What Is a Pose Reference in Nomi Art?
A pose reference is an image you upload to guide the generator toward a specific body position, action, or composition. It helps communicate body language, gesture, and framing when text descriptions alone might not be precise enough.
Pose references don’t control facial features or identity—they guide pose and composition only.
Why Pose References Improve AI Girlfriend Pictures
Text descriptions of poses can be ambiguous. “Standing gracefully” could mean many things. A reference image clarifies:
- Exact body positioning and angle
- Where limbs are placed
- Direction character is facing
- Overall composition and framing
- Dynamic movement or action
- Spatial relationship to environment
This leads to more precise and satisfying results, especially for complex poses or dynamic actions.
How to Add a Pose Reference
Step 1: Open Nomi Art
Select the palette icon and enter Nomi Art screen.
Step 2: Find Reference Option
Look for “Pose Reference,” “Upload Reference,” or similar option in the image generation interface.
Step 3: Select Image
Choose an image from your device showing the pose you want. This could be:
- A photo of yourself or someone else in that pose
- A reference image from art websites
- A screenshot from media showing desired body positioning
- A royalty-free pose reference image
Step 4: Write Prompt
Describe the pose in words even after uploading the reference. This helps ensure the generator understands your intent.
Step 5: Generate
Submit the prompt and reference together. The generator uses both to create your image.
Match the Reference Image to Your Aspect Ratio
Aspect ratio compatibility improves results:
Vertical Reference (Portrait)
Use for vertical output (portrait framing). Works best for headshots, full-body standing poses.
Horizontal Reference (Landscape)
Use for horizontal output. Works well for full-body action, environmental scenes, wide compositions.
Square Reference
Use for square output. Works well for balanced centered compositions.
Mismatch example: A vertical pose reference matched with a requested horizontal output might cause composition issues.
Best practice: Choose reference and output format in the same orientation.
Describe the Pose in Your Text Prompt
Even with a reference image, describe the pose clearly in text:
Good Pose Description
“Sitting on bench with left leg crossed over right, left hand resting on thigh, right hand holding coffee cup, looking slightly to the left, relaxed open posture”
Weak Pose Description
“Sitting on bench”
Detailed text description + reference image = strongest results.
Best Pose Ideas for AI Companion Images
Sitting Poses
Café chair: Sitting upright on chair, one leg crossed, hand holding cup
Floor seated: Sitting on floor, legs crossed, relaxed posture
Bench: Sitting with legs extended, leaning slightly back
Couch: Sitting curled up, knees drawn toward chest, comfortable position
Standing Poses
Casual standing: Standing naturally, one leg slightly forward, arms at sides
Leaning: Standing while leaning against wall or object, relaxed confident pose
Hands in pockets: Standing with hands casually in pockets, relaxed attitude
Arms crossed: Standing with arms crossed, thoughtful or confident expression
Walking Poses
Casual walk: Walking naturally down path, arms swinging gently
Confident stride: Walking with purposeful pose, strong posture
Relaxed stroll: Walking slowly, looking around, exploring atmosphere
Lying Down
On back: Lying on back, head on pillow or surface
On side: Lying on side, head resting on arm
Curled up: Lying in fetal position, comfortable cosy pose
Action/Dynamic Poses
Reaching: Arm extended upward or outward, dynamic reaching gesture
Jumping: Mid-jump pose, arms and legs in dynamic positions
Dancing: Dynamic dancing pose with arm movements
Spinning: Pose suggesting rotation or movement, flowing hair/clothes
Intimate Poses
Close to camera: Facing toward viewer, intimate framing
Looking over shoulder: Turned away with head looking back
Hand to face: Thoughtful pose with hand touching cheek or hair
Pose Reference Prompt Examples
Reference: Someone sitting on bench
Prompt: “wearing denim jacket, sitting on park bench in fall, autumn leaves around, peaceful smile, one arm resting on bench, afternoon golden light, realistic portrait”
Reference: Someone dancing
Prompt: “wearing flowing dress, dancing joyfully, arms raised, happy expression, soft ambient lighting, cosy home setting, dynamic joyful movement”
Reference: Someone lying down
Prompt: “wearing cosy sweater, lying on bed with pillow, peaceful smile, bedroom with soft warm lighting, relaxed comfortable pose, intimate cosy mood”
Reference: Standing pose
Prompt: “wearing elegant dress, standing gracefully with hand at side, confident gentle expression, natural soft lighting, formal elegant aesthetic”
Common Pose Reference Mistakes
Mistake: Using Real Celebrities or Identifiable People
Problem: Raises ethical concerns about consent and identity
Solution: Use your own photos, royalty-free images, or non-identifying references
Mistake: Mismatched Aspect Ratios
Problem: Reference and output format don’t align, causing composition issues
Solution: Match reference aspect ratio to requested output format
Mistake: Contradictory Prompt + Reference
Problem: “Sitting on bench” pose reference but prompt says “standing and running”
Solution: Ensure text description matches the reference pose
Mistake: Unclear Reference Image
Problem: Reference is blurry, cluttered, or unclear
Solution: Use clear, well-framed reference images with obvious pose
Privacy and Consent When Using Reference Images
Do use:
- Your own photographs
- Royalty-free pose reference images
- Stock photos with commercial license
- Public domain images
- Art reference poses that are clearly stylized/non-photographic
Do not use:
- Photos of private individuals without consent
- Copyrighted images without permission
- Celebrities or public figures (raises ethical issues)
- Images you don’t have rights to
Remember: Uploading a reference doesn’t grant you rights to that person’s likeness. Respect privacy and consent when selecting references.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Pose References Control Facial Features?
No. Pose references guide body position and composition only. Your Nomi’s appearance notes and established features remain consistent.
Can I Use Multiple Pose References?
Most versions allow one reference per generation. Use sequential generations with different references if you need to test multiple poses.
What If the Pose Doesn’t Generate Correctly?
Try simplifying your text description, ensuring your written prompt matches the reference, or choosing a clearer reference image. Iterate if needed.
How Detailed Should Pose References Be?
Clear and obvious is best. The generator needs to understand the action quickly. Avoid cluttered or ambiguous reference images.
Mastering Pose References
Pose references are powerful tools for achieving specific compositions. Combined with clear text descriptions, they create your exact vision. The best results come from matching reference precision with detailed prompt writing.
Last Updated: October 2026 | For adults 18+ only