# IMAGE_PROMPT Template

**Last Updated:** 2026-02-14

Use this template when creating `IMAGE_PROMPT.md` for a blog post. Fill Core Concept, Key Elements, Composition, and Mood first—these scaffold the final Prompt. The script (`generate-blog-featured-image.py`) extracts only the `## Prompt` section.

See [BLOG_FEATURED_IMAGE_STYLE_GUIDE.md](../../BLOG_FEATURED_IMAGE_STYLE_GUIDE.md) for topic mappings, anti-repetition rules, and composition picks.

**Before creating:**

1. Run `python3 v2/scripts/blog/generate-blog-featured-image.py --post=SLUG --category=CAT --dry-run`. If the **auto prompt** is already on-theme (slug-first rules + keywords in `v2/scripts/blog/generate-blog-featured-image.py`), try generation first; add `IMAGE_PROMPT.md` only for extra negatives, related-slug collision, or gaps not worth encoding in the script.
2. Run `python3 v2/scripts/blog/audit-blog-image-scene-types.py --report-adjacent=3` to check scene diversity.
3. Identify **related topics** (posts sharing keyword space, e.g. urlaubsanspruch + urlaubsentgelt for bundesurlaubsgesetz).
4. Choose a scene type **different** from adjacent posts AND related topics. Document both in Scene Type section.
5. Match scene to **topic meaning** – not to a related outcome (e.g. BUrlG = law/foundation, not travel).

---

## Scene Type

[Required: Category from taxonomy (desk, cafe, travel, abstract, silhouettes, nature, architectural, night, timer, support/rest). Document: "Distinct from [adjacent/related slugs] (scene types: X, Y)."]

---

## Core Concept / Metaphor

[What the topic evokes: e.g. "Lohnarten = classification, structure, categories – building blocks of payroll"]

## Key Elements (On-Theme, Concrete)

[2–4 concrete visual anchors, no text. Must connect to topic meaning. **Prefer recognizable, topic-specific scenes over abstract metaphors.** e.g. "organized compartment tray (empty, no labels), pen, soft light" – NOT "abstract flowing lines, soft nodes". Reader should recognize the connection to the topic.]

## Why Not (Anti-Patterns)

[Optional: What to avoid and why. **Always avoid:** abstract nodes, flowing lines, soft connected structure – too cryptic. e.g. "Abstract stacked blocks, vertical columns – generic; abstract nodes – not topic-specific"]

## Composition / Camera

[One of: low angle, bird's eye, diagonal, wide shot with shallow depth of field, close-up]

## Mood / Atmosphere

[2–3 words: e.g. "organized, professional, structured"]

## Prompt

[Full prompt—script extracts only this section. Include:]
- CRITICAL: No text, letters, typography, signs, or readable content
- Style: Editorial photography, natural texture, soft film-like quality (avoids generic AI look)
- Scene: [**Topic-specific, concrete** – recognizable workplace/context that matches the topic. Avoid abstract metaphors, flowing lines, soft nodes.]
- Avoid: blue sphere, sundial shape, generic clock, floating pie chart, stock office with laptop, vertical columns, stacked blocks, abstract nodes, flowing lines, pristine perfection, spotless desk

## Reference

- Topic-keyword table: BLOG_FEATURED_IMAGE_STYLE_GUIDE.md § Topic-Specific Elements
- Repetitive elements to exclude: BLOG_FEATURED_IMAGE_STYLE_GUIDE.md § Common Pitfalls