Skip to content

Part I: The Visual Creator | Chapter 3

Generating and Controlling AI Images

Generating and Controlling AI Images

The Goal

By the end of this chapter you will be able to make a set of images that belong together, through a process you can repeat instead of by luck. You will control subject, setting, composition, light and style, spot the typical errors of image generators, and know when a picture must be a real photograph instead of an AI image. You will make the set in ChatGPT, finish it in Snapseed and add real text in Canva.

Understand: the six layers of an image prompt

An image prompt is not one sentence. It is a set of instructions, like a shot list in film. Every prompt has six layers you can control:

CHAPTER 3AI IMAGESThe six layers of an image promptOnly subject and composition change from frame to frame. The rest is your anchor block.1SubjectWhat is in the pictureFive farmers ina circle2CompositionHow it is arrangedWide shot, slightlyabove eye level3SettingWhere it happensShade tree, maizefields, western Kenya4LightQuality and directionWarm morning lightfrom the left5StyleThe visual treatmentDocumentary photo,earthy colours6TechnicalFormat and limits16:9, no text,no watermarkChanges in every frameThe anchor block: the same in every prompt of the setA vague prompt gives a generic picture. The more precise each layer, the more control you have.
CHAPTER 3AI IMAGESThe six layers of animage promptOnly subject and composition change fromframe to frame. The rest is your anchorblock.CHANGES IN EVERY FRAME1SubjectWhat is in the pictureFive farmers in a circle2CompositionHow it is arrangedWide shot, slightly above eye levelTHE ANCHOR BLOCKthe same in every prompt of the set3SettingWhere it happensShade tree, maize fields, westernKenya4LightQuality and directionWarm morning light from the left5StyleThe visual treatmentDocumentary photo, earthy colours6TechnicalFormat and limits16:9, no text, no watermarkA vague prompt gives a generic picture.The more precise each layer, the morecontrol you have.

The more precise each layer, the more control you have. A vague prompt gives a generic picture.

Continue with Missing Linkk Learn

The rest of this chapter is for members. Early access is free until 31 March 2027: every chapter, every prompt, and your own results saved on your phone.

Create your free accountLog in