# Reference image

> A reference image is a picture supplied alongside a prompt so the model holds something from it — a face, a product, a style — across new renders. It is the basis of character consistency in AI image and video.

For faces, a few clear photos hold identity through new poses, lighting and wardrobe. For products, a reference keeps the same object in every shot. In video, the first reference becomes the start frame of an image-to-video clip.

## On eroq

Up to four references per image render; a Character's photos are references automatically when @mentioned; in video the first reference drives image-to-video.

## FAQ

### How many reference photos should I use?

Two to four clear, well-lit photos of the same face are plenty.

## Related

- https://eroq.ai/tools/ai-character-creator — Characters
- https://eroq.ai/glossary/image-to-video — Image-to-video

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