Cinematic & Photorealistic Ai Image Prompts.

Mastering Cinematic and Realistic Images in MidJourney

Your guide to creating stunning visuals with AI-driven tools.


Understanding Camera Angles and Shot Types

The camera angle is essential in setting the mood and perspective of an image. Here are some popular shot types.

Close-up: Focuses on the subject's face, highlighting emotions and details like facial wrinkles.

Prompt Example:
"A highly detailed close-up shot of an elderly man's face, showing deep facial wrinkles and expressive eyes filled with wisdom and emotion, lit with soft natural lighting to emphasize texture and character, cinematic and photorealistic style, 35mm lens, golden hour lighting".

Low angle: Tilts the camera upwards, making the subject appear stronger and more intimidating.

Prompt Example:
"A low-angle shot of a towering medieval knight in full armor, standing on a rocky hill with a glowing sword raised high, the sky filled with dark storm clouds, creating a dramatic and intimidating atmosphere, cinematic lighting, ultra-detailed, photorealistic, 16:9 aspect ratio".

High angle: Tilts the camera down, portraying vulnerability and making subjects look smaller.

Prompt Example:
A high-angle shot of a lone child sitting on a vast, desolate beach, their small frame surrounded by endless sand and crashing waves, conveying a sense of isolation and vulnerability, soft natural lighting, ultra-detailed, cinematic, 16:9 aspect ratio.

Wide-angle: Emphasizes the environment and surroundings of the subject.

Prompt Example:
A wide-angle shot of a hiker standing on a rocky cliff edge, overlooking a sprawling valley filled with dense forests and a winding river under a golden sunset, emphasizing the vastness of the natural environment, cinematic, ultra-detailed, vibrant colors, 16:9 aspect ratio.

Other angles: Experiment with bird's-eye view, fisheye lens, or shot-from-behind for unique perspectives.

Prompt Examples:

  1. Bird's-Eye View:
    A bird's-eye view of a bustling city street at night, cars with glowing headlights moving through the grid, pedestrians crossing, and neon signs reflecting off wet pavement, cinematic, ultra-detailed, vibrant lighting.

  2. Fisheye Lens:
    A fisheye lens view of a skateboarder mid-trick in an urban skate park, graffiti-covered walls curving into the frame, dynamic and distorted perspective, cinematic, vibrant colors, high detail.

  3. Shot-from-Behind:
    A shot from behind of a lone traveler standing at the edge of a snowy mountain ridge, their cloak billowing in the wind as they gaze at a distant sunrise over frosted peaks, cinematic, ultra-detailed, soft natural lighting.

Color Grading: Setting the Tone

Color grading adjusts the hues, saturation, and contrast of an image to create a specific mood or style:

  • Cool tones: Blue and gray hues for a serious, calm vibe.
  • Warm tones: Yellow, orange, and brown for cozy, intimate feelings.
  • Black and white: Offers a classic, timeless look.
  • Vintage tones: Muted colors for a retro aesthetic.

Lighting: Bringing Your Scene to Life

Lighting shapes the mood and texture of an image. MidJourney offers a variety of lighting options:

  • Golden hour: Soft, warm light perfect for photogenic results.
  • Natural lighting: Enhances images with sunlight.
  • Silhouette lighting: Creates a dramatic outline of the subject.
  • Color effects: Use neon, black light, or white light for creative flair.

Structuring Prompts for Optimal Results

Word order matters in MidJourney prompts. Place key elements at the beginning for emphasis. A typical structure might include:

  • Subject matter: What the image is about.
  • Camera angle: Sets the perspective.
  • Lighting and color grading: Defines the mood and style.
  • Additional elements: Genres, styles, and camera types.

Experimenting with Styles and Genres

Add flair by exploring movie genres or styles. Examples include:

  • Genres: Horror, fantasy, sci-fi, indie, or Western.
  • Styles: Cyberpunk, steampunk, or dystopian aesthetics.

Technical Enhancements for Realism

To achieve a realistic look, experiment with camera types, lenses, and aspect ratios:

  • Camera types: Polaroid, disposable, or smartphone cameras.
  • Lens focal lengths: Use 35mm or 55mm for a photography feel.
  • Aspect ratios: Wider ratios (e.g., 16:9) for cinematic effects.

Final Tips for Success

Keep experimenting with word order, styles, and elements in your prompts. Don’t be afraid to combine multiple aspects to achieve the desired result. Remember, the key to success lies in constant trial and error.