How to write an AI photo prompt that keeps your face the same

The 6 parts of a photo prompt that works: identity lock, outfit, setting, light, camera and aspect ratio, with a ready example.

The most common complaint with AI photo edits is "that's not me". A good prompt fixes that with structure. Every PromptLens photo prompt follows these six parts.

1. Identity lock. "Keep the person's face, skin tone, hairline and identity from the uploaded photo completely unchanged."
2. Outfit. Name the garment, fabric and colour: "a maroon Banarasi silk saree with a gold border".
3. Setting. One clear place: "a marigold-lined balcony at dusk".
4. Light. "Warm golden-hour light from the left" beats "nice lighting".
5. Camera. "85mm portrait, f/1.8, shallow depth of field" makes it look like a real photo.
6. Format. "Aspect ratio 4:5" for posts, "9:16" for status and stories.

Example

Keep the face, skin tone and identity of the person in the uploaded photo exactly the same. Dress them in a maroon Banarasi silk saree with a gold zari border and simple gold jhumkas. Place them on a marigold-lined balcony at dusk with a row of lit diyas. Warm golden light from the left, soft glow on the face. 85mm portrait, f/1.8, natural skin texture. Aspect ratio 4:5.

Want this without typing? In the PromptLens app you pick the outfit colour, setting and tone with a tap and the prompt is written for you.