Prism
Using prism effects in prompts to create rainbow flares, light dispersion, and chromatic aberration.
How to use this prop
Describe the prism as a physical object interacting with light — 'prism held near the lens,' 'light passing through a crystal prism,' or 'prismatic light dispersion across the frame.' Specify where the effect appears (lower third, edges, across the subject) for better control. Combine with a strong directional light source for the most visible effect.
Common pitfalls
Don't just say 'rainbow' — that often produces literal rainbows in the sky rather than optical prism effects. Avoid combining prism effects with too many other optical effects (lens flare + bokeh + prism + fog) as generators may produce muddy results. The prism effect works best when it's the primary optical feature.
Starter prompt patterns
Portrait with prism held near the lens, rainbow light refraction across the face, studio lightingProduct photograph with prismatic light dispersion, spectral flare in the lower frame, dark backgroundFashion photograph with crystal prism creating chromatic aberration and light streaks, natural window light
A prism in photography is a transparent optical element that refracts light into its spectral components. In prompt engineering, describing a prism as a physical prop — something held near the lens or placed in the scene — produces more convincing results than describing the abstract effect alone.
The key principle: describe the cause (the prism and light source), not just the effect (rainbow colors).