Ready to move beyond basic prompts and create images so real they look like photographs? You’ve mastered the /imagine
command, but your results still have that telltale “AI art” aesthetic. You want photorealism—images that could fool a professional photographer.
The secret isn’t just in Midjourney’s powerful AI. It’s in how you communicate with it. The best Midjourney prompts follow specific patterns, use precise technical language, and leverage photography terminology that the AI understands intimately.
This isn’t just a list of prompts to copy and paste (though you can absolutely do that). It’s a comprehensive toolkit designed to teach you the structure, vocabulary, and techniques behind Midjourney photorealistic prompts that consistently deliver stunning, camera-quality results.
With Midjourney’s latest versions, particularly v6 and beyond, the platform has achieved unprecedented levels of photographic realism. Our comparison of Midjourney and Stable Diffusion explores why Midjourney’s aesthetic refinement makes it exceptional for this. If you’re new to prompting, our guide on how to use Midjourney covers the fundamental commands before you dive into these advanced techniques.
Let’s transform your prompts from amateur to professional.
The Anatomy of a Perfect Photorealistic Prompt
Before diving into the prompt library, understanding the structure behind realistic Midjourney prompts will multiply your success rate exponentially.

The Subject & Setting: Being Specific Is Key
Vague prompts yield vague results. Compare these two approaches:
❌ Weak: “a woman in a forest”
✅ Strong: “a young woman with auburn hair standing in a misty pine forest at dawn”
The difference: Specific details about the subject (age, hair color, expression) and setting (type of forest, weather, time of day) give Midjourney clear direction. The AI can’t read your mind—paint the picture with words.
Power words for subjects:
- People: weathered, elegant, contemplative, joyful, athletic
- Animals: majestic, playful, alert, resting
- Objects: vintage, sleek, ornate, minimalist, rustic
Camera & Lens Magic: Technical Photography Language
This is where amateurs separate from professionals. Midjourney was trained on millions of photographs with technical metadata. When you mention specific cameras, lenses, and film stocks, you’re speaking its native language.
Camera specifications that transform results:
- “shot on Sony a7R IV” (high-resolution, professional quality)
- “captured with Canon EOS R5” (color science, professional standard)
- “Hasselblad medium format” (exceptional detail, commercial quality)
- “Leica M10” (distinctive color rendering, street photography aesthetic)
Lens specifications for depth and style:
- “85mm f/1.4” (portrait compression, beautiful bokeh)
- “24mm f/2.8” (wide-angle environmental context)
- “50mm f/1.2” (natural perspective, shallow depth)
- “70-200mm f/2.8” (telephoto compression, sports/wildlife)
- “35mm f/1.4” (photojournalism standard, versatile)
Film stock references for authentic color:
- “Kodak Portra 400” (warm skin tones, portrait classic)
- “Fujifilm Velvia” (saturated landscapes)
- “Kodak Ektar 100” (fine grain, vivid colors)
- “Ilford HP5” (black and white, classic contrast)
The Power of Lighting: The Photographer’s Secret Weapon
Professional photographers know that lighting is everything. Midjourney responds beautifully to lighting descriptions.
Essential lighting keywords:
- Golden hour: Warm, soft light just after sunrise or before sunset
- Blue hour: Cool, atmospheric light at twilight
- Cinematic lighting: Dramatic, high-contrast Hollywood-style lighting
- Soft studio light: Even, flattering illumination with minimal shadows
- Rembrandt lighting: Classic portrait lighting technique with triangular cheek highlight
- Natural window light: Soft, directional indoor lighting
- Volumetric lighting: Light rays visible through atmosphere (god rays)
- Rim lighting: Backlight that creates an outline around the subject
- Hard shadows: Direct, contrasty light (noon sun)
- Diffused light: Soft, even illumination (overcast sky)
Essential Parameters for Photorealism
Midjourney’s parameters fine-tune your results:
–ar (aspect ratio):
--ar 3:2
(classic photography ratio)--ar 4:5
(portrait orientation, Instagram-friendly)--ar 16:9
(widescreen, cinematic)--ar 1:1
(square, product photography)
–style raw:
- Reduces Midjourney’s artistic interpretation
- Produces more literal, photographic results
- Essential for true photorealism
–v 6: (or latest version)
- Explicitly requests the newest model
- Better text rendering and photorealism
Example with parameters:
portrait of a chef in a professional kitchen --ar 4:5 --style raw --v 6
Portraits & People
These Midjourney photography prompts focus on human subjects with photographic authenticity.
Classic Portrait Photography
- Elderly Character Portrait
close-up portrait of an elderly fisherman with weathered face, detailed wrinkles, grey beard, wise eyes, dramatic side lighting, shot on Hasselblad medium format, 85mm f/1.4 lens, shallow depth of field --ar 4:5 --style raw

- Professional Headshot
corporate headshot of a confident businesswoman in her 40s, professional attire, natural smile, studio lighting with softbox, plain grey background, shot on Canon EOS R5, 85mm f/1.2 --ar 4:5
- Environmental Portrait
portrait of a craftsman jeweler at work in his studio, focused expression, tools and gemstones visible, natural window light from left, documentary photography style, shot on Leica M10, 35mm f/1.4 --ar 3:2 --style raw
- Golden Hour Portrait
outdoor portrait of a young woman with flowing auburn hair, wearing white linen dress, golden hour lighting, sun flare, dreamy atmosphere, shot on Sony a7R IV, 85mm f/1.4, bokeh background --ar 4:5
- Street Portrait
candid street portrait of a street musician playing saxophone in New Orleans, authentic moment, urban background slightly blurred, natural lighting, documentary style, Leica M10, 50mm f/1.4 --ar 3:2 --style raw
Fashion & Editorial
- High Fashion Editorial
editorial fashion portrait, model in avant-garde designer outfit, minimalist white studio, high-key lighting, shot for Vogue magazine, Hasselblad H6D, professional color grading --ar 4:5

- Moody Fashion Shot
cinematic fashion photography, model in black leather jacket, dramatic low-key lighting, smoke atmosphere, edgy aesthetic, shot on Canon EOS R5, 50mm f/1.2, film noir style --ar 3:2
- Natural Light Fashion
lifestyle fashion shot, model walking through Parisian street, candid moment, morning light, soft colors, shot on film Kodak Portra 400, 35mm lens, authentic street style --ar 4:5 --style raw
Lifestyle & Candid
- Family Moment
authentic family moment, parents playing with toddler in sunlit living room, genuine laughter, natural window light, warm atmosphere, lifestyle photography, shot on Sony a7 III, 35mm f/1.4 --ar 3:2 --style raw

- Athlete in Action
dynamic sports portrait, runner mid-stride during sunrise training, motion blur background, determined expression, golden hour lighting, shot on Canon EOS-1D X Mark III, 70-200mm f/2.8 --ar 16:9
- Café Culture
candid portrait of young creative working on laptop in artisan coffee shop, natural window light, shallow depth of field, authentic moment, shot on Fujifilm X-T4, 35mm f/1.4 --ar 4:5 --style raw
- Artist at Work
environmental portrait of painter in natural light studio, surrounded by canvases, paint-stained hands, focused expression, documentary style, shot on Leica M10, 28mm f/1.4 --ar 3:2
Character Studies
- Weathered Traveler
close-up portrait of elderly Tibetan monk, deeply lined face, prayer beads, saffron robes, dramatic side lighting, spiritual atmosphere, shot on Phase One, 80mm lens --ar 4:5 --style raw

- Young Professional
natural portrait of confident young architect, modern office background, casual professional attire, approachable expression, soft natural light, shot on Sony a7R IV, 50mm f/1.4 --ar 4:5
- Cultural Portrait
portrait of Maasai warrior in traditional attire, proud stance, African savanna background, golden hour light, cultural documentary style, shot on Nikon D850, 85mm f/1.4 --ar 3:2 --style raw
Beauty & Close-up
- Beauty Portrait
extreme close-up beauty shot, woman's face with perfect skin, natural makeup, soft diffused studio lighting, macro detail on eyes, shot on Phase One XF, 80mm macro lens --ar 4:5

- Authentic Emotion
intimate portrait capturing genuine laughter, joy-filled expression, bokeh background, natural moment, warm color palette, shot on Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 --ar 4:5 --style raw
- Dramatic Profile
artistic profile portrait, chiaroscuro lighting, half face in shadow, dramatic mood, black and white, film photography aesthetic, shot on Ilford HP5 film, 85mm lens --ar 4:5
Age & Character
- Child Portrait
natural portrait of curious 5-year-old child, innocent expression, eye-level perspective, soft window light, authentic childhood moment, shot on Sony a7 III, 50mm f/1.4 --ar 4:5 --style raw

- Senior Couple
heartwarming portrait of elderly couple holding hands, genuine affection, soft natural light, authentic emotion, lifestyle photography, shot on Canon EOS R5, 50mm f/1.2 --ar 3:2
Landscapes & Nature
These prompts capture the majesty of natural environments with photographic precision.
- Mountain Vista
sweeping aerial drone shot of Rocky Mountains at sunrise, misty valleys, volumetric lighting, epic landscape photography, shot on DJI Mavic 3 Pro, HDR processing --ar 16:9 --style raw

- Coastal Seascape
long exposure seascape, rugged coastline at sunset, smooth water, dramatic clouds, golden hour light, professional landscape photography, shot on Sony a7R IV, 16-35mm f/2.8 --ar 16:9
- Forest Atmosphere
misty morning in ancient redwood forest, volumetric light rays through fog, towering trees, mystical atmosphere, landscape photography, shot on Canon EOS R5, 24mm f/1.4 --ar 3:2 --style raw
- Desert Landscape
vast Sahara desert dunes at golden hour, warm color palette, long shadows, minimalist composition, fine art landscape, shot on Hasselblad X2D, 35mm lens --ar 16:9
- Waterfall Scene
powerful waterfall in lush tropical rainforest, long exposure smooth water, vibrant green vegetation, misty atmosphere, shot on Nikon Z9, 14-24mm f/2.8 --ar 3:2 --style raw
- Wildlife Landscape
African savanna at golden hour, acacia trees silhouetted against sunset sky, elephants in mid-ground, National Geographic style, shot on Canon EOS-1D X Mark III, 400mm f/2.8 --ar 16:9
- Aurora Borealis
northern lights dancing over Icelandic landscape, green and purple aurora, starry night sky, frozen lake reflection, astrophotography, shot on Sony a7S III, 14mm f/1.8 --ar 16:9 --style raw
- Autumn Colors
vibrant autumn forest landscape, peak fall foliage, misty morning light, colorful leaves, peaceful atmosphere, fine art landscape, shot on Fujifilm GFX 100S, 32-64mm lens --ar 16:9
- Alpine Lake
crystal clear alpine lake reflecting mountain peaks, turquoise water, morning light, pristine wilderness, Swiss Alps aesthetic, shot on Phase One, 28mm tilt-shift lens --ar 16:9 --style raw
- Storm Clouds
dramatic storm clouds over Great Plains, supercell formation, golden wheat fields, severe weather photography, epic scale, shot on Nikon D850, 24-70mm f/2.8 --ar 16:9
Street & Urban Photography
Capturing the energy and authenticity of city life.
- Tokyo Night Street
candid street photography in Tokyo at night, neon-lit alleyway, reflections on wet pavement, cinematic Blade Runner aesthetic, urban atmosphere, shot on Leica Q2, 28mm f/1.7 --ar 3:2 --style raw

- New York Rush Hour
busy Manhattan intersection at dusk, motion blur pedestrians, yellow taxi cabs, urban energy, street photography, shot on Fujifilm X-Pro3, 23mm f/1.4 --ar 16:9
- European Café Scene
intimate café scene in Montmartre Paris, morning light through windows, patrons reading newspapers, authentic French atmosphere, documentary style, shot on Leica M10, 35mm f/1.4 --ar 3:2 --style raw
- Urban Architecture
modern glass skyscraper reflecting clouds, geometric composition, minimalist urban architecture, blue hour lighting, architectural photography, shot on Canon TS-E 24mm tilt-shift --ar 4:5
- Market Street Scene
vibrant street market in Marrakech, colorful spices and textiles, vendor interactions, authentic cultural moment, documentary photography, natural light, shot on Sony a7 III, 35mm f/1.4 --ar 3:2 --style raw
- Underground Metro
atmospheric shot of commuter in empty metro station, cinematic lighting, urban solitude, moody color grading, urban documentary, shot on Fujifilm X-T4, 16mm f/1.4 --ar 16:9
- Graffiti Alley
urban street art in colorful graffiti alley, vibrant murals, texture and detail, afternoon light, street culture, shot on Canon EOS R5, 24mm f/1.4 --ar 3:2 --style raw
- City from Above
aerial cityscape of Hong Kong at twilight, dense urban architecture, glowing windows, blue hour atmosphere, drone photography, shot on DJI Inspire 3 --ar 16:9
- Rainy Street
rainy London street at night, reflections in puddles, red telephone booth, double-decker bus, moody atmosphere, cinematic look, shot on Leica Q2, 28mm f/1.7 --ar 3:2 --style raw
- Subway Portrait
candid moment of passenger reading on Tokyo subway, natural light through windows, authentic urban life, documentary style, shot on Ricoh GR III, 28mm equivalent --ar 4:5
Product & Food Photography
Commercial-quality shots for products and culinary subjects.
- Luxury Watch
minimalist product shot of luxury Swiss watch on marble surface, soft studio lighting, macro details visible, commercial photography style, shot on Phase One, 80mm macro --ar 1:1 --style raw

- Gourmet Dish
overhead food photography of gourmet pasta dish, rustic wooden table, natural window light, garnish details, restaurant quality, shot on Sony a7R IV, 50mm macro f/2.8 --ar 1:1
- Craft Beer
product photography of craft beer bottle with condensation, dark moody lighting, wood background, commercial style, shot on Canon EOS R5, 100mm macro f/2.8 --ar 4:5 --style raw
- Fresh Ingredients
flat lay food photography, fresh organic vegetables on rustic cutting board, natural morning light, vibrant colors, farm-to-table aesthetic, shot on Fujifilm X-T4, 35mm f/1.4 --ar 1:1
- Perfume Bottle
elegant perfume bottle on silk fabric, soft diffused lighting, luxury product photography, minimal background, shot on Hasselblad H6D, 80mm lens --ar 4:5 --style raw
- Coffee Scene
artisan coffee in ceramic cup, steam rising, morning light, cozy café atmosphere, lifestyle product shot, shot on Sony a7 III, 50mm f/1.4 --ar 4:5
- Jewelry Macro
extreme macro shot of diamond ring, dramatic lighting highlighting facets, black velvet background, luxury jewelry photography, shot on Canon MP-E 65mm macro --ar 1:1 --style raw
- Dessert Close-up
close-up food photography of chocolate lava cake, melting center, powdered sugar, artistic plating, restaurant quality, shot on Nikon Z9, 105mm macro f/2.8 --ar 4:5
- Sneaker Product Shot
modern sneaker product photography, floating on gradient background, studio lighting, commercial style, high-end retail aesthetic, shot on Phase One, clean editing --ar 1:1 --style raw
- Wine Bottle
wine bottle with glass on vineyard background, golden hour light, depth of field, upscale commercial photography, shot on Canon EOS R5, 85mm f/1.2 --ar 3:2
Architectural & Interior Shots
Professional photography of spaces and structures.
- Scandinavian Living Room
interior photograph of modern Scandinavian living room, morning light streaming through large windows, minimalist decor, hygge atmosphere, wide-angle lens, shot on Sony a7R IV, 16-35mm f/2.8 --ar 16:9 --style raw

- Historic Cathedral
grand interior of Gothic cathedral, dramatic light rays through stained glass windows, architectural details, symmetrical composition, shot on Canon TS-E 17mm tilt-shift --ar 3:2
- Modern Kitchen
luxury modern kitchen interior, white marble countertops, natural wood cabinets, pendant lighting, architectural digest style, shot on Phase One, 24mm lens --ar 16:9 --style raw
- Minimalist Bedroom
serene minimalist bedroom, morning light, white linens, simple decor, peaceful atmosphere, interior design photography, shot on Hasselblad X2D, 35mm lens --ar 16:9
- Industrial Loft
urban industrial loft apartment, exposed brick walls, large factory windows, modern furnishings, afternoon light, architectural photography, shot on Canon EOS R5, 24mm tilt-shift --ar 16:9 --style raw
- Outdoor Architecture
modern architectural exterior, geometric concrete structure, dramatic shadows, blue sky, minimalist design, professional architecture photography, shot on Phase One, 28mm lens --ar 3:2
- Cozy Library
intimate home library with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, leather reading chair, warm lamp light, evening atmosphere, shot on Sony a7R IV, 24mm f/1.4 --ar 16:9 --style raw
- Hotel Lobby
luxurious hotel lobby interior, high ceilings, marble floors, dramatic chandelier, architectural symmetry, hospitality photography, shot on Hasselblad H6D, 24mm lens --ar 16:9
- Glass Building
contemporary glass office building at dusk, blue hour lighting, reflective surfaces, urban architecture, professional exterior photography, shot on Canon TS-E 24mm tilt-shift --ar 4:5 --style raw
- Rustic Cabin
cozy log cabin interior, stone fireplace, warm firelight, wood beam ceiling, mountain lodge aesthetic, shot on Nikon Z9, 14-24mm f/2.8 --ar 16:9
Creative Portraits
- Double Exposure Effect
creative double exposure portrait, woman's silhouette filled with forest landscape, dreamy artistic style, shot on film Kodak Portra 400 --ar 4:5

- Underwater Portrait
underwater portrait photography, woman in flowing white dress, sunlight rays through water surface, ethereal atmosphere, shot on Aquatica housing, 24mm lens --ar 4:5 --style raw
- Motion Blur Portrait
intentional motion blur portrait, subject sharp while background streaks, urban night scene, creative technique, shot on Sony a7S III, slow shutter --ar 3:2
Specialized Landscapes
- Milky Way Composite
Milky Way over desert rock formations, star trails, foreground lit with LED panel, astrophotography composite, shot on Sony a7S III, 14mm f/1.8 --ar 16:9 --style raw

- Tilt-Shift Miniature
tilt-shift photography of city street, miniature effect, selective focus, aerial perspective, creative technique, shot on Canon TS-E 90mm tilt-shift --ar 16:9
- Infrared Landscape
infrared photography of summer landscape, white foliage, surreal pink sky, artistic technique, dreamlike atmosphere, shot on modified Canon EOS R --ar 16:9 --style raw
Documentary Style
- Reportage Moment
decisive moment street photography, elderly men playing chess in park, authentic interaction, natural light, humanistic documentary style, shot on Leica M10, 35mm f/1.4 --ar 3:2 --style raw

- Cultural Festival
documentary photography of Holi festival celebration, vibrant colored powder in air, joyful participants, action moment, cultural authenticity, shot on Canon EOS-1D X, 24-70mm f/2.8 --ar 3:2
- Behind the Scenes
behind-the-scenes documentary shot of chef in Michelin-star kitchen, intense focus, action and movement, authentic moment, shot on Leica Q2, 28mm f/1.7 --ar 16:9 --style raw
Creative Lighting
- Bokeh Portrait
portrait with extreme bokeh, Christmas lights background completely out of focus, warm orbs of light, shot on Canon RF 85mm f/1.2, wide open aperture --ar 4:5

- Light Painting
light painting photography, person in dark environment, colorful light trails, long exposure artistic technique, shot on Sony a7 III, 24mm f/2.8 --ar 3:2 --style raw
- Silhouette Sunset
dramatic silhouette of lone tree against vibrant sunset sky, simple composition, landscape silhouette, shot on Nikon D850, 70-200mm f/2.8 --ar 16:9
Macro & Detail
- Insect Macro
extreme macro photography of butterfly on flower, compound eyes in sharp focus, natural background blur, wildlife macro, shot on Canon MP-E 65mm macro, focus stacking --ar 4:5 --style raw

- Texture Close-up
abstract macro of weathered wood grain, deep texture detail, natural patterns, minimalist composition, shot on Sony a7R IV, 90mm macro f/2.8 --ar 1:1
- Water Droplet
macro shot of water droplet on leaf, reflection visible inside droplet, morning dew, natural light, sharp detail, shot on Nikon Z9, 105mm macro f/2.8 --ar 4:5 --style raw
Action & Sports
- Surfing Action
dynamic surfing photography, surfer in barrel wave, turquoise water, frozen action, water droplets, shot on Canon EOS-1D X Mark III, 400mm f/2.8, 1/2000 shutter --ar 16:9

- Trail Running
trail runner ascending mountain path, dust kicked up, dramatic landscape background, action sports photography, shot on Sony a9 II, 70-200mm f/2.8 --ar 3:2 --style raw
- Skateboarding
skateboard trick mid-air, urban skatepark, frozen motion, wide-angle perspective, youth culture, shot on Nikon Z9, 14mm f/2.8, high shutter speed --ar 16:9
Automotive
- Classic Car Portrait
vintage 1960s Porsche 911, golden hour light, dramatic low angle, detailed chrome and paint, automotive photography, shot on Phase One, 35mm lens --ar 16:9 --style raw

- Motion Panning
motion panning shot of sports car, car sharp while background blurred, sense of speed, automotive action, shot on Canon EOS R5, 70-200mm f/2.8, 1/60 shutter --ar 16:9
Fashion Editorial
- Desert Fashion
high fashion editorial in desert setting, model in flowing designer gown, wind movement, dramatic sunset, Vogue aesthetic, shot on Hasselblad H6D, 80mm lens --ar 4:5

- Urban Fashion
street style fashion photography, model against colorful graffiti wall, natural confident pose, urban cool aesthetic, shot on Fujifilm X-T4, 56mm f/1.2 --ar 4:5 --style raw
Atmospheric Scenes
- Foggy Morning
minimalist landscape in dense fog, single tree emerging from mist, monochromatic palette, serene atmosphere, fine art photography, shot on Hasselblad X2D, 80mm lens --ar 16:9
- Rainy Window
intimate shot through rain-covered window, bokeh city lights background, water droplets in focus, melancholic mood, shot on Sony a7R IV, 50mm f/1.4 --ar 4:5 --style raw

- Smoke Atmosphere
portrait through colored smoke, ethereal atmosphere, creative lighting, fashion editorial style, dramatic mood, shot on Canon EOS R5, 85mm f/1.2 --ar 4:5
Wildlife
- Bird in Flight
wildlife photography of eagle in flight, wings spread, sharp detail on feathers, mountain background blurred, shot on Nikon Z9, 600mm f/4, 1/4000 shutter --ar 16:9 --style raw

- Lion Portrait
close-up wildlife portrait of male lion, detailed mane, intense gaze, golden hour light, African savanna, National Geographic style, shot on Canon EOS R5, 400mm f/2.8 --ar 4:5
Night Photography
- City Night Skyline
long exposure city skyline at night, light trails from traffic, illuminated buildings, vibrant colors, urban night photography, shot on Sony a7S III, 24mm f/1.4 --ar 16:9

- Star Trails
long exposure star trails over mountain landscape, circular pattern around north star, foreground lit, astrophotography, shot on Nikon D850, 14mm f/2.8 --ar 16:9 --style raw
Black & White
- Film Noir Portrait
dramatic black and white portrait, high contrast lighting, film noir aesthetic, mysterious mood, classic Hollywood style, shot on Leica M10, 50mm f/1.4 --ar 4:5

- Street Scene B&W
black and white street photography, elderly couple walking hand in hand, emotional moment, documentary style, shot on Ilford HP5 film, 35mm lens --ar 3:2 --style raw
Conceptual
- Levitation Portrait
creative levitation photography, person floating in minimalist room, surreal atmosphere, clean editing, conceptual art photography, shot on Canon EOS R5, 24mm f/1.4 --ar 4:5

- Reflection Symmetry
perfect symmetrical reflection in still water, mountain landscape, mirror image, minimalist composition, fine art landscape, shot on Phase One, 35mm lens --ar 1:1 --style raw
Seasonal
- Winter Wonderland
snowy forest landscape, fresh powder on pine trees, soft morning light, peaceful winter scene, cold color palette, shot on Sony a7R IV, 24-70mm f/2.8 --ar 16:9

- Spring Blossoms
cherry blossom trees in full bloom, soft pink petals, spring morning light, dreamy atmosphere, nature photography, shot on Fujifilm X-T4, 56mm f/1.2 --ar 4:5 --style raw
Abstract
- Color Explosion
abstract macro of oil in water, vibrant colors, organic patterns, psychedelic aesthetic, experimental photography, shot on Canon EOS R5, 100mm macro f/2.8 --ar 1:1

- Architectural Abstract
abstract architectural detail, geometric patterns, modern building facade, minimalist composition, blue sky contrast, shot on Hasselblad X2D, 80mm lens --ar 4:5 --style raw
Cinematic
- Film Scene Recreation
cinematic shot inspired by Blade Runner, neon-lit alley, rain and fog, moody color grading, film production quality, shot on ARRI Alexa, anamorphic lens --ar 16:9

- Western Landscape
cinematic landscape of Monument Valley at sunset, epic scale, warm color palette, classic Western film aesthetic, shot on Panavision, 35mm anamorphic --ar 16:9 --style raw
Final Prompts
- Misty Mountain
ethereal mountain landscape shrouded in morning mist, layers of peaks fading into distance, atmospheric perspective, tranquil mood, shot on Fujifilm GFX 100S, 100-200mm lens --ar 16:9

- Golden Wheat Field
endless golden wheat field at sunset, single path through crops, warm evening light, peaceful rural scene, landscape photography, shot on Canon EOS R5, 24mm f/1.4 --ar 16:9 --style raw
Conclusion: Your Photorealistic Prompt Formula
You now have 101 copy and paste Midjourney prompts ready to use, but more importantly, you understand the anatomy of what makes them work.
Your Photorealistic Prompt Formula:
- Specific subject and setting details (not vague generalities)
- Technical photography language (cameras, lenses, film stocks)
- Precise lighting descriptions (golden hour, cinematic, soft studio)
- Appropriate parameters (–ar for ratio, –style raw for realism)
- Quality indicators (shot on professional equipment)
Mix and match these elements to create unlimited variations:
- Take the lighting from one prompt
- Combine it with the camera specs from another
- Swap the subject but keep the technical approach
- Adjust the aspect ratio for your specific needs
Pro tips for maximum photorealism:
- Always include
--style raw
to reduce Midjourney’s artistic interpretation - Specify exact camera models and lenses when possible
- Describe lighting conditions in photographer’s language
- Use film stock references for authentic color palettes
- Include quality descriptors like “sharp focus,” “detailed,” “professional”
Remember, these Midjourney v6 prompts (and beyond) are starting points for your creative journey. The more you experiment, the better you’ll understand how specific keywords influence results. Save your favorites, note what works, and build your personal prompt library.
Ready to take your skills even further? Explore advanced Midjourney techniques in the official Midjourney documentation to discover features like image prompting, remix mode, and style references that can elevate your photorealistic creations to the next level.
The camera is in your hands—or rather, in your prompts. Start creating images that blur the line between AI generation and professional photography
Top Prompts for Photorealistic Midjourney Images

Elderly Character Portrait Prompt
A detailed prompt for creating a photorealistic close-up portrait of an elderly fisherman, specifying weathered features, dramatic lighting, and professional camera settings like a Hasselblad medium format.
This prompt structure is highly effective for generating character-rich portraits with incredible detail and professional-grade lighting, especially when using '--style raw'.
Editor’s Rating:
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Mountain Vista Landscape Prompt
A prompt designed for epic landscape photography, using keywords like 'sweeping aerial drone shot,' 'misty valleys,' and 'volumetric lighting' to produce stunning, high-resolution mountain scenes.
Excellent for creating cinematic and atmospheric landscapes. Combining drone shot terminology with specific lighting conditions yields consistently impressive results.
Editor’s Rating:
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Tokyo Night Street Photography Prompt
A prompt for capturing a cinematic, neon-lit Tokyo street scene. It uses stylistic keywords like 'Blade Runner aesthetic' and 'reflections on wet pavement' along with camera specifics like a Leica Q2.
This prompt masterfully blends setting, mood, and technical specifics to produce atmospheric urban nightscapes that are rich in detail and cinematic quality.
Editor’s Rating:
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Luxury Product Photography Prompt
A commercial-quality prompt for a minimalist product shot of a luxury watch. It specifies soft studio lighting, macro details, and a Phase One camera to achieve a high-end, professional look.
Perfect for generating clean, professional product visuals. The combination of macro details and high-end camera terms produces results suitable for commercial use.