This guide is a short explanation of how to create fictional characters, such as fantasy creatures, while still looking like a photo.

The basic idea is to first create a prompt that gives you a good photo. The person should already have the basic features of the fantasy being. Here is an example where we first create a red-bearded Irishman

In the next step, we leave the prompt unchanged, but add what we actually want to see in the front.

This can be continued by combining different art styles and motifs with a photography part. The photography part should provide the coherence and realism in the image.

League of Legends, Portrait of a pale young woman with long white silky hair wearing armor and holding an ax, by Lee Jeffries, concept art, 2D digital art on artstation, octane render, light rendering, VFX simulation

Phileas Fogg, Portrait of an Englishman wearing a tailcoat, by Joel Santos

Anthropomorphic Beluga, whale person, Lawyer wearing a suit, Portrait of a slim man with grey skin looking into the camera, by Joel Santos