Things to try in MidJourney for more photorealistic images (with more than a little help from ChatGPT)
Mention the camera and lens
Midjourney responds well to photography terminology.
Examples:
Sony A7R V
Canon EOS R5
Nikon Z8
Hasselblad X2D
Lenses:
35mm
50mm
85mm portrait lens
135mm telephoto
Example:
photographed on a Canon EOS R5 with an 85mm f/1.4 lens
Describe realistic lighting
Good options include:
soft morning light
golden hour
overcast daylight
window light
diffused studio lighting
practical indoor lighting
cinematic natural lighting
Avoid vague phrases like:
epic lighting
magical lighting
Add camera settings
Examples:
f/1.8
ISO 100
shallow depth of field
natural bokeh
HDR
RAW photo
high dynamic range
Example:
f/2.8, ISO 100, shallow depth of field
Use realistic textures
Include details like:
visible skin pores
natural skin texture
subtle imperfections
individual hair strands
realistic fabric weave
weathered wood
scratches
dust particles
These make images much more convincing.
Avoid AI giveaway words
Instead of:
fantasy
ultra detailed
masterpiece
trending on ArtStation
Use:
documentary photography
editorial photography
lifestyle photography
candid portrait
environmental portrait
Describe composition
Examples:
eye-level shot
waist-up portrait
close-up
medium shot
full-body
rule of thirds
candid composition
off-center framing
8. Use the right aspect ratio
Examples:
–ar 3:2 (camera look)
–ar 4:5 (portrait)
–ar 16:9 (landscape)
–ar 1:1 (Instagram)
9. Lower the stylization
For realism, reduce Midjourney’s artistic interpretation.
Example:
–stylize 50
or even
–stylize 0
Higher stylization often produces a more artistic rather than photographic result.
Include negative constraints
Use –no to reduce unwanted elements.
Examples:
–no cartoon
–no CGI
–no illustration
–no painting
–no anime
Example prompts
A reliable structure is:
Subject + Action + Environment + Lighting + Camera + Lens + Composition + Realistic textures + Color grading + Midjourney parameters
For example:
Young chef plating fresh pasta in a modern restaurant kitchen, candid editorial photography, warm practical lighting, Canon EOS R5, 50mm f/1.2, eye-level composition, natural skin texture, realistic steam, subtle filmic color grading, RAW photo, –ar 3:2 –stylize 50 –no CGI –no illustration
