How to choose a good reference image for AI Photoshoot

AI Photoshoot can create amazing product images - but it works best when it has a clear reference. A reference image is like a guide: the AI looks at it to understand the product, style, and composition you want to replicate.

If your reference image isn’t clear, the AI might misinterpret the scene and produce unexpected results. Choosing the right reference makes your AI Photoshoot faster, easier, and more accurate.

What Makes a Reference Image Work Well

• The product is front and center - The AI needs to know exactly what it should recreate. Make sure the reference image item is clearly visible.
• Simple and clean background - Too many objects or clutter can confuse the AI. A clear, uncluttered background helps it focus on the product.
• Good lighting and focus - Bright, evenly lit images with sharp details allow the AI to capture the true colors and textures.
• Consistent style - If you want your final images to look a certain way, pick references that match that style (e.g., minimal, bright, or moody).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• No clear product in the image - If the AI can’t see what to recreate, it will guess - and sometimes incorrectly.
• Too much clutter or unrelated objects - The AI may copy things you don’t want.
• Blurry or low-quality images - Details matter. If the image is blurry, the AI struggles to reproduce it accurately.

💡 Example

Imagine you want to generate images of coffee mugs.

• Bad reference: A picture of a kitchen counter with many objects (plates, fruit, utensils) but no clear mug. The AI won’t know which object to recreate, and the result may be random or messy.
• Good reference: A clear image of a coffee mug, placed alone or with minimal background, showing its shape and details. The AI now has a clear object to copy, so the generated images will match your intended product.

In Short

A good reference image gives the AI a clear product to replicate, with clean composition, good lighting, and high detail. When in doubt: make the product obvious, avoid clutter, and pick a style that matches your goal.

Need Help?

If you’re unsure whether your reference images will work, our support team is ready to help. Contact us via support@claid.ai

Updated on: 29/09/2025