Why images can look “fake”
If your source product image is a CGI render or 3D model, the generated lifestyle image can inherit that artificial look. Even with real product photos, vague prompts can produce results that feel overly processed or unrealistic.
How to achieve photorealism
Explicitly ask for photorealistic quality and describe the lighting and shadow behaviour you want. This tells the AI to prioritise natural materials and realistic light behaviour.
Example
✅ Good prompt: create a photorealistic image of this leather gaming chair on a white background adding accurate lighting and shadows |
The key words here are “photorealistic”, “accurate lighting”, and “shadows.” These instruct the AI to focus on natural light behaviour and material accuracy.
❌ Bad prompt: make this look real and not AI |
This is too vague for the AI to act on. “Look real” doesn’t give any specific direction about lighting, shadows, or materials.
Words that help achieve photorealism
“photorealistic” — the single most important keyword
“accurate lighting and shadows”
“natural materials” or “realistic textures”
“soft ambient light”, “diffused natural light”
“on a white background” for clean product shots