Midjourney Photography Prompts: The Ultimate Guide to Creating Stunning AI Photos

Artificial Intelligence has transformed the realm of digital creativity as Midjourney is one of the strongest tools for AI-generated photography and art. If you’re a photographer, designer, or content creator, or just looking into AI, Midjourney offers endless possibilities for creating realistic photographs using the appropriate photography instructions.

We’ll discuss the best ways to write midjourney photography prompts The best ways to boost your results Examples of prompts that are different in style and also answer some often asked questions.

At the end of this article, you’ll be able to pinpoint how to design instructions that produce realistic, professional results.

Table of Contents

What Are Midjourney Photography Prompts?

MidJourney uses Discord and transforms plain text into stunning images. When dealing with photography prompts, the goal is to recreate the appearance and feel of a genuine camera shot. The suggestions are based on natural light, a clever depth, and a solid composition – whether you’re trying to create an atmospheric portrait, an expansive landscape, or a scathing street scene.

There are many occasions when they make reference to specific cameras like “shot on 35mm film,” or even lighting events like “golden hour.” Then come the moods – dramatic, seductive, or dreamy–that bring the photograph’s mood together.

With the newer versions like V6 as well as V6.1, MidJourney makes it possible for photographers to create professional-looking images without having to set foot into a studio or purchase expensive equipment.

How to Craft Effective Midjourney Photography Prompts

Crafting a great prompt starts with clarity and specificity. Midjourney interprets your text to generate images, so the more detailed and structured your prompt, the better the results. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Start with the Core Subject

Describe the main element clearly. For photography, use terms like “portrait of,” “landscape featuring,” or “close-up shot of” to set the scene.

2. Add Descriptive Details

Include aspects like:

Medium: “Photorealistic,” “hyper-realistic photo,” “35mm film photography.”
Environment: “Bustling city street,” “serene mountain lake,” “cozy indoor studio.”
Lighting: “Soft ambient light,” “golden hour sunset,” “harsh midday sun.”
Colors and Mood: “Vibrant tones,” “monochromatic black and white,” “melancholic atmosphere.”
Composition: “Wide-angle view,” “bokeh background,” “symmetrical framing.”

3. Avoid Common Pitfalls

Keep prompts concise; long lists can confuse the AI.
Focus on what you want, not what to exclude (e.g., avoid “no distortions”).
Use precise synonyms for better nuance (e.g., “enormous” instead of “big”).

4. Incorporate Styles and References

Reference real photographers or styles, like “in the style of Annie Leibovitz” for portraits or “National Geographic photography” for nature shots.

Key Parameters for Midjourney Photography Prompts

Parameters are added at the end of your prompt (e.g., –ar 16:9) to fine-tune outputs. Here are the most useful for photorealism:

–ar (Aspect Ratio): Controls image shape. Use –ar 2:3 for portraits or –ar 16:9 for landscapes.
–v (Version): Specifies the model. –v 6 or –v 6.1 for the latest realism enhancements, including better prompt coherence and in-image text.
–stylize (or –s): Adjusts artistic influence. Lower values (e.g., –s 100) for more realistic photos; higher for stylized looks.
–chaos (or –c): Adds variety. –c 10 for subtle variations in compositions.
–q (Quality): –q 2 for higher detail in photorealistic renders.
–sref (Style Reference): References a style code or image URL for consistent aesthetics, like cinematic or retro looks.

Example: “Portrait of an elderly woman in a rustic village, soft natural light, photorealistic –ar 1:1 –v 6 –s 250 –c 5”.

Best Practices and Tips for Photorealistic Results

Drawing from expert guides and user experiences, here are proven tips to achieve stunning photography in Midjourney:

Experiment with Realism Keywords: Avoid “hyper-realistic” if it leads to artificial looks; instead, use “natural photography” or “candid shot.”
Layer Details Gradually: Start simple, then remix with variations (use /remix in Discord).
Use Negative Prompts: Add –no [element] to exclude unwanted features, like –no blur for sharp focus.
Leverage V6 Improvements: Midjourney V6 offers better understanding of complex prompts, lifelike textures, and natural poses.
Combine with Image Prompts: Upload a reference photo and blend it with text for hybrid results.
Test Camera Angles: Keywords like “close-up,” “wide-angle,” or “birds-eye view” mimic real photography techniques.
Incorporate SREF Codes: For signature styles, use codes like –sref 1463695486 for orange-teal cinematic grading or –sref 1968687201 for golden hour effects.

Pro Tip: Join Midjourney’s Discord community for prompt-sharing channels to refine your skills.

60+ Best Midjourney Photography Prompt Examples

Here are categorized examples, inspired by top sources. Copy and paste them into Midjourney, adding parameters as needed.

Portrait Photography Prompts

Cinematic portrait of a young woman, Canon EOS R5, 50mm f/1.2 lens, shallow depth of field, golden hour lighting, ultra realistic
Black and white moody portrait, side lighting, Nikon Z9, fine art photography style, high contrast shadows
Editorial fashion portrait, Vogue style, Paris streets, Fujifilm GFX100, 85mm lens, cinematic tones
Studio headshot with softbox lighting, high resolution, natural skin texture, Sony Alpha A7R IV, professional portrait
Vintage 1970s Polaroid-style portrait, grainy texture, candid shot, soft focus, retro tones
Surreal double exposure portrait, trees blending with silhouette, artistic conceptual photography
Portrait of elderly man, rugged features, Rembrandt lighting, dramatic fine art look, Canon 5D Mark IV
Cinematic cyberpunk portrait with neon lighting, Tokyo night background, 35mm lens
Bohemian lifestyle portrait in natural daylight, outdoors in a meadow, Canon EOS R6, dreamy tones
Street fashion portrait, shallow DOF, colorful graffiti background, Leica M10, editorial styl

Street & Urban Photography Prompts

Candid street photo in Tokyo at night, neon lights reflecting on wet streets, Leica 35mm lens, cinematic noir style
Urban exploration photography, abandoned warehouse, moody tones, Sony A7 III, natural light
Rainy New York street at night, reflections on asphalt, cinematic lighting, high contrast
Candid photo of a street musician, natural golden hour light, film grain style
Minimalist architectural shot, modern skyscraper, clean lines, wide-angle lens, Fujifilm XT4
Moody urban nightscape, long exposure, glowing car lights, futuristic cyberpunk feel
Black and white documentary street photo of crowded market, candid expressions, Leica Monochrome style
Rooftop cityscape at dusk, drone aerial view, cinematic skyline, HDR style
Gritty alleyway street shot, editorial fashion model posing, urban tones, Canon R5
Street photo of Paris café, candid atmosphere, soft daylight, Fujifilm film simulation style
High-resolution, candid street photography of a bustling city market, urban energy, natural light –ar 16:9.
Rainy city street at night, neon reflections, people with umbrellas, moody atmosphere –v 6.
Black and white street scene in Tokyo, crowded crosswalk, dynamic motion blur –s 250.
Vintage car on a quiet suburban street, golden hour, photorealistic details –ar 4:3.
Market vendor in Marrakech, vibrant colors, close-up action shot –c 15.

Landscape Photography Prompts

Drone shot of Iceland waterfalls, wide-angle, epic cinematic landscape, misty atmosphere
Santorini cliffside houses, travel photography, bright daylight, vibrant tones, Sony A7R IV
Cinematic desert dunes at sunset, sweeping wide shot, dramatic sky, golden tones
Misty mountain landscape at sunrise, HDR photography, Canon EOS R6, high detail
Cinematic shot of the Great Wall of China at dawn, wide-angle travel photography
Lush rainforest with mist, aerial drone view, vibrant greens, cinematic atmosphere
Rocky coastline at sunset, waves crashing, long exposure photography, Canon 24mm lens
Swiss Alps snowy peaks, golden hour light, wide panorama, National Geographic style
Japanese cherry blossoms in spring, travel photo, Fujifilm XT3, cinematic pastel tones
Cinematic desert road trip, wide-angle landscape, 1970s film tones
Serene mountain lake at dawn, misty fog, vibrant reflections, photorealistic landscape –ar 16:9 –v 6.
Desert dunes under starry night sky, long exposure, deep blues and golds –s 150 –c 10.
Autumn forest path with falling leaves, soft diffused light, detailed foliage –ar 3:2.
Coastal cliffside during storm, crashing waves, dramatic clouds, hyper-realistic –v 6.1.
Snowy alpine peaks at sunrise, crisp details, panoramic view –ar 21:9 –s 100.

Nature and Wildlife Prompts

Close-up of a fox in snowy woods, sharp focus, bokeh background, wildlife photography –ar 1:1.
Tropical waterfall cascading into a clear pool, lush greenery, natural light –v 6 –s 100.
Herd of elephants at a watering hole, savanna sunset, detailed textures –ar 16:9.
Macro shot of a dew-covered spiderweb, morning light, intricate details –c 5.
Aurora borealis over Icelandic landscape, starry sky, long exposure effect –v 6.1.
Close-up wildlife photo of a lion, golden hour, National Geographic style, Canon telephoto lens
Colorful macaw in rainforest, natural daylight, Sony A7R IV wildlife lens, vibrant colors
Moody black and white elephant portrait, dusty savanna atmosphere, fine art photography
Macro shot of butterfly wings, extreme detail, Canon 100mm macro lens, natural light
Underwater shot of sea turtle swimming, GoPro Hero style, vivid coral reef colors
Wildlife photo of polar bear on ice, cinematic cold tones, Nikon telephoto lens
Candid wildlife capture of fox in snowy forest, golden backlight, high realism
Flock of flamingos in flight, wide-angle telephoto, vivid tones, National Geographic style
Macro photo of raindrop on a spiderweb, ultra detailed, soft natural daylight
Cinematic capture of a wolf pack in snowy wilderness, dramatic atmosphere, Sony Alpha style

Fashion and Editorial Prompts

Fashion photoshoot of a model in red lace bodysuit, black background, dramatic lighting –ar 9:16 –v 6.1″.
Urban streetwear model posing on city rooftop, golden hour, edgy vibe –s 200.
High-fashion editorial with abstract shapes, monochromatic tones, studio setup –ar 2:3.
Vogue-style portrait of brunette in silk gown, choker necklace, ethereal pose –v 6.
Group fashion shot in minimalist white space, bold colors, symmetrical composition.

Food Photography Prompts

Overhead flat-lay of gourmet pasta, rustic wooden table, natural daylight, Canon 5D Mark IV, styled props
Minimalist modern coffee cup shot, soft window light, Fujifilm film tones, editorial food photography
Luxury dessert close-up, shallow depth of field, cinematic studio lighting, Sony Alpha A7 IV
Street food photography, Indian spices market, vibrant tones, candid style
Rustic bakery bread loaf, natural daylight, Canon 85mm lens, moody tones
Commercial product photo of wine glass, softbox studio lighting, reflective highlights, minimal background
Artistic overhead shot of sushi platter, clean minimalist style, Nikon Z9
Macro shot of melting ice cream cone, high detail, playful summer mood
Editorial photo of breakfast table with pancakes, natural daylight, lifestyle photography style
Dark moody food photography, steak with dramatic shadows, cinematic vibe

Abstract and Experimental Prompts

Abstract close-up of water droplets on glass, macro lens, refractive light –ar 1:1 –c 20.
Surreal portrait with floating elements, dreamlike photography, soft focus –v 6 –s 300.
Black and white abstract architecture, geometric patterns, high contrast –ar 4:3.
Experimental light trails in urban nightscape, long exposure, vibrant hues.
Minimalist still life of fruits on a table, natural window light, sharp details.

Creative & Experimental Photography Prompts

Long exposure astrophotography of the Milky Way above desert dunes, cinematic tones
Cinematic underwater fashion photo, flowing fabric, ethereal lighting
Infrared landscape photo of forest, surreal colors, artistic photography style
Double exposure of city skyline blended with human silhouette, conceptual fine art photo
Cinematic cyberpunk city at night, neon reflections, photography realism style
Macro close-up of human eye, hyper-detailed iris, surreal tones
Experimental light painting photography, long exposure neon trails, Canon 24mm lens
Vintage 35mm film photo look, grain, scratches, candid street capture
Black and white high contrast boxing match photo, sports photography style
Conceptual minimalist still life with geometric shadows, fine art photography style
Moody drone shot of a storm approaching the coastline, cinematic atmosphere
Futuristic editorial photo with holographic effects, fashion magazine style
HDR photography of old European alleyway, golden evening light, travel photo style

For more, explore categories like architecture (“Modern skyscraper at dusk, reflective glass, wide-angle”) or food photography (“Close-up of gourmet sushi platter, studio lighting, appetising details”).

Note -
You can use the Midjourney Prompt Generator to enhance these prompts with more details and create the best visual art.

Advanced Techniques for Midjourney Photography Prompts

Style Blending: Combine styles, e.g., “Cinematic photography with retro-noir vibes –sref 1463695486”.
Prompt Weighting: Use :: to emphasize parts, like “Dramatic landscape::2 serene mood::1”.
Remixing and Upscaling: Use U1-U4 buttons to upscale, or V1-V4 for variations.
Ethical Use: Always credit AI generation; use for inspiration, not deception.
Integration with Other Tools: Edit Midjourney outputs in Photoshop for final touches.

FAQs

What is the best Midjourney version for photography prompts?

Midjourney V6 and V6.1 are ideal for photorealism, offering improved coherence and details.

How do I make Midjourney images look more realistic?

Focus on lighting, textures, and avoid over-stylization. Use low –stylize values and keywords like “photorealistic DSLR shot.”

Can I use Midjourney for commercial photography?

Yes, but check licensing. Generated images can replace stock photos for marketing.

Why do my prompts generate unnatural results?

Try simplifying the prompt or adjusting –chaos. Experimentation is key.

How do I access Midjourney?

Via Discord bot. Start with /imagine followed by your prompt.

What’s the difference between –sref and –v?

–sref applies a specific style code, while –v selects the AI model version.

Can Midjourney generate black and white photography?

Absolutely—add “black and white” or “monochrome” to your prompt.

Conclusion

Midjourney photography prompts unlock the ability to generate high-quality, realistic photos tailored to your vision. By combining camera settings, lighting styles, compositions, and genres, you can produce images that rival professional photography. Whether you’re creating fashion editorials, cinematic portraits, or breathtaking landscapes, Midjourney is your creative playground.

Start experimenting today with the example prompts above, refine them to match your unique style, and watch as your ideas come alive through AI-powered photography.