The Ultimate 2024 Guide: 50 Midjourney Prompts for Photorealism You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

Introduction

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 Details

Lighting 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 Flagships

Portrait & 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.

 

Read Also: The Ultimate Guide to Midjourney Prompts for Abstract Art That’ll Make Your Instagram Feed So Professional

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.

 

Read Also: The Ultimate 2024 Guide to Leonardo AI Anime Prompts: Create Stunning Art Like a Pro!

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.

 

Read Also: Transform Your Creativity: 30 Leonardo AI Artist-Inspired Prompts You Need to Try

Night & Astrophotography

Milky Way

Template:

• [Landscape element], details about the night sky, camera settings, mood, and technical details.

Example 1:

• Ancient desert rock formation, Milky Way core, starry sky, Nikon Z7, 14mm f/1.8, long exposure, astrophotography.

Example 2:

• 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.

Example 1:

• Tokyo cityscape, neon lights, light trails, foggy night, Canon R6, 24-70mm f/2.8, urban night photography.

Example 2:

• 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.

Example 1:

• Coral reef scene, turquoise clear water, with sun rays piercing the surface. Underwater housing, Nikon Z6, 14-24mm f/2.8.

Example 2:

• 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.

Example 1:

• Luxury sports car in a modern architectural background, shot at golden hour, Sony A7R IV, 24-70mm f/2.8, automotive photography.

Example 2:

• 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].

Example 1:

• Sports car on a coastal road, tracking shot in sunset light with motion blur, Nikon Z9, 70-200mm f/2.8, automotive photography.

Example 2:

• 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.

Example:

• 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.”

Uncommon Hands

• Use a “relaxed natural hand pose.”
• Define “sincere hand placement.”
• Introduce “subtle hand movement.”

Manmade Textures

• 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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