. By guiding this aspect, you can simulate professional photography techniques.
Phrases like “shallow depth of field with soft bokeh” draw attention to a single subject, like a portrait.
For fully in-focus scenes, specify “deep depth of field, crisp from foreground to background.”
05. Negative prompts
Negative prompts are equally pivotal. They guide AI by specifying what not to include, ensuring the focus stays on your vision.
Use exclusions like “no distortion, unnatural colors, or unrealistic textures” for polished results.
Remove unintentional artifacts by including commands to avoid “blurred edges, mixed anatomy, or exaggerated lighting effects.”
06. Mixing styles
Experimenting with multiple artistic styles can make your AI photos memorable. Carefully blending influences enhances realism while preserving a unique aesthetic.
Consider combining prompts like “realistic photography blended with soft painterly highlights” for dramatic effect.
Stay consistent by specifying how much each style contributes, such as “80% realism and 20% surrealism.”
07. Facial proportions
When working on human portraits, attention to facial proportions is paramount. The subtler the details, the more lifelike your portraits become. AI can misstep here, so provide guidelines for symmetry and anatomical balance.
Highlight specifics, such as “aligned eyes, balanced facial symmetry, and proportionate jawlines.”
Avoid exaggeration by specifying “natural realism, no cartoonish features.”
08. Atmosphere, environment and mood
Creating a cohesive atmosphere ties your AI photo together. Atmosphere and mood infuse personality into your images, elevating their impact and storytelling potential. Think about the emotion you want it to evoke, and use descriptive words to guide the tone.
Phrases like “serene and tranquil forest scene with muted colors” set the mood.
For something bolder, specify “high-energy urban environment with vibrant tones.”
Post-processing techniques
After generating your AI image, post-processing can further elevate its realism. Learning how to edit AI-generated images is essential to refine details, correct inconsistencies, or enhance quality. Tools like Wixel often integrate with post-editing platforms, making it easier to fine-tune your image without having to start from scratch.
Here are a few techniques to consider:
Color grading: Adjust the image’s color tones to create harmony with your intended mood or aesthetic. Subtle changes in contrast and saturation can make significant differences.
Sharpen focus: Use photo editing tools to enhance textures or bring clarity to specific elements. Blurred edges or unnatural transitions can be softened or sharpened during this phase.
Lighting adjustments: Refine highlights and shadows to improve depth. Pay close attention to areas where light naturally interacts with surfaces in your image.
Ethical considerations
The creativity unlocked by AI tools also brings ethical responsibilities. Ethical use of AI not only builds trust with your audience, but also promotes a healthy creative ecosystem. When creating realistic AI photos, consider the following:
Transparency: Be upfront about the origins of the image, especially in professional settings. Clearly label AI-generated visuals to avoid misleading viewers.
Permission: Avoid using reference images or datasets without proper authorization. Always give credit where due if elements of your image are based on someone else’s work.
Cultural sensitivity: Ensure your creations don’t appropriate or misrepresent cultural symbols or practices. Use AI responsibly to respect artistic and cultural diversity.
Inspiring photo prompts and realistic results
Golden hour portrait photo prompt
Capture a high-resolution portrait of a serene young woman in a sunlit meadow at golden hour, her face illuminated by warm, soft light from the right, surrounded by a dreamy bokeh background.
Urban night scene photo prompt
Create a high-resolution night scene of a vibrant urban street, alive with neon signs and warm streetlights. Cool blue and vivid pink hues illuminate the wet pavement, reflecting dynamic textures. Utilize deep depth of field for sharp clarity throughout, capturing realistic motion blur of passing vehicles from a slower shutter speed.
Cozy indoor café photo prompt
Create a high-resolution image of a cozy indoor café, bathed in warm, inviting light. Soft, diffused illumination cascades from elegant pendant lamps, while gentle sunlight filters through a left-side window, enhancing the rich wooden furniture and textured walls. Utilize a shallow depth of field (f/2.0) to draw focus on a steaming cup of coffee, its steam intertwining with the softly blurred background.
Mountain landscape at sunrise photo prompt
Craft a high-resolution landscape of a majestic mountain range at dawn, bathed in soft, diffused golden light. Warm tones kiss the jagged peaks, while cool blue shadows cradle the serene valleys. Employ a deep depth of field for sharp focus, capturing delicate wildflowers in the foreground and the distant, rugged mountains. Highlight textures of the weathered rocks and the gentle shimmer of morning dew, ensuring a natural, realistic scene.
Studio portrait with soft, even lighting photo prompt
Create a high-resolution studio portrait of a man, bathed in soft, diffused light from a large softbox directly in front. The background features a smooth light gray gradient, enhancing focus on the subject. Utilize a shallow depth of field (f/2.0) to gently blur the backdrop, ensuring natural facial proportions and aligned features without exaggeration.
Discover techniques to level up your editing game and create visuals that wow every time:
How to add a white background to a photo (and why it's essential for design)
How to convert an image into the format you need
How to crop an image with precision for the perfect fit
How to edit images for social media: tips for eye-catching posts
How to edit stock photography to increase photo sales
How to make a transparent background for clean, versatile designs
How to resize an image for any platform without losing quality
How to make realistic AI photos FAQ
What makes an AI photo realistic?
Realism in AI photos comes from elements like accurate textures, proportions, lighting, and context. Strong references and detailed prompts also contribute significantly.
What kind of photos can be created using AI?
The possibilities are endless. From landscapes and portraits to abstract art, AI can generate various types of visuals with stunning realism.
How does AI create realistic photos?
AI uses deep learning techniques and large datasets to learn how to recreate natural-looking images. It analyzes patterns and features in real photos, and then applies them to new images it creates.
How do I improve the realism of AI-generated images?
Use high-quality reference images, optimize prompts to include specific details, and refine post-processing techniques like color grading and sharpness adjustments.
How can AI-generated images enhance a marketing strategy?
AI-generated images can elevate a marketing strategy by providing customizable, high-quality visuals tailored to specific campaigns. These images can help brands enhance their branding, stand out, reduce production costs and accelerate content creation, all while maintaining a professional and polished aesthetic.
How do I create a good AI photo of myself?
To create a good AI photo of yourself, start with a clear, high-quality headshot in good lighting. Use an AI portrait generator or app that supports customization (like background, style or expression). It can be a good idea to upload multiple reference photos for better accuracy, use natural poses, neutral expressions and consistent lighting. Then review and refine the generated images, adjusting style or realism until the result reflects your authentic personality and professional image.