Creating photorealistic portraits

1. Clarity and Specificity

• The prompts clearly describe the main subject (a man) and the scene (staring at the sea). This ensures MidJourney focuses on creating the right composition without ambiguity.
• Specific details, like camera types, lenses, and angles, give precise guidance on perspective and style, helping the AI generate images with professional-level quality.

2. Descriptive Environmental Elements

Including environmental features such as:

• “Gentle waves lapping at his feet” (Example 1)
• “Seagulls flying above and light mist” (Example 2)
• “Storm clouds gathering on the horizon” (Example 5)
  These elements create depth and atmosphere, making the scene more vivid and lifelike.

3. Use of Photography Terminology

The references to:

• Camera models (e.g., Canon EOS-1D X Mark III, Nikon Z7 Il)
• Lens specifications (e.g., 50mm f/1.4, wide angle)
  Tell the AI how to simulate the look of a specific photographic style. This leverages MidJourney’s ability to mimic real-world equipment.

4. Mood and Lighting

Each prompt sets a mood through lighting and time of day:

• Example 1: “Hues of orange and pink as the sun sets” (warm and serene mood).
• Example 3: “Cloudy, moody sky” (dramatic and introspective mood).
• Example 4: “Golden hour with sunlight reflecting off the ocean” (soft and nostalgic mood).
  By specifying lighting conditions, the AI knows how to color-grade and style the image appropriately.

5. Composition Details

Clear directions on angles and framing help MidJourney structure the image correctly:

• “Low angle full body shot” (Example 1) creates a sense of scale and intimacy.
• “High angle portrait” (Example 2) adds a sense of vulnerability.
• “Extreme wide shot” (Example 5) conveys isolation and grandeur.
  These choices influence how the scene is presented and evoke specific emotions.

6. Artistic Choices

The prompts suggest artistic styles, like:

• “Monochrome palette with deep contrasts” (Example 3) for a dramatic, timeless feel.
• “Shallow depth of field, warm tones” (Example 4) for a soft, intimate focus.
  These choices help create visual interest and align the image with specific photographic genres.

7. Context and Storytelling

By describing actions or elements of the scene (e.g., “hands in his pockets, contemplating,” or “wind tousling his hair”), the prompts tell a story, making the output feel more natural and engaging.