How to Use Midjourney: A Guide to AI Image Prompting

Are you ready to take your Midjourney prompts to the next level? Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your skills, these 15 steps will help you generate high-quality, visually stunning AI images more efficiently

1. Switch to Midjourney’s Web Version

Still using Discord to generate images? It’s time to switch to Midjourney’s web version. It’s more intuitive, faster, and features an explore page where you can browse incredible images and learn from other users’ prompts.

2. Find Inspiration

The Explore page isn’t just eye candy—it’s a learning tool. Search specific styles or keywords, then click on an image to reveal the exact prompt used. Studying these can help refine your own approach and generate better results.

3. Start with a Simple Prompt

If you're brainstorming, keep it simple. A great trick is to use a broad prompt like “a dog at a park” and generate multiple images. This allows Midjourney to surprise you and spark new ideas.

4. Activate Turbo Mode

Want faster results? Enable Turbo mode. This setting speeds up image generation, streamlining your workflow significantly.

5. Use Cinematography Terms for Precision

Enhance your prompts with film industry terminology to achieve more cinematic results. Some useful terms include:

• Shot Type: Wide Shot, Close-Up, Bird’s Eye View

• Style Guide: In the Style of Wes Anderson

• Camera Type: Shot on an Arri Alexa

• Lens Focal Length: 50mm, 8mm

• Depth of Field: f/2.0

• Film Stock: Kodak Vision2 500T

• Lighting: Dramatic Lighting

• Color Grading: Teal and Orange, Film Grain

Example Prompt: A cinematic still from a futuristic sci-fi movie. Dramatic lighting. Neutral color grading. Film grain. Shot on an Arri Alexa.

6. Use the Repeat Code

Adding --repeat to your prompt tells Midjourney how many times to generate variations of your request. Be mindful of your Midjourney plan, as more generations consume additional hours.

7. Enhance Image Quality with --q 2

Midjourney defaults to --q 1, but increasing it to --q 2 can double the quality and detailing of your output. This is different from the upscale tool—think of it as adding more finesse before upscaling.

-- q1

--q2

8. Refine Your Prompt for Clarity

More words don’t always mean better results. If your prompt looks like an essay but still isn’t delivering what you want, simplify it. Keep the essential elements, such as shot type and aspect ratio, and remove unnecessary details.

9. Understand Inpainting vs. Generative Fill

Midjourney’s inpainting tool is useful but not always perfect. Sometimes, Photoshop’s generative fill provides better results. Test both to determine which tool best fits your needs.

10. Use Style References for Consistency

The --sref parameter helps maintain a cohesive aesthetic across multiple images by pulling from colors, tones, and visual elements of a reference style. This reduces the need for overly detailed text prompts.

11. Maintain Character Consistency with --cref

Midjourney allows character references with --cref, ensuring continuity in your AI-generated characters.

Pro Tips:

• For best results, use a Midjourney-generated image instead of an uploaded one.

• Adding a celebrity lookalike to your prompt can refine the AI’s interpretation.

• Use a face-swapping app like Akool to perfect the final look.

12. Always Upscale Before Downloading

Before saving an image, use Midjourney’s upscale feature. This significantly improves resolution and detail, which is crucial if you're planning to use the image in high-quality projects.

13. Practice, Iterate, Improve

Prompting is an art. Even experienced Midjourney users go through multiple iterations to get the perfect image. Be patient, refine your process, and treat it as a creative journey.

14. Learn How to Optimize Prompts for AI Filmmaking

Mastering Midjourney is just one step in AI filmmaking. If you’re serious about using AI for creative projects, consider taking courses focused on AI Filmmaking, AI Advertising, and AI Documentary production

prompt optimization

These 15 steps will help you craft better prompts, generate high-quality images, and streamline your AI workflow. Whether you’re a filmmaker, designer, or AI enthusiast, refining your Midjourney skills can open up new creative possibilities. Keep experimenting, stay inspired, and enjoy the process!

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