Image-to-Image Techniques

Learn to transform, edit, and enhance existing images using AI. These techniques let you modify images while maintaining key elements.

What is Image-to-Image?

Image-to-image (I2I) uses an existing image as input to guide AI generation:

• 🎨 Style transfer — Apply new styles to images
• ✏️ Editing — Modify specific elements
• 🔄 Transformation — Change scenes or contexts
• 📐 Reference — Use images to guide new generations

Key Models for I2I

Technique 1: Background Replacement

Goal

Keep subject, change background.

Workflow

[Upload] → [BG Remover] → [Flux Kontext]
                               ↑
                      [Text: New Background]

Prompt Template

Place the subject on [new background description], 
maintain original subject exactly, 
[lighting that matches new scene], 
seamless integration

Example

Original: Product on white background

Prompt: "Place on rustic wooden table, cozy kitchen background, warm morning light, lifestyle photography"

Result: Same product in lifestyle setting

Technique 2: Style Transfer

Goal

Apply artistic style while keeping content.

Workflow

[Upload (Content)] → [Image Node]
                          ↑
              [Text: Style Description]

Style Prompt Template

Transform this image into [style] style, 
maintain the composition and subjects, 
[style-specific keywords], 
artistic interpretation

Style Examples

Watercolor:

Transform into watercolor painting style, 
soft brushstrokes, flowing colors, 
artistic and painterly, 
maintain composition

Anime/Illustration:

Transform into anime illustration style, 
clean lines, vibrant colors, 
Japanese animation aesthetic, 
maintain character likeness

Vintage:

Transform into vintage photograph style, 
faded colors, film grain, 
1970s aesthetic, warm tones, 
nostalgic feeling

Technique 3: Object Editing

Goal

Change specific elements in an image.

Using Flux Kontext

[Upload] → [Flux Kontext Pro]
                  ↑
         [Text: Edit Instructions]

Edit Prompt Template

Change [specific element] to [new element], 
keep everything else exactly the same, 
maintain lighting and style

Examples

Color change:

Change the red car to blue, 
keep everything else exactly the same

Object replacement:

Replace the coffee cup with a wine glass, 
maintain the same position and lighting

Adding elements:

Add a small plant on the desk, 
keep everything else unchanged

Technique 4: Scene Extension

Goal

Extend or expand an image beyond its borders.

Workflow

[Upload] → [Image Node (with outpainting)]

Prompt Template

Extend the scene [direction], 
maintain consistent style and lighting, 
seamless continuation of the original, 
[describe what should appear in extension]

Technique 5: Subject Consistency

Goal

Generate new images with the same subject.

Workflow

[Upload (Reference)] → [Image Node]
                            ↑
                   [Text: New Scene]

Prompt Template

Same [subject description] as in the reference, 
now [new scene/action], 
maintain exact appearance, 
[style and lighting]

Best Practices

• Use clear, front-facing reference images
• Describe the subject in your prompt too
• Keep style consistent with reference
• Use models designed for consistency (Flux Kontext)

Technique 6: Photo Enhancement

Goal

Improve photo quality or fix issues.

Common Enhancements

Lighting improvement:

Enhance the lighting in this photo, 
add soft fill light to shadows, 
maintain natural look, 
professional photo quality

Color correction:

Correct the color balance, 
warmer tones, 
more vibrant but natural colors, 
professional color grade

Quality enhancement:

Enhance photo quality, 
sharpen details, 
reduce noise, 
professional photography standard

Best Practices

Source Image Quality

Prompt Specificity

Too vague:

Make it better

Just right:

Change the background to a beach sunset, 
keep the person exactly the same, 
warm golden lighting on subject

Iterative Approach

1. Start with subtle changes
2. Review results
3. Adjust prompt
4. Increase change intensity if needed

Common Challenges

Subject Changes Unexpectedly

Cause: Prompt too general

Solution: Be very specific about what to keep:

Keep the person's face, clothing, and pose exactly the same, 
only change the background

Style Doesn't Transfer Well

Cause: Style description too vague

Solution: Use specific style references:

In the style of Studio Ghibli animation, 
soft colors, detailed backgrounds, 
whimsical atmosphere

Edges Look Unnatural

Cause: Harsh transitions

Solution: Include blending instructions:

Seamless integration, 
natural edges, 
matching lighting and shadows

Workflow Examples

Portrait Retouching

[Upload Portrait] → [Flux Kontext]
Prompt: "Subtle skin smoothing, enhance eyes slightly, 
maintain natural appearance, professional headshot quality"

Product Lifestyle

[Upload Product] → [BG Remover] → [Flux Kontext]
Prompt: "Place on marble kitchen counter, 
morning sunlight, modern kitchen background, 
lifestyle product photography"

Art Transformation

[Upload Photo] → [Image Node (SDXL)]
Prompt: "Transform into oil painting, 
impressionist style, visible brushstrokes, 
artistic interpretation, gallery quality"

Next Steps

• Consistent Style — Maintain consistency across images
• Tool Nodes — Enhancement tools
• Flux Models Prompting — Master Flux prompts