Black and white portrait photography has always had a timeless, cinematic appeal—but in 2026, AI-generated portraits are taking it to a whole new level. With the right prompts, you can create striking, magazine-quality images.
Whether you want to turn your selfies into timeless vintage portraits or sleek modern editorials, mastering prompt design is the key.
8 Portrait Prompt Styles
1. Elegant Black Ensemble: Ruffled Top with Skirt on Stool
an upper body portrait of a woman sitting upright on a stool and look directly at the camera with a neutral expression. She is dressed in a black sleeveless ruffled top and a black skirt, giving off a chic and elegant vibe. Her posture is relaxed, with one leg crossed over the other, and with only one hand resting gently on her knee while the other hand hang down naturally. The background is simple and neutral, helping to highlight her figure and the contrast of her outfit. The image has a soft, high-quality finish, with natural lighting that accentuates the textures of her clothing and the contours of her face. This portrait appears to be professionally shot, focusing on the subject’s facial features and body posture, while keeping the scene minimalistic and understated.
2.Chic Upper Body: Black Tank, Side Pose
a closeup head-to-shoulder head portrait of a woman with an elegant and soft expression. She is looking directly at the camera. The focus is on her face, highlighting her well-defined features. She is wearing a simple black strap top, and her posture is turned slightly sideway, creating a graceful angle. The composition emphasizes her natural beauty, with soft lighting that adds a smooth texture to her skin. The image is composed with a shallow depth of field, keeping her face sharp and medium grey background, which draws attention to her facial expression and posture. The tone of the image is calm and serene, with a focus on the subject’s face, making it a classic, minimalistic portrait.
3.Relaxed Style: White Tank Top with Distressed Denim on Chair
a woman sitting in a relaxed pose, with her body slightly angled to the left with legs crossed over. She is looking directly at the camera. She is wearing a white ribbed tank top and light-washed distressed jeans. her neutral expression exudes calmness and serenity. The model is positioned on a modern black chair with a dark grey background that fades softly into a neutral tone. Her hands gently place on her thighs. The lighting is soft and well-distributed, highlighting her facial features and the texture of her clothing. Her gaze is directed at camera. The image has a balanced, portrait-style crop, focusing on her upper body, which emphasizes the delicate and serene mood.
4.Thoughtful Pose: Black Outfit, One Hand on Chin
studio portrait of a woman wearing a fitted, long-sleeve black top and high waist black pants. She is seated in a relaxed pose with left hand resting under her chin, partially supporting it. her right arm hang down naturally. Her body is turned at a three-quarter angle to the camera, while her face looks forward with a composed and thoughtful expression. The lighting is soft and directional, casting gentle shadows that emphasize her facial features and bone structure. The monochrome aesthetic adds a timeless, classic feel to the image. dark background
5.Seated Style: Black Top, Light Bottom
an upper body portrait of a man in a sitting position, looking directly at the cameara, He is dressed in a fitted black turtleneck, which accentuates his strong build and sharp jawline. His trousers are light-colored, creating a subtle contrast with the dark top. He is positioned slightly to the side, with his body facing slightly to the left and his head turned towards the camera, giving him a confident yet relaxed appearance. His hands place gently on his thighs. his expression is calm and slightly introspective. The background is soft and neutral, further emphasizing his figure. The lighting is soft, highlighting his facial features and the smooth texture of his clothing.
6.Standing Side: Sleek Black Long Sleeve
an upper body sideway portrait of a strong muscular man with wide shoulders looking directly at the camera. He wears a black turtleneck shirt that fits snugly around his neck, creating a sleek and minimalistic look. His posture is relaxed yet confident, with his body facing slightly to the left while his head is turned towards the camera. His expression is serious but calm, exuding a sense of self-assurance. arms hang down naturally. The background is a soft, neutral white, adding to the simplicity and elegance of the composition. The image is high in contrast, highlighting the sharp details of his facial features and the texture of his clothing. The focus is on his face and upper body, creating a clean and modern aesthetic.
7.Casual Elegance: White Long-Sleeve Set with Hands in Pockets
an upper body portrait of a strong muscular man with wild shoulders looking directly at the camera, dressed in a relaxed and stylish outfit. He wears a loose, white button-up shirt with slightly wrinkled fabric, which adds texture and a casual feel to his look. Beneath the shirt, he wears a plain white t-shirt that complements the simplicity of the shirt. His posture is relaxed as he stands with his hands casually in his pockets of white pants, exuding a sense of effortless cool. His expression is calm and pensive, with his gaze directed at the camera. The background has a soft, neutral tone that contrasts with the brightness of his outfit, emphasizing the subtle elegance of his look.
8.Casual Summer Look: White Shirt with Light Shorts, Seated on Wooden Stool
an upper body portrait of a strong muscular man with wide shoulders looking at the camera, he dressed casually in a crisp, white button-up shirt with the top few buttons undone, giving off a relaxed and effortlessly stylish vibe. The shirt contrasts with his light beige shorts, which are casual yet well-fitted, creating a chic and laid-back summer look. He is seated on a wooden stool upright, his posture relaxed yet confident, with one hand resting on his thigh and the other tucked into his pocket. The lighting is soft, casting natural shadows that highlight his defined jawline and features, while the background is neutral and slightly blurred, further emphasizing his relaxed yet fashionable outfit. His facial expression is calm, with a slight smirk, making the image feel inviting and effortlessly stylish.
Turn Selfies into Studio Portraits in One Click
With these prompts, you can turn your selfies into stunning portraits using PicMa. Plus, with its vast collection of portrait templates, you can upload a simple selfie and instantly transform it into a variety of portrait styles.
These templates are designed with professional lighting, composition, and styling in mind, making it easy for anyone to achieve high-end results without technical expertise.
Post your creations on social media, experiment with different styles, and see what resonates with your audience.
Have a favorite look or prompt? Share it with others and inspire the next wave of AI creativity!
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