1. Why '8K Photorealistic' Actually Ruins Your Images
Buzzwords like '8K', 'hyper-realistic', and 'award-winning' are recognized in generative models as amateur SEO spam tags. They often trigger plastic skin smoothing and excessive saturation. Instead, use real photographic terminology: camera models, film stock emulsions, and lens focal lengths.
Key Principles
- •Use specific film stocks: Kodak Portra 400, Fujifilm Superia, Ilford HP5.
- •Specify lens millimeters: 35mm, 50mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.8.
- •Always add --style raw to disable Midjourney's default stylized aesthetic.
2. Controlling the Light: The Heart of Realism
Lighting dictates perceived texture. Frontal flash creates a raw snapshot aesthetic; overcast northern window light produces soft portrait transitions; golden hour side-lighting reveals skin pores and fabric weaves.
Key Principles
- •Specify direction: side-lighting, rim lighting, overcast diffused daylight.
- •Avoid multi-colored neon highlights unless intentionally producing cyberpunk aesthetics.