A new AI photography prompt is taking social media by storm, transforming ordinary car photos into breathtaking long-exposure shots that look like they were taken with a high-end Canon DSLR.
AI prompt that turns car photos into cinematic DSLR shots
The trend started when users started sharing ChatGPT and Gemini Nano banana results from a simple creative cue: turning an ordinary car image into a “beautiful light photography effect with long light trails in the background, shot on a Canon DSLR at settings f/2.8, 10s shutter speed and ISO 900.”
Interestingly, the prompt gives everyday car photos a cinematic sheen, combining neon reflections, motion blur, and professional lighting that mimics real long-exposure techniques used by photographers. The effect is widely praised for its realistic depth, glossy highlights and moody atmosphere reminiscent of nighttime city shots.
AI artists and hobbyists alike use the idea to showcase their vehicles or projects with a professional flair – no camera equipment required. On platforms like Instagram, users are calling it “the DSLR illusion” because it makes AI car photography feel more authentic than ever.
I used the viral prompt and the results were shocking
Here's the Gemini Nano Banana prompt I used to turn my simple car image into a cinematic long-exposure portrait. “Makes my car look like I'm driving 160 degrees on the highway in rainy weather at night and under street lights. Use Canon camera settings with f2.8, shutter speed 10 seconds and ISO 900.” The results were shocking and the prompt is definitely recommended.
5 bonus prompts to turn simple car footage into viral footage
You can add more elements to your auto portrait based on the location and lighting. Here are five Gemini and ChatGPT prompts you can try as a bonus.
1. Twilight Highway cinematic ride
“Turn my car and me into a cinematic portrait on a misty mountain road at dusk – headlights cutting through the fog, faint rain on the windshield and glowing light trails in the background. Capture it like a Canon DSLR, shot at f/2.8, 10s shutter speed, ISO 900 with a soft vintage tint and reflections on wet asphalt.”
2. Vintage night racer in the rain
“Make my car look like I'm racing down a rainy city street at night – neon reflections bouncing off the wet road, motion blur and long trails of light behind it. Add a faint drizzle on the windows and a warm vintage glow, like a film photo taken with a Canon DSLR (f/2.8, 10s, ISO 900).”
3. Snowfall under street lights
“Transform my car photo into a tranquil winter night scene – light snow falling under golden street lamps, soft fog and long exposure lighting. Make it look cinematic with a cool vintage filter, realistic shadows and bokeh lights in the distance, as if it was shot with Canon DSLR settings (f/2.8, 10s, ISO 900).”
4. Aesthetic escape from the forest road
“Make my car and portrait look like I'm driving through a misty pine forest at dawn: fog around the headlights, soft golden sunlight peeking through the trees and motion blur from a slow shutter speed. Add cinematic light correction and Canon DSLR realism (f/2.8, 10s, ISO 900).”
5. Mountain dreamscape of the Golden Hour
“Turn my car photo into a dreamy cinematic scene on a mountain pass during golden hour: warm sunlight, drifting clouds, faint lens flares and a soft haze of dust or fog. Combine a vintage aesthetic with DSLR-style depth, long exposure trails and cinematic tones that feel like a movie poster.”
