Nico’s Midjourney Prompt Walk-Through

If you want to create realistic images using AI, Midjourney is the perfect tool for you. However, it might be challenging to use its prompts effectively. Here's a simple technique called "Additive Prompting" that can help you get started:

1. Start small.

Don't try to create the perfect image right away. Begin with a basic prompt and build upon it.

2. Add new variables gradually.

Try out different variables like film type, mood, lighting, and atmosphere. Keep a record of the variables you're trying and the images you're getting.

3. Pay attention to the details.

Every word counts in Midjourney prompts. Once you find the variables you like, play around with them by changing the order, swapping out synonyms, or adding/subtracting words.

4. Mix and match.

Now you have a list of variables to mix and match. Experiment with different combinations to get various outcomes.

An example

Additive Prompting for Coffee-Drinking Scene

1. Start by describing the location. Where is the person drinking coffee? Are they in a cafe, at home, or in a park?
2. Indicate the time of day. Is it morning, afternoon, or evening?
3. Describe the person's posture. Are they sitting, standing, or leaning?
4. Specify which hand the person is using to hold the coffee. Is it their left or right hand?
5. Describe the cup or mug the person is using. Is it ceramic, paper, or glass? What color is it?
6. Specify the type of coffee being consumed. Is it espresso, latte, cappuccino, black coffee?
7. Describe the person's facial expression. Are they happy, content, thoughtful, or focused?
8. Mention the clothes the person is wearing. Are they dressed casually, formally, or in specific colors or patterns?
9. Describe the person's hairstyle. Is it short, long, curly, straight, or in an updo?
10. Mention any notable features in the background. Are there plants, art, other people, or furniture?
11. Describe the lighting in the scene. Is it natural sunlight, dim, artificial, or warm?
12. If the scene is outdoors, mention the weather conditions. Is it sunny, cloudy, rainy, or snowy?
13. Note any accessories the person might be wearing. Do they have glasses, a hat, scarf, or jewelry?
14. Mention any other objects the person might be interacting with. Do they have a newspaper, smartphone, or book?
15. Describe the person's approximate age and gender. Are they a young adult female, middle-aged male, etc.?

Use these prompts to create a coffee-drinking scene with Midjourney. Remember to start small and gradually add new variables. Pay attention to details and mix and match different variables to get various outcomes.

Why Use Specific Cameras and Lenses for Different Scenarios?

Throughout my journey, I've discovered that the choice of camera and lens can significantly alter the visual storytelling of a scene. It's not merely about capturing a scene, but also about how it's perceived by the audience. This post aims to provide some insights into the best professional cameras and lenses for various scenarios, and to help you understand why these selections can bring an extra level of refinement to your project.

Why Camera Angle and Shot Type Matter

The camera angle and shot type you select can dramatically affect the viewer's interpretation of a scene. Here's why I recommend these particular combinations:

Eye-Level Shot: Sony Alpha a7 III camera with a Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS lens. This setup provides a realistic view as it mimics how we usually perceive the world.

Low-Angle Shot: Sony Alpha a7 III camera with a Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM lens. This combination creates an impression of dominance or authority.

High-Angle Shot: Nikon D850 camera with a Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR lens. This setup tends to make the subject appear weak, vulnerable, or insignificant.

Extreme Low-Angle Shot: Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM lens on a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV camera with a low-angle tripod. This gear setup emphasizes the environment around the subject and is excellent for dramatic effects.

Extreme High-Angle Shot: Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM lens on a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV camera with a high-angle tripod. This combination is great for establishing the setting or showing the scale of a scene.

Side-Angle (Side-View): Panasonic Lumix GH5S camera with a Panasonic Lumix 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens. This setup offers a balanced perspective and doesn't confer any special status to the subject.

Why Lighting Conditions Matter

Different lighting conditions require different cameras and lenses to achieve the best results. Here's why these are my top picks:

Sunny: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV camera with a Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lens. This combination can handle the high contrast and bright conditions of a sunny day.

Partly Cloudy: Nikon D850 camera with a Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR lens. This setup has a high dynamic range, ideal for capturing scenes under variable lighting conditions.

Rainy: Sony Alpha a7 III camera with a Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM lens and waterproof housing. This combination is perfect for capturing wider scenes even in wet conditions thanks to its weather-resistant design.

Overcast: Panasonic Lumix GH5S camera with a Panasonic Lumix 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens. This camera handles low contrast scenes well, making it suitable for overcast conditions.

Foggy: Sony Alpha a7R IV camera with a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens. This camera's high resolution combined with the lens's long focal length can cut through fog and maintain detail.

Hazy: Canon EOS R6 camera with a Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens. This combo is great for capturing wide, atmospheric shots in hazy conditions due to its wide zoom range and image stabilization.

Remember, these are just recommendations based on my experiences. Feel free to experiment with different camera settings, angles, and lenses to create your unique visual style.

Why Time of the Day Matters

The time of the day affects the lighting conditions, colors, and overall mood of a scene. Here's why these camera and lens combinations are ideal for different times:

Sunrise: Sony A7R IV camera with a Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM lens. This setup captures the wide range of colors that sunrise brings, from the cool blues to warm oranges.

Morning: Fujifilm X-T4 camera with a Fujinon XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR lens. This combination provides a wide zoom range and excellent sharpness, perfect for the clear light of a morning.

Afternoon: Sony A7 III camera with a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens. This setup handles harsh midday light well and offers a versatile zoom range for various subjects.

Golden Hour: Canon EOS R5 camera with a Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM lens. This combo captures the warm, soft light and long shadows characteristic of the golden hour.

Sunset: Sony A7R IV camera with a Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM lens. This setup is excellent for capturing the wide expanse of a sunset with beautiful color rendering.

Twilight: Panasonic Lumix S1H camera with a Panasonic Lumix S Pro 50mm f/1.4 lens. This combination excels in low-light conditions, preserving detail and color in twilight scenes.

Night: Sony A7S III camera with a Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art lens. This setup is perfect for capturing detail in low-light conditions, with a fast lens that can gather more light.

Why Ambiance & Styling Matter

The camera and lens you choose can greatly influence the ambiance and styling of your shots. Here's why these setups are my recommendations:

Dark and Moody: Sony a7S III with Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA lens. This combination delivers excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field, ideal for creating a dark and moody atmosphere.

Bright and Vibrant: Canon EOS R6 with Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM lens. This combo is great for wide-angle shots and provides vibrant colors and contrast.

Fantasy: Fujifilm X-T4 with Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R lens. The lens's large aperture creates a soft bokeh effect, which can help create a dreamy or fantastical mood.

Historical: Fujifilm GFX 100S with Fujinon GF 23mm f/4 R LM WR lens or Nikon Z7 II with Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S lens. Both of these setups offer high resolution and excellent dynamic range, capturing the texture and detail important in historical settings.

Adventure/Action: GoPro HERO10 Black. This camera is compact, robust, and can capture high-quality footage in challenging conditions, making it perfect for action and adventure scenes.

Horror: Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro with Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens. This combo offers excellent low-light performance and cinematic depth of field, helping to create suspenseful and eerie scenes.

Mystical: Nikon D6 with Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED lens. This combination's wide aperture and excellent low-light performance can help create an otherworldly or mysterious atmosphere.

Romantic: Canon EOS R with Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM lens. The large aperture of this lens produces

Shot Types

Point-of-view shot (POV shot): A shot that represents the perspective of a character, as if the audience is seeing what the character is seeing. It's a powerful tool for fostering empathy and immersion in a narrative.

NOTE: A point-of-view shot, when used correctly, can be a powerful storytelling tool. However, it may not always yield the desired result. It is recommended to use specific cues in your prompt to make it more clear, such as "POV shot of a man looking at a letter in his hands."

Long shot (or full shot): A shot that captures the entire subject, from head to toe, within their environment. It's often used to show the subject in relation to their surroundings.

NOTE: A long shot may sometimes overlap with a wide shot in terms of the visual area covered. However, the key difference lies in the focus of the shot. A long shot focuses more on the subject, while a wide shot emphasizes the environment.

Master shot: A shot that includes all of the key elements or characters in a scene. It's often used at the beginning of a scene to establish the spatial relationships between the characters and their surroundings.

NOTE: The "master shot" term is not consistent. It can sometimes yield results similar to a wide shot or a long shot. However, when used correctly, it can provide a comprehensive view of a scene.

Two-shot: A shot that includes two subjects, often used in conversations or interactions between two characters.

NOTE: Two-shot prompts tend to work well, especially in the context of dialogue scenes. However, the positioning of the characters (side-by-side, one behind the other, etc.) may vary depending on the context provided in the prompt.

Three-shot: Similar to a two-shot, a three-shot includes three subjects in a single frame. It's often used to depict interactions among a small group of characters.

NOTE: Like the two-shot, the three-shot tends to yield satisfactory results when used in the appropriate context.

Establishing shot: A shot typically at the beginning of a scene that sets up the context by showing the relationship between the characters and their environment.

NOTE: The establishing shot is often a wide or extreme wide shot. However, the focus of an establishing shot is more on setting the scene and providing context than emphasizing the subject or the environment. The results may vary depending on the specific context provided in the prompt.

Insert shot: A shot that focuses on a specific object or detail within a scene, often to highlight its importance or relevance to the story.

NOTE: The insert shot can be tricky to use effectively. It's important to provide a clear and specific context in your prompt to get the desired result. For example, "Insert shot of a key turning in a lock."

Cutaway shot: A shot that cuts away from the main action to show a different activity or detail, often to provide additional information or enhance the narrative.

NOTE: Cutaway shots can be quite effective when used properly, but they may require a more complex narrative structure to yield the desired results.

Reveal shot: A shot that starts with a close-up and then pulls back to reveal more of the scene, often used to surprise the audience or reveal new information.

NOTE: The reveal shot can be a powerful storytelling tool, but it may not always yield the desired result. It is recommended to use specific cues in your prompt to make it more clear, such as "Reveal shot of a room filled with hidden treasure."

These are some of the most commonly used shot types in cinematography. While this list is not exhaustive, it should provide a good starting point for anyone interested in exploring the power of visual storytelling. Remember, the key to effective cinematography is not just knowing these terms, but understanding how to use them to serve your story

Color Temperature

Color temperature refers to the color of the light source, which can range from warm (yellow/red) to cool (blue). It's measured in Kelvin (K), and can significantly affect the mood and atmosphere of your image.

"Warm Light" or "Golden Hour" - This refers to the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset, where the light is soft, warm, and flattering. The warm tones can create a cozy, romantic, or nostalgic mood.

"Cool Light" or "Blue Hour" - This refers to the period of twilight in the morning or evening when the Sun is below the horizon and the residual sunlight takes on a predominantly blue hue. This can create a calm, serene, or melancholic mood.

"Daylight" - This is the natural light during the day, which is typically neutral and balanced. It can create a clear, bright, and realistic mood.

"Fluorescent Light" - This is a type of artificial light that can vary in color temperature but often gives off a cool, slightly greenish hue. It can create a modern, clinical, or sometimes eerie mood.

"Neon Light" - Neon lights can come in a variety of colors, from bright pinks and blues to soft whites and yellows. They can create a vibrant, exciting, or futuristic mood.

"Firelight" or "Candlelight" - These are warm light sources that can create a rustic, romantic, or mysterious mood.

Shadows & Highlights

Shadows and highlights are created by your light source and can add depth, contrast, and interest to your image.

"Hard Shadows" - These are created by a strong, direct light source like the sun or a spotlight. They have a sharp, well-defined edge.

"Soft Shadows" - These are created by a diffuse, indirect light source like an overcast sky or a softbox. They have a smooth, gradual edge.

"High Contrast" - This is when there's a significant difference between the darkest and lightest parts of your image. It can create a dramatic, intense, or dynamic mood.

"Low Contrast" - This is when there's a small difference between the darkest and lightest parts of your image. It can create a soft, calm, or dreamy mood.

"Silhouette" - This is when your subject is backlit and appears as a dark shape against a lighter background. It can create a mysterious, dramatic, or artistic mood.

Special Lighting Effects

There are many ways to use lighting to create special effects or enhance your image.

"Bokeh" - This is the aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus parts of an image produced by a camera lens. It's often used to create a soft, dreamy, or romantic mood.

"Lens Flare" - This is created when light is scattered or flared in a lens system, often in response to a bright light. It can create a dreamy, vibrant, or vintage mood.

"Starburst Effect" - This is created when a bright light source like the sun is captured at a small aperture, causing it to appear as though it's radiating lines. It can create a dynamic, exciting, or festive mood.

"Light Trails" - These are created by a long exposure or slow shutter speed. They can create a dynamic, exciting, or futuristic mood.

"Light Painting" - This is a technique where exposures are made by moving a hand-held light source or by moving the camera. It can create a creative, artistic, or surreal mood.

"Rim Light" - This is a type of backlighting where the light source is placed behind the subject, illuminating the edges of the subject's silhouettes for a dramatic/moody effect.

"Light Reflection" - This is when

light bounces off a reflective surface to illuminate the subject. It can create a soft, natural, or interesting mood.

As with all aspects of visual storytelling, the key to effective lighting is not just knowing these terms, but understanding how to use them to serve your story. Experiment with different types of light, color temperatures, shadows, highlights, and special effects to see what works best for your narrative.

Adding Filmmaking

I have compiled a list of some of the greatest filmmakers, sorted by film genre. This list is obviously not complete, but it is a good starting point!

Action:

James Cameron (Terminator, Aliens)

Michael Bay (Bad Boys, Transformers)

John Woo (Hard Boiled, Mission: Impossible II)

Comedy:

Woody Allen (Annie Hall, Manhattan)

Mel Brooks (Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein)

Charlie Chaplin (The Gold Rush, City Lights)

Drama:

Martin Scorsese (Goodfellas, The Departed)

Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather)

Akira Kurosawa (Seven Samurai, Rashomon)

Fantasy:

Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit)

George Lucas (Star Wars, Indiana Jones)

Guillermo del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth)

Superhero:

Jon Favreau (Iron Man, The Mandalorian)

Sam Raimi (Spider-Man, Doctor Strange)

Patty Jenkins (Wonder Woman)

Horror:

Alfred Hitchcock (Psycho, The Birds)

John Carpenter (Halloween, The Thing)

Wes Craven (A Nightmare on Elm Street, Scream)

George A. Romero (Night of the Living Dead)

Musical:

Bob Fosse (Cabaret, All That Jazz)

Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge, The Great Gatsby)

Gene Kelly (Singin' in the Rain, An American in Paris)

Sci-Fi:

Ridley Scott (Alien, Blade Runner)

Stanley Kubrick (2001: A Space Odyssey)

Christopher Nolan (Inception, Interstellar)

Denis Villeneuve (Arrival, Dune)

James Cameron (Titanic, Avatar)

Steven Spielberg (E.T., Ready Player One)

Thriller:

David Fincher (Se7en, Gone Girl)

Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill)

M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense, Split)

Western:

Sergio Leone (The Good, the Bad and the Ugly)

John Ford (The Searchers, Stagecoach)

Clint Eastwood (Unforgiven, The Outlaw Josey Wales)

Animation:

Hayao Miyazaki (Princess Mononoke)

Walt Disney (The Lion King)

• You can also add Pixar to your prompt. The results are often really great!

Crime:

Brian De Palma (Scarface, The Untouchables)

Michael Mann (Heat, Collateral)

Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction)

Historical:

Steven Spielberg (Schindler's List)

James Cameron (Titanic)

Mel Gibson (Braveheart)

Romance:

Richard Linklater (Before Sunrise, Before Sunset)

Nora Ephron (Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail)

Nicholas Sparks (The Notebook, A Walk to Remember)

War:

Stanley Kubrick (Full Metal Jacket, Paths of Glory)

Steven Spielberg (Saving Private Ryan, War Horse)

Francis Ford Coppola (Apocalypse Now)

Adventure:

Peter Jackson (King Kong, The Lord of the Rings)

Steven Spielberg (Indiana Jones series, Jurassic Park)

James Cameron (Avatar, Titanic)

Mystery:

David Lynch (Twin Peaks, Mulholland Drive)

Alfred Hitchcock (Rear Window, Vertigo)

M. Night Shyamalan (Unbreakable, The Sixth Sense)

Biographical:

Martin Scorsese (The Wolf of Wall Street, Raging Bull)

Ron Howard (A Beautiful Mind, Rush)

Danny Boyle (Steve Jobs, 127 Hours)

Documentary:

Michael Moore (Fahrenheit 9/11, Bowling for Columbine)

Errol Morris

(The Thin Blue Line, The Fog of War)

Alex Gibney (Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room, Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief)

Experimental/Art Film:

David Lynch (Eraserhead, Inland Empire)

Luis Buñuel (Un Chien Andalou, The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie)

Andy Warhol (Empire, Chelsea Girls)

Noir:

Billy Wilder (Double Indemnity, Sunset Boulevard)

Howard Hawks (The Big Sleep, Scarface)

Robert Aldrich (Kiss Me Deadly, The Big Knife)

Indie:

Wes Anderson (The Grand Budapest Hotel, Moonrise Kingdom)

Jim Jarmusch (Broken Flowers, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai)

Richard Linklater (Boyhood, Dazed and Confused)

Epic:

David Lean (Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago)

Cecil B. DeMille (The Ten Commandments, Cleopatra)

Stanley Kubrick (2001: A Space Odyssey, Spartacus)

Cult:

Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill)

David Lynch (Blue Velvet, Eraserhead)

John Waters (Pink Flamingos, Hairspray)

Dark Comedy:

Coen Brothers (Fargo, The Big Lebowski)

Danny DeVito (Matilda, Death to Smoochy)

Terry Zwigoff (Ghost World, Bad Santa)

Remember, this is just a starting point! There are countless other filmmakers with unique styles that can provide inspiration for your image generation prompts.

The Photographer's Influence

Looking to add a touch of distinction to your photographs? Yearning for a specific ambiance or style? Integrate the name of a photographer into your prompt.

Photographers exercise direct control over the visual aspects of an image, such as lighting, composition, and color grading. Their unique styles often make their work instantly recognizable, even in a single photo. Hence, including a photographer's name in your prompt can significantly shape the images produced by Midjourney.

Let's delve into a mini-experiment I conducted.

Initially, I generated a set of four images using a straightforward prompt:

"A woman sitting on a park bench". The resulting images were quite random and lacked any specific artistic direction.

Then, using the seed from the first generation of images, I repeated the prompt but incorporated the name of a renowned photographer:

Annie Leibovitz

"A woman sitting on a park bench in the style of Annie Leibovitz".

As someone with a basic grasp of photography but not an expert, I turned to ChatGPT for insights on how a photo of a woman sitting on a park bench, as captured by Annie Leibovitz, might appear.

Here are some elements from the response:

→Expect dramatic lighting with stark contrasts between light and shadow.

→The woman might be clad in a fashionable and distinctive outfit, perhaps a custom-fitted coat or trench coat.

→Her expression would likely be thoughtful or introspective, with a touch of vulnerability.

→The woman might appear to be middle-aged or older.

→The image's colors could be desaturated, with a focus on earthy tones.

→The background would be thoughtfully chosen, possibly featuring natural elements like trees or foliage.

→In general, the image would radiate a sense of depth, emotion, and artistry, typical of Annie Leibovitz's style.

Remarkably, almost all of these elements were present in the generated photography, to varying degrees!

I encourage you to test it out yourself.

Furthermore, you can incorporate some of ChatGPT's descriptions into your prompts.

Given Annie Leibovitz's notable talent for stunning portraits, using her name in a prompt to generate a portrait should yield more pronounced results. To verify this, I commenced with a simple prompt:

"A portrait photograph of a woman".

From this prompt, I received similar random outcomes, devoid of any artistic vision. However, by adding "in the style of Annie Leibovitz", the generated images were automatically suffused with her characteristic style. It was almost as if Leibovitz had captured the picture herself!

While this may seem exaggerated, the result was astonishingly in line with her style, especially as it was a portrait.

For even greater precision, you can add to your prompt the name of a camera, lens, and setting details that Annie Leibovitz might have used for a portrait.

If you're not well-versed in photography, you can consult ChatGPT for further information on this. I do this regularly, and it's immensely helpful!

Next, I conducted a similar experiment with Edward Weston, known for his exquisite mushroom photographs.

Prompt 1: "A photograph of a mushroom"

Prompt 2: "A photograph of a mushroom in the style of Edward Weston"

Prompt 3: "A photograph of a mushroom in the style of Edward Weston taken in 1931"

In the third prompt, I included the year the photo was captured. This is an effective trick to infuse the image with even more of the photographer's style.

Here's a brief description of Weston's photo (Toadstool, 1931) as provided by ChatGPT: "The image is characterized by its strong contrast between the dark background and the lighter tones of the

toadstool, which makes the mushroom stand out and draws the viewer's attention. The lighting and tonal range in the photograph emphasize the texture and form of the toadstool, giving it an almost sculptural quality"

Give it a try. The results are astonishingly consistent with this description!

The outcomes of these two experiments genuinely amazed me. In the future, I intend to incorporate the names of renowned photographers into my prompts more frequently to achieve unique artistic touches.

However, it's important to note that simply adding a photographer's name to a prompt doesn't guarantee a stunning result; other factors such as prompt structure, word choice, camera angles, etc., must also be considered. Still, it's evident that it significantly influences the images generated with Midjourney.

It's an excellent approach to deepen your understanding of photography and explore new ideas and styles.

I've compiled a shortlist of some of the most influential photographers of all time for your quick reference. This list is not exhaustive, but it's a great starting point.

Portrait Photography:

• Nadav Kander

Street Photography:

• Elliott Erwitt

Landscape Photography:

• Charlie Waite

Wildlife Photography:

• Will Burrard-Lucas

Fashion Photography:

• Tim Walker

Documentary Photography:

• Mary Ellen Mark

Architecture Photography:

• Balthazar Korab

Still Life Photography:

• Edward Steichen

Black and White Photography:

• Michael Kenna

Fine Art Photography:

• Gregory Crewdson

Sports Photography:

• Simon Bruty

Travel Photography:

• Ami Vitale

Macro Photography:

• Ondrej Pakan

Underwater Photography:

• Alex Mustard

Concert Photography:

• Ross Halfin

Nude Photography:

• Ruth Bernhard

Abstract Photography:

• Franco Fontana

Photojournalism:

• Tim Hetherington

Mobile Photography:

• Kevin Russ

Astrophotography:

• Thierry Legault

Food Photography:

• Oriana Koren

Drone Photography:

• Florian Ledoux

Pet Photography:

• Alex Cearns

Color

Dive deeper into the realm of color with the following terminology and keywords, enabling you to accurately define your desired color dynamics in a Midjourney prompt.

Color Alterations

"Color" or "Colorized" - Apply color to retro or historical themes.

"Hue" or "Tones" - A spectrum of basic color variations.

"Gradient" - A seamless transition between colors.

"Vibrance" or "Vivid" - Distinct, bold colors that captivate the eye.

"Bright Colors" - Powerful, attention-grabbing colors.

"Light Colors" - Colors with less saturation, resulting in a softer appearance.

"Dark Colors" - Deep, rich shades that bring intensity.

"Darkened" - Images with decreased brightness, fostering a subdued atmosphere.

→ Color Quantities

"Monochromatic" - A composition dominated by a single color.

"Bichromatic" - A design featuring two primary colors.

"Trichromatic" - A prompt where three main colors are showcased.

"Tetrachromatic" - An image with four principal colors.

"Pentachromatic" - An artwork featuring five key colors.

"Hexachromatic" - A prompt featuring six dominant colors.

"Heptachromatic" - A visual ensemble with seven primary colors.

"Octachromatic" - An image boasting eight main colors.

"Polychromatic" - A color-rich design with a multitude of colors, akin to a rainbow.

"Analogous-Colors" - Colors that neighbor each other on the color wheel.

"Triadic-Colors" - A trio of colors equally distanced on the color wheel.

"Tetradic-Colors" - A combination of two pairs of complementary colors.

→ Expanded Color Vocabulary

"Tan" - A shade akin to light brown.

"Beige" - A neutral, pale sandy hue.

"Blush" - A delicate shade of pink.

"Scarlet" - A vibrant, bold shade of red.

"Olive-Green" - A dark hue blending yellow and green.

"Chartreuse" - A striking mix of bright green and yellow.

"Turquoise" - A blend of green and blue.

"Aqua" - A light bluish-green hue.

"Azure" - A bright, clear blue.

Color Palettes

"Neutral" - Balanced, non-vivid colors that provide a calm atmosphere.

"Dingy Colors" - Dull, muted shades, creating a vintage or worn-out feel.

"Pure" or "Purity" - Untouched, original colors.

"Faded" or "Faded Colors" - Less vibrant colors, often associated with vintage or aged themes.

"Warm Color Palette" - A combination of reds, oranges, and yellows, invoking feelings of warmth.

"Cool Color Palette" - A blend of blues, greens, and purples, suggesting a sense of calm.

"Inverted Colors" - Color values flipped to their opposite.

"Colorful" - An image teeming with diverse, vibrant colors.

"Multicolored" - An array of different colors.

"Rainbow" - A spectrum of all colors.

"Spectral Color" - Colors that correspond to distinct wavelengths.

"Monochrome" - Black, white, and grayscale tones.

"Black and White" - Classic grayscale rendering.

"Desaturated" - Colors with reduced intensity. "Sepia" - Warm, brownish-gray tones for a nostalgic feel.

Theme

v5's standard theme leans towards "realistic photography," but the following theme-based keywords can help you to explore beyond the ordinary, providing a fresh perspective.

The phrases or words inside the square brackets [ ] hint at possible theme pairings. This thread will act as an all-encompassing guide to Midjourney

themes.

Realism & Abstraction

"Hyper Real" or "Hyperrealistic" - An extreme form of "realism," ideal for horror or caricature themes.

"Magic Realism" - Realistic settings infused with surreal elements, best suited for dream or fantasy themes.

"Fantastic Realism" - Modern style interwoven with mind-bending elements, perfect for dream or horror themes.

"Contemporary Realism" or "New Realism" - A high-skilled painting style, excellent for prompts involving people or dramatic scenes.

"Surreal" or "Surrealism" - An irrational representation of the unconscious mind, ideal for weird or creepy themes.

"Ethereal" or "Ethereality" or "Lucid" - Light and delicate perfection/utopia style, fitting for spiritual creatures, characters, or environments.

"Fiction" or "Science Fiction" - Imaginative and futuristic concepts, suitable for technology, space, or anything out-of-this-world.

"Imagined" or "Imaginative" or "Imagination" - New, often unreal, ideas, images, or concepts, suitable for animals, otherworldly, or strange themes.

"Dreamlike" or "Dreamy" or "Fever-Dream" - Similar to "Imagination," but with more ethereal aspects, suitable for afterlife, spiritual, or lofty themes.

"Dreampunk" - A fusion of steampunk aesthetics, dreamlike elements, and hints of futurism, ideal for technology or vintage themes.

"Dreamcore" or "Weirdcore" - A surrealist aesthetic combined with low-quality assets, fitting for memes, creepy, or trippy themes.

"Otherworldly" or "Unworldly" or "Another Realm" - Depictions of an imaginary or spiritual world, perfect for space, futuristic, or landscapes themes.

"Abstract" or "Abstraction" - Images that communicate through lines, shapes, colors, and form rather than concrete ideas, suitable for backgrounds, modern design, logos.

"Fantasy" or "Ethereal Fantasy" or "Dark Fantasy" - A broad and loosely defined art style drawing from magic, mythological, and supernatural ideas, ideal for beings, gods, or landscapes.

"Illusion" or "Impossible" - Ideas with a warped reality, suitable for dreams, optical, or strange themes.

"Exaggerated" or "Exaggeration" or "Visual Exaggeration" - Similar to "Hyper-Realism" but with less emphasis on the realism aspect, suitable for emotions or extremes.

"Immaterial" or "Intangible" - Similar to "Abstract" art but less modernized, suitable for smoke, lines, or objects.

Material

Experimenting with a wide array of textures and material properties can add depth to your artistic expressions and unveil mesmerizing visual experiences. Incorporate the following keywords into your prompt to explore textures/properties that appeal to you:

Physical Properties

"Blobby" - Shapes that are irregular and rounded.

"Blobs" - Numerous rounded, shapeless forms.

"Cracks" - Visible fissures or lines on a surface.

"Cracked" - Surfaces that are broken or fragmented.

"Corroded" - Elements that appear worn or deteriorated.

"Dirty" - Elements that look soiled or unclean.

"With Imperfections" - Elements that possess flaws or blemishes.

"Carbonated" - Textures that mimic the bubbly, fizzy nature of carbonated liquids.

"Effervescent" - Surfaces that sparkle or bubble.

"Icy" - Textures or elements that resemble the cold, frozen nature of ice.

"Charred" - Surfaces that appear burnt or blackened

"Corrugated" - Textures with grooves or ridges.

"Perforated" - Surfaces that are punctured or filled with holes.

"Hydrophobic" - Elements that repel water.

Hardness & Phases

"Soft" - Textures that are delicate or pliable.

"Hard" - Elements that are rigid or inflexible.

"Soft Body" - Forms that are moldable or flexible.

"Squishy" - Textures that are compressible or yielding.

"Solid" - Elements that are firm or unyielding.

"Melting" - Depictions of objects turning into liquid.

"Freezing" - Depictions of objects frozen or in the process of freezing.

"Vaporization" - Effects resembling smoke or vapor.

"Condensation" - Effects resembling a cold [or hot] sweat.

Reflections & Refractions

"Rough" - Textures with uneven surfaces.

"Matte" - Surfaces that don't reflect light.

"Glossy" - Shiny, smooth surfaces.

"Shiny" - Bright, reflective elements.

"Polished" - Surfaces that are smooth or lustrous.

"Reflection" - Mirrored images or surfaces.

"Reflective" - Elements that mirror their surroundings.

"Retroreflective" - Depictions of light bouncing back towards its source.

"Refraction" - Depictions of light bending through materials.

"Refractive" - Elements distorted due to light bending.

"Caustics" - Light patterns created by reflections or refractions.

"Glare" - Intense, blinding light reflections.

"Specular Highlights" - Bright spots on shiny surfaces.

"Shimmer" - Subtle, wavering light reflections.

"Shimmering" - Glistening, fluctuating light reflections.

"Glimmering" - Faint, flickering light reflections.

Optics & Light Manipulation

"Transparent" - See-through elements.

"Translucent" - Semi-transparent elements.

"Opaque" - Solid, non-transparent elements.

"Scattering" - Diffused light reflections.

"Subsurface-Scattering" - Depictions of light penetration and diffusion within materials.

"Ambient Occlusion" - Shaded areas with limited light exposure.

"Opalescent" - Elements displaying a play of colors, like an opal.

"Polarized" or "Polarization" - Depictions of light waves restricted to one plane of direction.

"Solarized" or "Solarization" - Reversed tones due to extreme light exposure.

"Iridescent" - Effects that create a rainbow-like effect from different angles.

"Dispersion" - Depictions of light separated into its component colors.

"Chromatic" - Colorful elements [akin to a rainbow on metal].

"Prismatic" - Light refracted or dispersed into a spectrum of colors.

"Sparkly" or "Glitter" - Shiny, light-reflecting particles.

Chromism & Luminescence

"Glowing" - Objects that emit light.

"Glowing Neon" - Bright, vibrant light emissions.

"Glow-In-The-Dark" - Items that illuminate in darkness.

"Radiant" - Elements that emit light or heat.

"Cherenkov Radiation" - Depictions of the blue glow from high-speed particles.

"Luminescence" - Light emission without heat [akin to a light bulb].

"Bioluminescence" - Light emitted by living organisms [like the Avatar forest].

"Chromism" - Depictions of color change in response to stimuli [also akin to the Avatar forest].

"Piezochromism" - Color change due to pressure.

"Tribochromism" - Color change from friction [like

scratch-off tickets].

"Thermochromism" - Color change from temperature [like mood rings].

"Photochromism" - Color change from light [like transition lenses].

"Electrochromism" - Color change from electrical charge [like smart glass].

"Solvatochromism" - Color change from solvent polarity [like chemistry].

"Crystallography" - The study and depiction of crystal structures and properties.

"Crystalline" - Elements that resemble or are made of crystals.

"Geometric Crystallization" - Geometric shapes formed into crystal structures.

"Mineral" or "Mineralization" - Depictions of naturally occurring substances [like gemstones].

"Geode" - Hollow rocks lined with crystals.

"Fossilization" - Depictions of the process of creating fossils.

"Amber" - Fossilized tree resin, often trapping objects.

"Foamy" or "Foam" - A mass of small bubbles formed in or on a liquid.

"Sparkles" or "Glittery" - Bright, shimmering, small pieces of reflective material.

"Stardust" - Tiny particles resembling stars in the night sky.

Physical Phenomena

This section includes a variety of physical and natural phenomena that can be incorporated into your artwork to add another layer of complexity and interest. The phrases inside the square brackets [ ] hint at possible theme pairings.

Weather Phenomena

"Rain" or "Raining" or "Rainfall" - Depictions of falling water droplets [perfect for cityscapes, nature, or melancholy themes].

"Snow" or "Snowfall" or "Snowing" - Depictions of falling snowflakes [ideal for winter, Christmas, or solitude themes].

"Hail" - Depictions of falling ice pellets [suitable for storm, danger, or chaos themes].

"Lightning" or "Lightning Storm" - Depictions of electrical discharges in the atmosphere [great for storm, energy, or power themes].

"Thunder" or "Thunderstorm" - Depictions of storms with thunder and lightning [fitting for drama, danger, or power themes].

"Tornado" or "Cyclone" - Depictions of rapidly rotating air columns [perfect for disaster, chaos, or extreme weather themes].

"Hurricane" or "Typhoon" - Depictions of large, intense storms with high wind speeds [suitable for disaster, extreme weather, or sea themes].

"Blizzard" - Depictions of severe snowstorms [ideal for winter, extreme weather, or danger themes].

"Dust Storm" or "Sandstorm" - Depictions of strong winds carrying clouds of dust or sand [fitting for desert, danger, or chaos themes].

"Fog" or "Mist" or "Haze" - Depictions of low-lying clouds [great for mystery, gothic, or tranquility themes].

"Dew" or "Dew Drops" - Depictions of tiny water droplets [perfect for nature, morning, or freshness themes].

"Sunbeam" or "Sunrays" - Depictions of sunlight coming through clouds [ideal for hope, morning, or tranquility themes].

"Rainbow" - Depictions of arcs of color appearing in the sky after rain [suitable for hope, happiness, or fantasy themes].

"Aurora" or "Aurora Borealis" - Depictions of natural light displays in the Earth's sky [perfect for night, nature, or tranquility themes].

→ Geological & Cosmic Phenomena

"Volcano" or "Volcanic Eruption" - Depictions of volcanic activity [ideal for disaster, chaos, or power themes].

"Earthquake" - Depictions of sudden shaking of the

ground [fitting for disaster, danger, or chaos themes].

"Tsunami" - Depictions of large ocean waves caused by seismic activity [great for disaster, sea, or extreme weather themes].

"Asteroid" or "Meteor" - Depictions of celestial bodies [perfect for space, disaster, or cosmic themes].

"Meteor Shower" - Depictions of multiple meteors falling through the sky [suitable for night, space, or cosmic themes].

"Comet" - Depictions of celestial bodies with a glowing coma [ideal for space, cosmic, or mystery themes].

"Supernova" - Depictions of a stellar explosion [fitting for space, power, or cosmic themes].

"Black Hole" - Depictions of regions of spacetime exhibiting gravitational acceleration [great for space, mystery, or cosmic themes].

"Galaxy" - Depictions of a gravitationally bound system of stars [perfect for space, cosmic, or grandeur themes].

"Star" or "Star Formation" - Depictions of self-luminous celestial bodies [suitable for space, cosmic, or grandeur themes].

"Planetary System" - Depictions of a set of celestial bodies orbiting a star [ideal for space, cosmic, or grandeur themes].

Dynamic Elements

In this section, you'll find a variety of dynamic elements that can be included in your prompt to create action, movement, and energy in your artwork. These terms can be combined with others from the list to create specific scenarios or moments.

Movements & Gestures

"Running" or "Sprinting" - Depictions of fast movement on foot.

"Walking" - Depictions of steady, rhythmic movement on foot.

"Jumping" or "Leaping" - Depictions of sudden upward movement.

"Falling" or "Plummeting" - Depictions of descent due to gravity.

"Flying" - Depictions of movement through the air.

"Swimming" - Depictions of movement through water.

"Climbing" - Depictions of upward movement, usually on a vertical surface.

"Dancing" - Depictions of rhythmic movement, usually to music.

"Fighting" - Depictions of physical conflict or combat.

"Kicking" - Depictions of forceful movement using the foot.

"Punching" - Depictions of forceful movement using the fist.

"Slashing" - Depictions of swift, sweeping movement, often with a weapon.

"Throwing" - Depictions of propelling something through the air with force.

"Catching" - Depictions of intercepting something in flight.

"Holding" - Depictions of grasping or supporting something.

"Reaching" - Depictions of stretching out in order to touch or grasp something.

Expressions & Emotions

"Laughing" - Depictions of mirth or amusement.

"Crying" - Depictions of sadness or distress.

"Smiling" - Depictions of happiness or pleasure.

"Frowning" - Depictions of displeasure or discontent.

"Yawning" - Depictions of tiredness or boredom.

"Screaming" - Depictions of fear, excitement, or anger.

"Whispering" - Depictions of quiet or secretive speech.

"Singing" - Depictions of vocal music.

"Shouting" - Depictions of loud, forceful speech.

"Surprised" - Depictions of sudden or unexpected emotion.

"Angry" - Depictions of strong displeasure or wrath.

"Happy" - Depictions of joy or satisfaction.

"Sad" - Depictions of unhappiness or sorrow.

"Scared" or "Frightened" - Depictions of fear or terror.

"Determined" or "Focused" - Depictions of resolute or concentrated emotion

States & Transformations

"Exploding" - Depictions of sudden release of energy in a violent manner.

"Impacting" or "Crashing" - Depictions of collision with force.

"Shattering" or "Breaking" - Depictions of sudden, violent fragmentation.

"Melting" - Depictions of changing from a solid to a liquid state.

"Freezing" - Depictions of changing from a liquid to a solid state.

"Burning" or "Igniting" - Depictions of combustion or being on fire.

"Smoking" - Depictions of emitting smoke.

"Evolving" - Depictions of gradual development or change.

"Transforming" - Depictions of a marked change in form or appearance.

"Regenerating" - Depictions of the process of regrowth or renewal.

"Decaying" - Depictions of the process of decline or deterioration.

"Growing" - Depictions of the process of increase in size.

"Shrinking" - Depictions of the process of decrease in size.

"Ascending" - Depictions of moving upwards.

"Descending" - Depictions of moving downwards.

"Spiraling" - Depictions of moving in a spiral course.

Remember, these terms can be combined with others to create a specific scenario or moment in your artwork. For instance, "a dancing flame," "a regenerating forest," "a city descending into chaos," "a star shattering," etc.

This is not an exhaustive list, and there are countless other ways to describe visual elements and ideas for artwork. However, this should provide a good starting point for creating your art prompts or enhancing your artistic vocabulary. Happy creating!