
Table of Contents
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Hey, creators! After an eternity of fiddling with prompts and pushing Midjourney to its limits, I am thrilled to show you how to create photorealistic images using Midjourney Prompts for Photorealism that will have your followers doing a double take. Whether you’re a noob or a seasoned prompt engineer, this in-depth guide will get you thinking differently about AI image creation.Fundamentals of Photorealism
Creating photorealistic images goes beyond simply adding descriptive words. It requires understanding the key components that make a photograph feel real:- Natural Light and Shadows
- Realistic Depth of Field
- Authentic Textures and Materials
- Good Proportion and Perspective
- Slight Imperfections
- Environmental Background
- Atmospheric Components
Essential Prompt Components
The General Formula:
Model + Scene + Light + Camera + Genre + Ambience + Technical DetailsLighting Terms
- Natural sunlight
- Golden hour glow
- Blue hour ambiance
- Studio lighting setup
- Rembrandt lighting
- Split light
- Softbox diffusion
- Ring light effect
- Backlight scene
- Rim light
Camera Settings Vocabulary
Key Technical Terms:
- Focal Length: 16mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, etc.
- Aperture: f/1.4, f/2.8, f/8, etc.
- ISO Settings: 100, 400, 800
- Shutter Speed References: Various scenarios
Cameras – Models:
Canon, Sony, Nikon FlagshipsPortrait & People Photography
Professional Headshots
Model Example 1:
- Prompt: Professional headshot of a woman CEO in her 40s
- Details:
- Smiling confidently
- Natural makeup
- Structured blazer
- Soft studio light at a 45° angle
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: 85mm f/1.4
- Background: Neutral gray, clean professional

Model Example 2:
- Prompt: Male entrepreneur, 30s
- Details:
- Real expression
- Casual business wear
- Window light from the left
- Camera: Sony A7IV
- Lens: 70-200mm f/2.8
- Setting: Environmental office with slight bokeh

Environmental Portraits
Template:
“Environmental portrait of a[n] [profession] in [location], [lighting], [pose], [camera settings], [atmosphere]”- Example 1: Environmental portrait of a chef in an industrial kitchen; morning light streaming through windows, candid cooking pose, Canon 5D Mark IV, 35mm f/1.4, with steam and motion, documentary style.

- Example 2: Artist in their studio; afternoon sunlight, vibrant ambiance, working on a canvas, Nikon Z6, 24-70mm f/2.8, realistic grading.

Landscape & Nature Photography
Epic Landscapes
Template:
“Type of location; landscape, weather, time of day, atmospheric elements, camera settings, style”- Example 1: Mountain landscape at sunrise with low-lying clouds, golden light on peaks, Sony A7R IV, 16-35mm f/2.8, HDR, polarized filter, high-end landscape style.

- Example 2: The stormy sea off the coast has dramatic clouds, crashing waves, and a moody atmosphere. The Canon EOS R6, 24mm f/1.4, has long exposure and is a fine art style.

Intimate Nature
Template:
“[Natural subject] in [setting], [lighting], [weather], [camera setup], [mood]”- Example 1: Dew on a spider’s web in the morning fog, backlit by sunrise, macro shot, Canon MP-E 65mm, extreme detail, natural bokeh.

- Example 2: Autumn leaves in a forest; soft diffused canopy light, slight motion, Nikon Z7, 105mm macro lens, shallow depth of field.

Architecture & Interior Photography
Exterior Architecture
Template:
“Architecture building style, time of day, weather, angle, camera settings, environment”- Example 1: Glass skyscraper at blue hour; clear sky, dramatic tilt-shift angle, Nikon D850, 24mm PC-E lens, urban setting.

- ExampleThe historic European cathedrals at golden hoit are ur; partly clothes a day, three-quarter viand has an ew, Sony A7R IV, 16-35mm f/4, tourists for scale.

Interior Design
Template
- Format: [Room type] interior, [lighting], [style], [camera settings], [atmosphere]
Examples
- Example 1: Luxury penthouse living room: natural light through the floor-to-ceiling windows, modern design. Canon R5 16-35mm f/2.8 Interior photography. Lifestyle staging.

- Example 2: Boutique Hotel Lobby, in Art Deco style. Sony A7III 24mm, f/1.4, HDR. Hospitality photography.

Product Photography
Commercial Products
Template
- Format: [Product type] on [surface], [lighting setup], [camera settings], [styling elements], [mood/finish]
Examples
- Example 1: Black marble luxury watch, studio professional light with rim light, Canon 5D Mark IV, 100mm macro f/2.8, reflective surface, splash of water, commercial product photography.

- Example 2: Premium smartphone-floating screen with edge lighting in a dark environment. Sony A7R IV, 90mm macro. Minimalist product photography.

Beauty Products
Statement
- Format: [Beauty product] with [props/elements], [lighting], [effects], [camera setup], [style]
Examples
- Example 1: Water droplets on skincare bottle, soft gradient lighting, crystal background; captured using Nikon Z7 105mm macro for cosmetic photography and a high-end beauty campaign.

- Example 2: Perfume bottle, morning dew, fresh flowers, backlit scene. Canon R5, 100mm macro, luxury product photography, ethereal mood.

Street & Documentary Photography
Urban Life
Template
- Format: City scenery, time of day, weather, human factors, camera settings, and style
Examples
- Example 1: Busy Manhattan intersection, blue hour with light rain; office workers walk by with open umbrellas. Reflections off the wet pavement. Leica Q2, 28mm, street photography.

- Example 2: Paris, cafe-terrace, early morning, foggy mood. Locals reading newspapers. Fujifilm X-Pro3, lens used: 23mm f/1.4. Documentary style.

Documenting Culture
Template
- Format: “Cultural event/scene, location, lighting, activity, camera setting, mood”
Examples
- Example 1: Traditional vendor at an Asian night market with neon lights and steam wafting from food stalls. Sony A7III, 35mm f/1.4, Photojournalistic.

- Example 2: Indigenous ceremony, golden hour light, ceremonial dress, outdoors. Canon R6, 70-200mm f/2.8, documentary photography.

Fashion & Editorial Photography
Haute Couture
Template
- Format: Model description, clothing, location/backdrop, lighting, camera settings, editorial style
Examples
- Example 1: Female model. Avant-garde dress. The roof of an urban building. Sunset illumination. Wind effect. Hasselblad X1D II, 90 mm f/2.8. High-end fashion editorial.

- Example 2: Tall, handsome model in bespoke suit, minimalist studio, dramatic side lighting. Canon R3, 85mm f/1.2. High-end fashion campaign.

Street Wear
Template
- Format: [Name], in [attire], [urban setting], daylight/night lighting, [camera setting], [movie style]
Examples
- Example 1: A young influencer in streetwear, against a Brooklyn brick wall background. Late afternoon sun. Sony A7IV, 35mm f/1.4. Urban fashion photography.

- Example 2: Fashion blog, winter clothing-layered, city street in the snow, natural light. Nikon Z6 II, 50mm f/1.8. Street fashion photography.

Food and Gastronomy Photography
Restaurant Dishes
Template
- Format: [Dish description], [plating details], [lighting setup], [camera angle], [style]
Examples
- Example 1: Michelin star plated, geometrical composition, soft overhead lighting. Canon R5, 100mm macro, pro food photography, shallow DoF.

- Example 2: Steaming hot, freshly prepared pasta; rustic wooden table, window directional light. Nikon Z7, 50mm f/1.8, food for life photography.

Beverage Photography
Template
- Format: “Liquid Type, Glass/Container Type, Light, Effects, Camera, Mood”
Examples
- Example 1: Crystal glass, filled with a cocktail; backlit ice with subtle smoke effects. Sony A7R IV, 90mm macro. Luxury drink photography.

- Example 2: Pour-over coffee, the light of morning, steam rising, white ceramic cup. Canon R6, 100mm macro, moody beverage photography.

Sport & Action Photography
Dynamic Sports
Template
- Format: [Sport], [action moment], [lighting], [camera setting], [movement effect]
Examples
- Example 1: Basketball player, mid-dunk, arena lighting, frozen in time, Nike jersey. Canon 1DX III, 70-200mm f/2.8, sports photography.

- Example 2: Soccer striker, rain, stadium lights, blurred ball motion. Sony A9 II, 400mm f/2.8. Professional sports photography.

Extreme Sports
Template
- Format: [Sport], [trick/action], [environment], [lighting], [camera setup], [style]
Examples
- Example 1: Snowboarder backcountry jump, golden hour light, powder spray. Nikon Z9, 14-24mm f/2.8, action sports photography.

- Example 2: Morning light, rock climber on overhang, dramatic cliff face. Sony A1, 16-35mm f/2.8, adventure photography.

Wildlife & Animals Photography
Wildlife Portraits
Template
- Format: [Animal], [behavior/pose], [habitat], [lighting], [camera settings], [mood]
Examples
- Example 1: African lion: profile of male; golden savanna grass; morning light. Canon R5, 600mm f/4, wildlife photography.

- Example 2: Flying snowy owl, winter scenery, overcast sky, snow particles. Nikon Z9, 800mm f/5.6, bird photography.

Macro Fauna
Template
- Format: [Small subject], [natural setting], [lighting], [camera setup], [details]
Examples
- Example 1: Iridescent butterfly on a flower, morning dew, soft backlighting. Canon MP-E 65mm, extreme macro photography.

- Example 2: Tree frog on a tropical leaf, droplets of rain, diffused light. Laowa 25mm ultra macro, highly detailed nature photography.

Night & Astrophotography
Milky Way
Template:- [Landscape element], details about the night sky, camera settings, mood, and technical details.
- Ancient desert rock formation, Milky Way core, starry sky, Nikon Z7, 14mm f/1.8, long exposure, astrophotography.

- Mountain lake with the reflection of northern lights and star trails, Sony A7S III, 24mm f/1.4, nightscape photography.

Urban Night
Template:- Cityscape, luminaries, weather conditions, shot values, mood.
- Tokyo cityscape, neon lights, light trails, foggy night, Canon R6, 24-70mm f/2.8, urban night photography.

- Manhattan skyline at blue hour with traffic trails. Sony A7III, 16-35mm f/2.8, city photography.

Underwater Photography
Marine Life
Template:- Sea life, water conditions, lighting, camera setup, effects.
- Coral reef scene, turquoise clear water, with sun rays piercing the surface. Underwater housing, Nikon Z6, 14-24mm f/2.8.

- Sea turtle portrait, blue water background, with natural light. Canon 5D IV, 16-35mm f/4, underwater photography.

Car Photography
Static Cars
Template:- Vehicle, location, lighting, camera setup, mood.
- Luxury sports car in a modern architectural background, shot at golden hour, Sony A7R IV, 24-70mm f/2.8, automotive photography.

- Classic car, urban road, late afternoon, neon details, Canon R5, 85mm f/1.2, automotive photography for cinematography.

Action Shots
Template:- [Vehicle], [kind of movement], [location], [camera settings], [effects].
- Sports car on a coastal road, tracking shot in sunset light with motion blur, Nikon Z9, 70-200mm f/2.8, automotive photography.

- Dirt track rallying with a rooster tail of dust particles, Canon R3, 400mm f/2.8, high-speed photography.

High-Tech Techniques
Atmosphere and Mood Elements
- Weather conditions
- Time of day
- Seasonal indicators
- Environmental effects
- Color temperature
- Emotional context
Blending Styles
Template:- Style 1 meets Style 2, Subject, Setting, Technical Details.
- Fashion meets street photography – urban dancer, rainy Tokyo streets, neon reflections. Sony A9II, 35mm f/1.4, cinematic color grade.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Common Problems and Solutions
Unreal Eyes- Add “natural eye reflection.”
- Describe “subtle catchlights.”
- Include “realistic iris detail.”
- Use a “relaxed natural hand pose.”
- Define “sincere hand placement.”
- Introduce “subtle hand movement.”
- Include “natural material properties.”
- Define “realistic texture detail.”
- Add “subtle surface imperfections.”
Workflow Optimization
Tips for Efficiency
- Build Template Libraries: Save your commonly used prompt formats.
- Test Systematic Variations: Explore new combinations systematically.
- Record Real Events: Use real-world inspiration for authenticity.
- Build Component Library: Save elements like lighting or stylistic phrases.
- Share and Collaborate: Grow through feedback and shared knowledge.
Conclusion
Writing photorealistic images in MidJourney is a blend of artistic expression and technical expertise. Use these templates as starting points, but don’t hesitate to experiment and develop your style.Final Tips:
- Start with a clear vision.
- Construct prompts systematically.
- Test, iterate, and learn from failure.
- Share findings with the community.
- Save successful prompts for future use—they are pure gold!
Frequently Asked Questions: Midjourney Prompts for Photorealism
What makes a Midjourney prompt photorealistic?
- Include key terms like:
- “Photoreal,” “photography,” or “photographic.”
- Technical details such as camera models (e.g., “shot on Canon 5D”).
- Lighting conditions like “natural lighting” or “golden hour.”
- Lens specifications, e.g., “85mm f/1.4.”
- Add descriptors like:
- “Hyperrealistic,” “ultra-detailed,” or “8K resolution.”
What are the best parameters for photorealistic portraits in Midjourney?
- Use these parameters:
- –ar 3:4 for aspect ratio.
- –q 2 for higher quality.
- –s 750 for stylization.
- Add details like:
- “Professional headshot,” “studio lighting,” and “shallow depth of field.”
- Specific features of the subject.
- “Volumetric lighting” and “subsurface scattering” for skin texture realism.
How do I avoid common artifacts in photorealistic Midjourney images?
- Keep prompts simple and balanced.
- Use negative prompts:
- “No distortions, no watermarks, no artifacts.”
- Focus on:
- Realistic lighting conditions.
- Avoiding extreme angles.
- Apply the –no parameter to exclude unwanted elements.
What reference images work best for photorealistic results?
- High-quality DSLR photographs with:
- Clear subjects.
- Professional lighting.
- Neutral backgrounds.
- Avoid:
- Heavily edited or filtered images.
- Ideal sources:
- Professional platforms like Unsplash or Getty Images.
How can I improve environmental photorealism in Midjourney?
- Include specifics like:
- Time of day, weather conditions, and seasons.
- Use architectural and nature photography terms:
- “Wide-angle lens,” “documentary style,” and “environmental photography.”
- Add depth with:
- “Atmospheric perspective” and “volumetric lighting.”
What’s the ideal prompt length for photorealistic results?
- Aim for 50-100 words.
- Focus on essential details:
- Subject, lighting, camera settings, and environment.
- Avoid overcrowding with unnecessary descriptors.
- Structure prompts from general to specific details.
Additional Questions
What are common mistakes to avoid in photorealistic Midjourney prompts?
- Overloading prompts with too many details.
- Using conflicting descriptors.
- Neglecting the importance of lighting and camera settings.
Can I use prompts for non-human subjects, like animals or objects?
- Yes, specify the subject clearly with details like:
- Type, pose, texture, and lighting.
- For animals: “Soft fur texture,” “catchlight in eyes.”
- For objects: “Metallic reflections,” “natural shadows.”
How can I refine my prompt based on the results?
- Analyze output and adjust:
- Add or remove specific details.
- Use the –v parameter to modify variations.
- Experiment with camera settings, lighting, and resolution keywords.
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