If you’ve ever wanted to create stunning, high-contrast black-and-white portraits with a cinematic feel, you’re in for a treat. Today, I’m sharing four amazing ChatGPT prompts that will turn your simple photos into dramatic works of art.
Let’s dive right in!
1. The High-Contrast Water Submersion Portrait
This prompt will give your photo a dramatic, moody look with water effects:
“Create a high contrast black and white close-up portrait of the man in the picture. The image should depict only the right half of his face, partially submerged in water with droplets and bubbles visible on his skin and hair. Illuminate the right side of the face dramatically, casting the rest into deep shadow. Dark background, detail in skin texture, beard stubble, and eye focus to evoke a moody cinematic atmosphere.”
Before and After:
2. The Rugged Noir Portrait
If you want a gritty, noir-inspired look, this is the perfect prompt:
“Create a dramatic, high-contrast black and white portrait of a middle-aged man with rugged features, a stern expression, and slicked-back hair. He is holding a cigar in his mouth, with smoke gently curling upwards. Illuminate his face with a single harsh light from the front, casting deep shadows on the sides to create a moody, cinematic effect. The background should dissolve into pure black, emphasizing the contours of his face, beard stubble, and intense eyes. The image should have a gritty, noir-inspired atmosphere.”
Before and After: 
3. The Spotlight Fashion Editorial Portrait
For a bold, high-fashion feel, use this one to add professional-grade lighting:
“Create a high-resolution, cinematic black-and-white side portrait of the man in the reference image standing under a dramatic spotlight in a dark, moody studio. The spotlight creates a powerful beam of light from above, casting deep shadows and intense contrast across his face and upper body. Use his real face from the original reference image exactly as it is — no editing, no retouching, no smoothing, no alterations. Preserve all natural skin texture, facial hair, expression, and lighting on the face. He should have a confident yet mysterious aura, wearing a crisp, unbuttoned shirt with dark pants. The atmosphere is cinematic, bold, and dramatic — similar to a fashion editorial or performance art scene. The background is dark with soft gradients, and the spotlight fades into the shadows behind him. Format: Vertical 9:16, ultra-sharp DSLR-style detail, with professional-grade lighting and depth.”
Before and After: 
4. The Water-Inspired Close-Up Portrait
For a striking, mysterious effect, this one’s ideal:
“Generate a dramatic, high-contrast black-and-white close-up of the right half of a man’s face, partially submerged in still water. Beads of water and delicate bubbles cling to his skin and hair. A single harsh light illuminates his eye and cheekbone, cutting through the darkness and casting the rest of his face into deep shadow. The background dissolves into pure black. Highlight fine skin textures, wet hair strands, and beard stubble to create a gritty, noir-inspired, cinematic mood with an air of mystery and tension.”
Before and After: 
5. Cinematic Black and White Portrait with Reflective Sunglasses and High-Contrast Lighting
For a striking, mysterious effect, this one’s ideal:
“Dramatic, ultra-realistic close-up in black and white with high-contrast cinematic lighting from the side, highlighting the contours of his face and beard, casting deep shadows. He wears round, reflective sunglasses. He gazes confidently upward into a dark void. The sunglasses reflect a city’s towering skyline. The atmosphere is mysterious with a minimalist black background. Details in 4K. Keep the subject’s exact facial structure, hair texture, the original photo.”
Before and After: 
Why These Prompts Work
Each of these prompts uses light, shadow, and textures to create dramatic effects. They’ll help you elevate ordinary photos into cinematic masterpieces with the help of ChatGPT. Whether you’re looking for a gritty noir vibe or a bold fashion-inspired shot, these prompts can make your images stand out.
Try Them Out!
I’ve included all the prompts above for you to try out. Just follow the steps, use them with your own photos, and see the magic unfold! Don’t forget to share your creations in the comments or tag us on social media!
I hope you enjoy these tips and find them as useful as I have. If you liked this post, don’t forget to check out more of our photography tricks here on the blog!
Happy creating!