101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide
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101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography

Refine the look of your Midjourney models with 101 unique keywords and learn how to write amazing midjourney portrait prompts for photography!

How to improve your Midjourney Portrait Prompts

Are you looking to create a specific look in Midjourney but unsure which words to use to get the desired result?

This Midjourney Portrait Prompt Guide will add 101+ unique words to your vocabulary to help you create unique and spectacular portraits.

If you want to learn more about the basics of writing amazing Midjourney Prompts, please check my latest guide, where I share all my best tips & tricks!

A Complete Guide to Writing Perfect Midjourney Prompts - With Examples! Midjourney for Beginners
My Complete Guide to Writing Perfect Midjourney Prompts

Prompt Away!

Each topic in this portrait style guide comes with a list of keywords and keyword descriptions. Use these keywords and descriptions to emphasize and define what you want to see.

To start experimenting, you can copy my provided Base Prompts and replace the bold words with your favorite keywords!

PRO TIP: Turn on Remix Mode in /settings so you always get a pop-up box to quickly alter the Variation or Pan of your images and add or remove specific keywords from your prompt before submitting your request.

A Complete Guide to Writing Perfect Midjourney Prompts - With Examples! Midjourney for Beginners
Learn more pro tips in my Midjourney Prompt Writing Guide

New to Midjourney? No worries!

Learn how to get started with Midjourney 

New to Midjourney? Check my handy free guides for beginners to set up Midjourney in just 10 minutes and learn how to write the perfect Midjourney prompt to get started right away!

Free Midjourney Prompt Sets

Discover my free Midjourney Prompt Sets and level up your creativity! I can’t wait to see what you’ll make with them. Check my Instagram for more examples!

How to make the perfect portrait in Midjourney

Let’s start with the basics and focus on what you want to see in your portrait. Here are my best tips to prompt the perfect Midjourney portraits exactly how you dreamed them up!

I can’t wait to see your beautiful creations, so don’t forget to tag @sprinkleofai in your Instagram posts!

Portraits with Focus on Facial Details

The more you describe the facial details of your model, the more Midjourney will zoom in.

Use the words Macro closeup to focus on details such as lips, eyes, facial hair, and makeup. Adding words like full face ensures all of the model’s face is visible.

Macro closeup portrait photo of a young woman's full face, giggling, matte lipstick, gold eyeshadow, black eyeliner --ar 2:3
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide

Portraits with Focus on the Face

When you want to focus on the face from a more zoomed-out angle, it helps to describe hair, jewelry, and a background.

closeup portrait photo of a young chinese woman's full face, giggling, hair in a messy bun, symmetry, playful shadows, in a garden, pastel colors --ar 2:3
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide

Portraits with Focus on the Upper Body

If you prefer a portrait showing more of the upper body, it helps to describe the model’s outfit. This ensures Midjourney will zoom out and show more of the entire look.

photo of a young jamaican woman, smiling, big curly hair, symmetry, looking into camera, on the beach, fruity pattern summer dress, pastel blue and pink colors --ar 2:3
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide

Portraits with Focus on Full Body

Describe the type of shoes the model wears or include a specific object they’re standing on to make Midjourney generate full-body shots:

photo of an Italian man, beanie, winter outfit, white nike sneakers, standing on a path, snowy winter day in the countryside, pastel green and brown colors --ar 2:3
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide

Alternatively, you can zoom out on portraits showing the upper body using the Zoom Out option after Upscaling.

This ensures that the details of the model’s face stay preserved when generating more details like shoes and scenery.

101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide

Expand on your Portraits with Generative Fill

Adding new elements to a photo is possible using the Pan or Custom Zoom Out options in Midjourney.

Also read: How to use the custom zoom option in Midjourney

By zooming out, you can first focus on creating a detailed portrait and then continue prompting a detailed fashion look.

Use a reference in your Midjourney portrait prompts

Using a reference in your portraits will often help define the overall style of the image.

For example, adding the keywords Vogue photoshoot to your prompt will consistently deliver sharp and professional-looking portrait photos.

You can also add certain photographers or movie directors to recreate the look you have in mind. For example, Wes Anderson will generate fun, colorful images in Midjourney.

101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide
TAP HERE FOR 17 FREE WES ANDERSON PROMPTS
Vogue photoshoot of a glamorous couple in Wes Anderson style --ar 2:3

It’s also possible to add the name of your favorite models, like Heidi Klum or Adriana Lima. Alternatively, you can upload a reference image.

Also read: How to use a reference image in Midjourney

My 5 favorite keywords to use in Midjourney Portrait Prompts

There are specific keywords I often find myself adding to my Midjourney portrait prompts for great results. Here they are:

  • Eccentric: Adds cool glasses, hats, fun fashion, and creates colorful characters.
  • Candid: Focuses on capturing the subject naturally and unposed, conveying more genuine emotions and expressions.
  • Symmetry: Ensures the portrait and surrounding elements are symmetrical.
  • Iridescent: Gives a shimmering quality that changes colors as it catches the light, creating a multidimensional and ethereal effect.
  • Ombre: Ombre is a term used for gradual transitions from one color to another, often starting dark and fading to a lighter shade towards the ends.

Upscaling Midjourney Images

Midjourney images are generated in quite a low resolution. Before you zoom in or crop your portraits, upscale them with a free AI tool like Upscayl.

For batch uploads and optimal quality, I recommend the paid tool Gigapixel / Topaz.

101 Creative Midjourney Portrait Prompt Keywords

For each topic, I’ve created a base prompt that you can use to experiment with the different keywords listed underneath. Simply replace the bold words and prompt a new image with Midjourney to get started!

Adjusting Physical Appearance in Midjourney

You can get pretty specific regarding the physical appearance of your model in Midjourney. Here are some important topics and keywords that you can use to alter their look.

Fashion Look

Defining the overall style of the model is a fast way to change the entire look & feel of an image. You can use words such as glamorous, preppy, eclectic, etc.

Base Prompt

closeup portrait photo of a gorgeous eldery eclectic woman in an eclectic outfit, big glasses, fur coat, cool, posing in front of a striped pretty mural --ar 2:3
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide

Replace the bold words in the base prompt with the bold styles listed below. You can use the cursive words to give the style more direction.

Feel free to add your favorite backgrounds and locations or mix it all up. It’s AI, after all, and everything is possible!

  • Casual: A relaxed and comfortable style often characterized by everyday clothing items such as jeans or a jumpsuit for a laid-back vibe.
  • Formal: Elegant and refined attire appropriate for special occasions, often featuring tailored suits or formal gowns.
  • Business Casual: A blend of professional and relaxed elements, often including dress pants, blouses, chino pants, and button-up shirts without the formality of traditional business wear.
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography
  • Preppy: A clean and polished style influenced by traditional collegiate fashion, featuring clean-cut dresses and suits to create a put-together look.
  • Bohemian: An artistic and free-spirited style with flowing fabrics, earthy colors, and eclectic accessories that embrace a relaxed and unconventional look.
  • Vintage/Retro: Embracing fashion from past eras like the roaring twenties, sixties, or Renaissance, often incorporating classic clothing items and accessories to create a nostalgic and timeless appearance.
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography
  • Kawaii: Playful and endearing, the kawaii style is characterized by its embrace of a cute and childlike charm, focusing on softness, pastel, and whimsical innocence.
  • Romantic: Soft and feminine clothing characterized by delicate fabrics such as lace, pastel colors, and floral patterns that evoke a sense of romance.
  • Streetwear: Influenced by urban culture, streetwear features casual and trendy clothing items compatible with athletic wear like joggers, bomberjacks, and baseball caps.
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography
  • Athleisure/Sporty: A blend of athletic and leisurewear featuring comfortable and stylish clothing like joggers, leggings, hoodies, and sneakers, suitable for exercise and everyday activities.
  • Hipster: A trendy and alternative style characterized by unique clothing items, glasses, funky patterns, vintage finds, and a focus on individuality.
  • Artsy/Artistic: An imaginative and creative style featuring unique and expressive clothing, including hats, hairbands, and layered outfits, often influenced by artistic and unconventional elements.
  • Chic: A sophisticated and fashionable style that is polished and well put-together, often incorporating modern trends with timeless pieces.
  • Minimalist: A style characterized by simplicity, clean lines, and a neutral color palette, often focusing on quality over quantity.
  • Glamorous: Luxurious and extravagant attire featuring elegant fabrics, sequin sparkly textures, embellishments, and attention-grabbing accessories like a statement diamond necklace.
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography
  • Rocker: A style inspired by rock and roll culture, often featuring band tees, leather jackets, and statement accessories.
  • Country: A rural and down-to-earth style often featuring denim, plaid, and rugged accessories inspired by country life.
  • Eclectic: A mix-and-match style featuring diverse influences, patterns, and accessories like hats, scarves, and glasses for a uniquely personalized appearance.
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography

Nationality & Cultures

Define your model’s nationality or cultural background to influence multiple aspects of an image, such as facial features, hairstyles, location, colors, fashion styles, and more.

Base Prompt

Closeup portrait photo of a gorgeous young Jamaican man, posing on a tropical beach at sunset --ar 2:3
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide

Change the bold word in the base prompt to try out the different keywords listed below:

  • European
  • Dutch
  • Mongolian
  • Jamaican
  • Asian
  • South-African
  • Icelandic
  • Italian

Roles & Professions

Change your model’s role or profession and turn them into kings or queens, cowboys, doctors, Vikings, etc.

Base Prompt

Candid closeup photo of an eccentric traditional Japanese flower queen, holding a gigantic colorful fruit cocktail glass, haute couture, symmetry, colorful palace gardens, summer, pastel colors --ar 2:3
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide

Change the bold words in the base prompt to try out the different keywords listed below:

  • King/Queen
  • Viking
  • Prince/Princess
  • Mermaid
  • Cowboy
  • Doctor
  • Ninja

Skin & Body

Change body characteristics like skin color and model size or add modifications such as tattoos, piercings, etc.

Base Prompt

Closeup portrait photo of a gorgeous elderly woman with rosy freckled skin, posing in a rose garden on a Spring Day --ar 2:3
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide

Change the bold words in the base prompt to try out the different keywords listed below:

  • Pale skin
  • Fair skin
  • White skin
  • Light skin
  • Medium skin
  • Dark skin
  • Olive skin
  • Porcelain skin
  • Rosy skin
  • Freckles
  • Beauty marks
  • Tattoos
  • Plussize
  • Facial hair

Lip Shape

Define the lip shape of your models with keywords such as full lips, thin lips, cupid bow lips, etc.

Base Prompt

Closeup portrait photo of a gorgeous young woman with cupid's bow lips, posing in front of a painting --ar 2:3 
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide

Change the bold words in the base prompt to try out the different keywords listed below:

Full Lips: Full lips are characterized by their plumpness and volume. They often have a well-defined cupid’s bow and can enhance the overall facial appearance.

Thin Lips: Thin lips are narrower and have less volume. The upper and lower lips may have a more subtle definition, and the cupid’s bow might be less pronounced.

Cupid’s Bow Lips: This lip shape features a well-defined and pronounced cupid’s bow in the center of the upper lip. The dip in the middle resembles the shape of a bow’s curve.

Droopy Lips: Droopy lips have corners that point slightly downward, often creating a more serious or pouty expression.

Haircolor

Define the hair color of your models with keywords such as blonde, silver, gray, etc.

Base Prompt

Closeup portrait photo of a gorgeous young man with red hair and beard, posing in a pine tree forest, autumn colors --ar 2:3
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide

Change the bold word in the base prompt to try out the different keywords listed below:

Brown Hair: Brown hair comes in a range of shades from light to dark and encompasses warm tones like chocolate, caramel, and chestnut. It’s a versatile color that can suit various skin tones.

Blonde Hair: Blonde hair ranges from pale, almost white shades such as platinum to golden hues. It’s associated with lightness and can create a fresh and youthful appearance.

Red Hair: Red hair spans from vibrant and fiery shades to more subdued auburn tones. It’s a unique and eye-catching color that adds warmth and personality to one’s look.

Black Hair: Black hair is characterized by its deep, dark color that can appear almost jet black or have subtle undertones. It often conveys a sense of sophistication and mystery.

Gray Hair: Gray hair is a natural or dyed shade that reflects a mixture of white and black hair. It’s associated with aging but has gained popularity as a fashionable choice.

Pastel Hair: Pastel hair has soft and muted shades like pastel pink, lavender, blue, and mint green to create a whimsical and dreamy appearance.

Ombre Hair: Ombre hair shows a gradual transition from one color to another, often starting dark at the roots and fading to a lighter shade towards the ends.

Female Hairstyles

Define the hairstyles of your female models with keywords such as bob cut, curly hair, messy bun, etc.

If you’re unsure what you want, add different periods, like a sixties haircut or a roaring 20s hairstyle.

Base Prompt

closeup photo of a cute teenage girl with French braids, wearing a ruffled dress, in a renaissance palace, pastel colors --ar 2:3
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide

Change the bold word in the base prompt to try out the different keywords listed below:

Bob Cut: A bob cut is a short hairstyle where the hair is typically cut straight around the head at jaw level or above, often featuring variations in length and texture.

Beach Waves: Beach waves refer to loose and relaxed waves in the hair that resemble the natural texture created by ocean water and sun exposure.

Top Knot: A top knot is a hairstyle where the hair is gathered into a bun or knot at the crown or top of the head.

Messy Bun: A messy bun is a casual and relaxed hairstyle where the hair is gathered into a loose bun, often with strands left out to create a messy appearance.

Braided Hair: Braided hair involves weaving sections together to create intricate patterns and textures, such as a single braid down the back or multiple smaller braids.

Sleek Straight Hair: Sleek straight hair is a hairstyle where the hair is straightened and smoothed down, creating a polished and sleek appearance.

Pixie Cut: A pixie cut is a very short hairstyle with cropped layers that can vary in length, often giving a bold and edgy look.

French Braid: A French braid is a braided hairstyle where three strands of hair are intertwined from the head’s crown down to the neck’s nape.

Ponytail: A ponytail is a simple hairstyle where the hair is gathered and secured at the back of the head, hanging freely.

Pigtails: Pigtails involve dividing the hair into two sections and creating separate ponytails on each side of the head.

Fishtail Braids: Fishtail braids are a type of braid where the hair is divided into two sections, and small pieces of hair are crossed over to create a textured, fishtail-like pattern.

Vintage Curls: Vintage curls refer to classic curls that evoke a sense of old Hollywood glamour, often achieved using curling irons or rollers.

Afro: An afro is a natural hairstyle characterized by voluminous and curly hair that stands out from the scalp, creating a rounded shape.

Male Hairstyles

Define the hairstyles of your male models with keywords such as buzz cut, fade haircut, man bun, etc.

Base Prompt

Closeup portrait photo of 2 fashionable young men with a fade haircut, posing on a bridge, snowy winter day, neutral colors --ar 2:3
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide

Change the bold words in the base prompt to try out the different keywords listed below:

Crew Cut: A short and practical hairstyle where the hair is cut evenly and closely to the scalp, often with a slightly longer top.

Fade Haircut: A hairstyle that blends the hair from short to long gradually, creating a fade effect that can be high, mid, or low.

Pompadour: A classic style where the hair is swept upwards from the forehead and worn high over the head, often with volume and texture.

Quiff: Similar to a pompadour, the hair is brushed upwards and back, but the quiff typically has a more textured and casual appearance.

Buzz Cut: An extremely short haircut achieved by using clippers, giving the appearance of closely cropped hair.

Side Part: A hairstyle where the hair is divided with a distinct part on one side, often accompanied by combing the hair neatly to each side.

Slicked-Back Hair: The hair is combed or brushed away from the face and smoothed down, often using products to achieve a polished appearance.

Taper Haircut: A hairstyle with gradually decreasing length from top to bottom, often resulting in a neat and clean look.

Comb-Over: A style where longer hair is combed over a balding or receding area, often used to camouflage thinning hair.

Mohawk: A bold style featuring a strip of hair in the center of the head, with the sides shaved or cut very short.

Man Bun: Long hair is gathered and tied into a bun at the back of the head, creating a casual and trendy look.

Age

Define the age of your models with keywords such as elderly, toddler, young adult, etc.

Base Prompt

Closeup portrait photo of a happy elderly japanese man with a black hat, sitting on a bench in a park on a spring Day, cherry blossom, vibrant colors --ar 2:3 
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide

Change the bold word in the base prompt to try out the different keywords listed below:

  • Elderly
  • Teen
  • Child
  • Preteen
  • Infant
  • Newborn
  • Young adult
  • Toddler
  • Baby

Facial expressions

The default facial expressions of Midjourney models are often quite serious. You can influence the emotions of your models by adding words like smiling or giggling to your prompt.

Base Prompt

Closeup portrait photo of two giggling teenage girls, cute pattern fashion, posing in front of their school lockers, vibrant colors --ar 2:3
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide

Change the bold word in the base prompt to try out the different keywords listed below:

  • Smiling
  • Laughing
  • Giggling
  • Screaming
  • Angry
  • Surprised / Shocked
  • Happy
  • Frowning
  • Wide-eyed
  • Pursed lips
  • Lip bite
  • Pout

Camera Angles

Define the poses of your models with keywords such as frontal angle, over-the-shoulder angle, profile angle, etc.

You can use the word symmetry to make your model take a symmetric pose.

Base Prompt

Closeup profile angle portrait photo of a young Egyptian woman, posing in a modern art gallery, orange and blue colors --ar 2:3
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide

Change the bold words in the base prompt to try out the different keywords listed below:

  • Frontal Angle: Capturing the face straight on, highlighting symmetry and allowing for a direct view of the features.
  • Profile Angle: Capturing the side view of the face, showcasing the profile, nose, and jawline.
  • Low Angle: Capturing the face from below, potentially emphasizing the jawline or adding a dramatic effect.
  • Eye-Level Angle: Capturing the face at the same level as the eyes, providing a natural and balanced perspective.
  • Over-the-Shoulder Angle: Shooting from behind the subject’s shoulder, often revealing part of the face and creating a sense of intrigue.
  • Close-Up Macro: Focusing tightly on specific facial features, such as eyes, lips, or a unique texture, for detail and impact.
  • Candid Angle: Capturing the subject naturally and unposed, conveying genuine emotions and expressions.

Eye direction

Define the direction in which your model is looking with keywords such as looking down, looking at the camera, looking up at the sky, etc.

Base Prompt

Closeup portrait photo of a young dutch woman, looking up at the sky, in downtown new york city --ar 2:3
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide

Change the bold words in the base prompt to try out the different keywords listed below:

  • Looking away
  • Looking into distance
  • Looking up
  • Looking at camera
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide

Makeup style

Define the makeup style of your model with keywords such as nude makeup look, bold red lips, or glamorous.

Base Prompt

Closeup frontal angle portrait photo of a young glamorous woman, with bold eyebrows and bold big pink lips, polka dot background --ar 2:3
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide

Change the bold words in the base prompt to try out the different keywords listed below:

  • Natural: A minimalistic approach that enhances features with subtle tones and a light touch, focusing on enhancing the wearer’s inherent beauty.
  • Glamorous: An extravagant and sophisticated look with intense colors, bold features, and often incorporating elements like smoky eyes and dramatic lips.
  • Bold Red Lips: A striking makeup look centered around vivid red lipstick that draws attention to the lips, often paired with neutral or classic eye makeup.
  • Bold Eyebrows: Emphasizing the eyebrows with a strong, defined shape that frames the eyes and adds a bold statement to the overall look.
  • Nude Makeup Look: A makeup style that uses neutral tones to create a subtle, barely-there appearance, highlighting natural beauty.
  • Vintage-Inspired Makeup: Drawing inspiration from past eras, often featuring winged eyeliner, red lips, and soft, romantic shades.
  • Contouring and Highlighting: Using makeup techniques to sculpt the face by shading and illuminating specific areas, creating depth and dimension.
  • Matte Makeup: A makeup look using matte textures devoid of shine for a smooth and polished appearance.
  • Soft and Romantic Makeup: Incorporating soft colors, blush tones, and gentle features to create a sweet and delicate look.
  • Edgy and Dramatic Makeup: A bold and intense look featuring dark, rich colors, sharp lines, and strong contrasts for a dramatic effect.
  • Neon Makeup: A vibrant and attention-grabbing look using bright neon colors on the eyes, lips, or cheeks to create an electrifying appearance.
  • Ethereal and Fairy-Like Makeup: Creating a dreamy and otherworldly appearance with shimmering pastels, iridescent hues, and a soft, luminous glow.
  • Sun-Kissed and Bronzed Makeup: Achieving a warm and sun-kissed appearance with bronzer and golden tones that mimic a natural tan.
  • Gothic and Grunge Makeup: A darker and moody look characterized by deep, rich shades, smudged eyeliner, and a slightly disheveled appearance.
  • Metallic and Glitter Makeup: Incorporating metallic shades and glitter to add a sparkling and eye-catching element to the makeup, often used for special occasions or artistic looks.

Makeup terms

To ensure Midjourney understands your main keywords for a detailed makeup look, it often helps to emphasize certain aspects.

For example, when describing glossy lipstick, add keywords such as shiny to emphasize the look you want to see reflected in your generated images.

Base Prompt

Macro Closeup portrait photo of a young woman's face, sixties retro glamour makeup, shiny glossy lipstick and smokey eyes, in a retro bedroom --ar 2:3
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide

Change the bold words in the base prompt to try out the different keywords listed below:

  • Glossy Lipstick: Lipstick with a shiny finish that adds a lustrous and reflective quality to the lips, creating a plump and vibrant look.
  • Matte Lipstick: Lipstick with a flat, non-shiny finish, often providing a velvety texture and bold, long-lasting color.
  • Thick Mascara: Mascara that adds volume and thickness to the eyelashes, giving them a full and dramatic appearance.
  • Iridescent Eyeshadow: Eyeshadow with a shimmering quality that changes colors as it catches the light, creating a multidimensional and ethereal effect.
  • Smokey Eyes: A makeup technique featuring dark and smudged eyeshadow, often in shades of black, gray, or brown, creating a sultry and alluring look.
  • Cat-Eye Eyeliner: Eyeliner applied in a winged shape that extends beyond the outer corner of the eye, creating a lifted and feline-inspired appearance.
  • Pink Blush: Blush in various shades of pink applied to the cheeks to add a healthy flush of color and a youthful glow to the complexion.

Accessories

Define the accessories of your model and add keywords such as glasses, summer hat, winter scarf, etc.

Base Prompt

Closeup candid portrait photo of a sporty young man, wearing a baseball cap, in a sports stadium --ar 2:3
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide

Change the bold words in the base prompt to try out the different keywords listed below:

  • Hats
  • Cap
  • Headband
  • Hairbow
  • Glasses
  • Scarves
  • Flower crown
  • Veil

Jewelry

Define the jewelry of your model and add keywords such as statement necklace, diamond earrings, silver tiara, etc.

Base Prompt

Closeup candid portrait photo of a glamorous italian woman, wearing haute couture, big diamond statement necklace, brown and black pastel colors --ar 2:3
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide

Change the bold words in the base prompt to try out the different keywords listed below:

  • Statement Necklace
  • Earrings
  • Choker
  • Nose Piercing
  • Crown
  • Tiara

50 Technical Midjourney Portrait Prompt Keywords

Lighting

Define the lighting of your image and add keywords such as soft lighting, playful shadows, candlelight, etc.

You can also play with shadows to add more realism to your portraits.

Base Prompt

Closeup candid portrait photo of a young artistic woman, sitting by the window, sunlight beams on her face, soft romantic lighting, summer day --ar 2:3
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide

Change the bold word in the base prompt to try out the different keywords listed below:

Artificial Light Sources

  • Hard lighting
  • Soft lighting
  • Professional lighting
  • Cinematic lighting
  • LED light
  • Neon light
  • Disco lights
  • Fairy Lights
  • Candlelight
  • Backlighting
  • Bokeh
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide

Natural Light Sources

  • Sunlight
  • Moonlight
  • Daytime
  • Nighttime
  • Midnight
  • Golden Hour
  • Spring light
  • Sunset
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide

Shadows

  • Playful shadows
  • Hard shadows
  • Striped shadows
  • Soft shadows

Camera type

Midjourney does not recognize camera brands or specific camera lenses. Still, you can give it a direction by using words in your prompt such as vintage, GoPro, Fisheye lens, etc.

Base Prompt

A candid closeup selfie angle gopro photo of an gorgeous blonde young screaming woman, being chased by a tiger, in the jungle, horror, vibrant colors --ar 2:3
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide

Change the bold word in the base prompt to try out the different keywords listed below:

  • DSLR
  • Vintage
  • Fuji Film
  • Analog
  • GoPro
  • Kodak
  • Fisheye lens

Color

Define the colors of your image and add keywords such as pastel, vibrant, 2-tone color combinations, etc.

Base Prompt

Closeup candid portrait photo of a young kawaii couple kissing, tropical turquoise and pink colors --ar 2:3
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide

Change the bold word in the base prompt to try out the different keywords listed below:

  • Pastel
  • Iridescent
  • Rainbow
  • Neutral
  • Tropical
  • Vibrant
  • Romantic
  • Soft
  • Brown and black
  • Red and blue
  • Purple and Peachy pastels
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide

Setting & Background

Define where and/or when your image is set. For example, in the garden, in Paris, 1960, the future, etc.

You can also set the weather or season by adding words like Summer and Winter to your prompt. Additionally, you can make it rain or snow, create fog, or opt for a sunny day.

Base Prompt

A candid closeup of a giggling blonde French girl wearing a pink ruffled haute couture dress, enjoying the view, in Paris, 1970, autumn colors, misty morning --no umbrella --ar 4:3
The Basics of Good Prompt Writing in Midjourney - Midjourney Prompts for Beginners - How to write the best Midjourney Prompts

Change the bold words in the base prompt to try out the different keywords listed below:

  • At dusk
  • Snowy winter day in New York
  • Warm summer night in Italy
  • A cloudy day in Spring
  • The roaring 20s
  • The 90s
101+ Unique Keywords to Write Amazing Midjourney Portrait Prompts for Photography - Midjourney Style Guide

Now You Know How to Create a Good Midjourney Portrait Prompt!

I hope this guide for writing better Midjourney portrait prompts has been helpful to you! Please add me on Instagram @sprinkleofai to ask me any questions you still have, and don’t forget to tag me in all your wonderful AI Art!

NEXT GUIDE: Learn how to make portraits with NIJI in Midjourney

Learn how to use the NIJI function in Midjourney and create super cute portraits in anime style!

How to Use Niji 5 in Midjourney - Exploring All Creative Styles - Midjourney AI - Sprinkle of AI

About the author

My name is Marloes Ratten, and I love to make things. During the day, I’m a Macrame teacher, and at night I love to go a little crazy in Midjourney.

If you would like to see more of my AI artwork, follow Sprinkle of AI on Instagram or check out more posts on my blog sprinkleofai.com!

For more info about me or my handmade items, check my blog macrameforbeginners.com, or browse my Etsy Shop for beginner-friendly step-by-step patterns.

This website features a collection of fictional characters and products crafted with Midjourney. All images are purely imaginative, and any resemblance to actual persons or products is entirely coincidental.

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