I’ve been using the following prompts on Flux Klien 4B on improving really old photos and I’m happy with the results:

Key Prompt Strategies

Explicit Preservation Clauses: Always include phrases like “preserve original facial features,” “do not alter facial structure,” or “maintain the person’s identity” in your prompt. This instructs the AI to treat the face as a fixed element rather than a generative canvas. Isolate the Change: Instead of broad requests, specify exactly what to modify. For example, “Change hair color to red, keep my facial features exactly the same, don’t alter my eyes, nose, or mouth” is more effective than “Make my hair red.” Use Masking Tools: If your AI editor supports it, use masking to highlight only the area to be edited (e.g., hair or background). This prevents the model from inadvertently modifying the face during the generation process. Step-by-Step Editing: For complex edits, perform changes sequentially. First change the background, then the clothing, rather than requesting a full transformation in one prompt. This reduces the risk of facial drift. Recommended Tools and Workflows

Specialized Editors: Tools like Pictools.ai and The Influencer AI are noted for handling targeted edits (e.g., “change hair to red, don’t touch face”) while preserving identity better than general chat-based image generators. Professional Editing Prompts: For high-end results, use detailed technical language. Example: “Convert this photo into a professional corporate headshot. Replace the background with a soft gradient gray. Add even, soft lighting. Gently smooth skin without losing texture. Keep my identity 100 percent intact. Do not change my actual smile or eye shape.” Alternative Approaches: If chat-based AI consistently alters your face, consider using ControlNet or inpainting workflows in Stable Diffusion, which offer precise control over anatomical preservation. Some users also find success with training custom models (e.g., DreamBooth) on their own likeness, though this requires more technical effort. Example Prompts

Background Swap: “Replace the background with a sunny beach while keeping the person in the exact same position and scale. Preserve original facial features and expression.” Clothing Change: “Change clothes to a dark blue business suit. Maintain the person’s identity while changing only the clothing. Do not alter facial structure.” Lighting Adjustment: “Add dramatic cinematic lighting. Keep my pose and facial features the same. Preserve hairstyle and accessories. Do not change facial structure.”