Picture Writing Prompts

Study the image of an empty lighthouse at dusk. Who was the last keeper, and why did they leave?

A photograph shows a child's red umbrella in a forest clearing. Write the story of how it got there.

An image shows a table set for twelve with only one chair occupied. Write the story of the meal.

A polaroid captures a laughing couple on a fire escape. Write the conversation they were having.

An aerial photo shows a town built in a perfect circle. Write about the person who designed it.

A black-and-white image shows two hands reaching toward each other but not quite touching.

A photo captures a door painted twelve different colors. Write about the person who lives behind it.

An old photograph shows a woman standing in front of a shop with no name. Write about the shop.

A misty mountain path disappears into fog. Write the story of who is walking it and why.

A window lit orange in an otherwise dark city building. Who is still awake, and what are they doing?

A boat tied to a dock, its passengers gone. Write the story of their journey.

A child presses her face against a toy store window after closing time. What does she see?

An image of a library with a single candle burning on a reading table in the dark.

Two shadows on a wall — no people visible. What are they saying to each other?

A jar of fireflies on a summer windowsill. Write about the person who caught them and why they will let them go.