Explore Speed, Style, and Surrealism: Examples of –sref commands in MidJourney from New York Streets to Space Fantasies

Midjourney Prompt

Color Palette

Dominant Colors

Collection Description

In a visually compelling collection that traverses from the bustling streets of New York to the ethereal expanses of space, this narrative seamlessly merges the elements of speed, style, and surrealism. A black Lamborghini illustrates the kinetic energy of Times Square, juxtaposed against photorealistic portraits that echo 1970s glam and the profound visage of an old man, deepening the emotional palette of the viewer. Scenes extend into the fantastical with a celestial Christmas tree-shaped cloud surrounded by cosmic bodies, emphasizing the surreal and dreamlike qualities akin to those found in the works of Roger Dean. Further, a captivating fantasy art piece features a majestic red dragon, demonstrating the dynamic interplay of light and form. Each image, from the gripping portrayal of a robotic figure to the serene beauty of a Siberian Husky in its snowy domain, integrates a myriad of artistic influences. These artworks embody the essence of the MidJourney Style Reference Guide, providing a rich tapestry of examples that showcase how diverse artistic elements can be harmonized to create striking, memorable compositions that inspire and captivate, whether through the lens of photorealism or the boundless realms of fantasy.

Image Descriptions and Image Prompts

Midjourney Prompt

A wise old man with a long beard and piercing eyes

Exploring –sref features in MidJourney reveals a captivating close-up portrait of an old man, whose stark blue eyes and flowing white beard are rendered with painstaking detail reminiscent of the styles of National Geographic, Vincent Di Fate, and David LaChapelle. The man’s serious, almost angry expression draws you into a narrative of depth and intensity. The photorealistic quality of the image is enhanced by a hyper-realistic film grain effect, utilizing medium format Kodak Portra 800 film paired with an SMC Takumar lens at f/2, that deepens the textural story of his weathered skin, betraying a life rich with stories. The high contrast and sharp focus of the image underline the dramatic and emotive power of this portrait, skillfully color graded to highlight every intricate detail and expression the subject conveys.

Midjourney Prompt

A fluffy Siberian Husky with icy blue eyes in the snow

Experience the breathtaking portrait of a Siberian Husky, captured in a National Geographic-style photograph that evokes the chilly essence of its snowy habitat. This high-resolution, photorealistic image beautifully emphasizes the striking blue eyes of the black and white Husky, set against a vibrant, sunlit snowy landscape. The close-up shot captures every intricate detail, from the snowflakes delicately balanced on its nose to the individual hairs of its thick fur, highlighted by the bright blue sky in the backdrop. The image’s hyper-realistic quality and the happy expression on the husky’s face enhance its liveliness, making it a perfect example of the artistry involved in creating professional AI art with MidJourney. Each element in the frame—whether the cold air encapsulating the scene or the vivid contrast of the husky’s fur against the snow—contributes to a visual narrative that is both compelling and heartwarming.

Midjourney Prompt

A giant ancient oak tree with gnarled roots

The image captures a captivating scene where an ancient Greek house, ingeniously integrated into the thick trunk of a majestic oak tree, portrays a unique fusion of natural and architectural beauty. This concept echoes the imaginative realms akin to those envisioned by artists Roger Dean, Wayne Barlowe, Michael Whelan, Clyde Caldwell, and John Howe, each known for their distinct fantasy and speculative fiction themes. The oak’s gnarled roots meander into the earth, anchoring tiny domiciles that taper into the soil, suggesting a symbiotic relationship between the human structures and their living foundation. This intricate blend not only enchants the viewer but also highlights the benefits of using style references in AI art, allowing for a visual continuity that bridges diverse artistic influences and fosters a rich narrative depth within the composition. Through this technique, the artwork attains a layered complexity that invites prolonged pondering and appreciation, serving as an imaginative confluence of mythic and natural elements.

Midjourney Prompt

A gothic cathedral with intricate stained glass windows at sunset

This captivating scene features a stunning cathedral constructed from pristine white stone, standing as a beacon under a mesmerizing sky painted in hues of orange and blue. The cathedral, characterized by its majestic Gothic architecture, glows under the light of a setting sun that backlights the church, causing the red and blue stained glass windows to illuminate brilliantly. A pathway leads the viewer’s eye towards its grand entranceway, bordered by steps that invite wonder and awe. The art style blends influences from famed artists like Moebius, Alex Ross, Todd McFarlane, Roger Dean, Larry Elmore, and Boris Vallejo, achieving a hyper-realistic yet conceptually fantastical depiction that might remind one of classic 80s fantasy akin to Dungeons & Dragons. This depiction not only serves as an enchantment for the eyes but also aligns perfectly with the aesthetic expectations outlined in the MidJourney Style Reference Guide, combining detailed artistic craftsmanship with a powerful narrative setting.

Midjourney Prompt

A sleek Lamborghini Aventador

In the heart of New York City’s Times Square, a black Lamborghini sports car captures the essence of speed and style, whether parked or blazing through the busy streets. This hyper-realistic and photorealistic depiction of the Lamborghini, with models like the Murciélago and Gallardo highlighted, combines the stunning visual quality of high-resolution imagery with the vibrancy of a sunny day in the city. The sleek design and glossy finish of the car contrast dramatically against the backdrop of towering skyscrapers and the colorful, dynamic street life. The use of a wide-angle lens further enhances the scene, pulling the viewer into the midst of the bustling environment, making this a perfect MidJourney style reference tip for beginners looking to explore the integration of detailed automotive and urban elements in photorealistic digital art.

Midjourney Prompt

A glowing crystal floating above the hand of a wizard

This image brilliantly captures a hand gripping a mesmerizing crystal cube, a collaboration reflective of the detailed fantasy styles of renowned artists like Alex Ross and Boris Vallejo. Each interpretation of the scene brings its unique flare, from Vallejo’s trademark magical luminescence that suggests a Dungeons and Dragons adventure to the illustrative finesse of Donato Giancola and Paul Rader, who add a touch of surrealism. The crystal, ornate and glowing mysteriously, draws the eye as it seems to float within the grasp of a shadowy, enigmatic hand, reminiscent of Jean Giraud’s Moebius-style dark and intricate backdrops. This visual amalgamation could inspire incredibly unique AI-generated imagery, enriching the creative process for projects like “How to generate unique AI images with MidJourney,” where combining artistic influences can lead to unexpected and striking results.

Midjourney Prompt

A futuristic cybernetic humanoid with neon circuitry glowing in the dark

This image portrays a stunning representation of a robotic figure that fuses elements of fantasy and science fiction in a viscerally captivating way. Set against a dark backdrop, this android character catches the eye with its striking blue eyes and striking red lights, which are intricately integrated into its facial structure and helmet, creating an aura of advanced technology and mystery. The helmet itself is a masterpiece of design, silver in color with fine metallic textures that suggest a high level of sophistication often seen in cyberpunk narratives. The young robot’s facial expression—portrayed with high-resolution and hyper-realistic detail—exudes a quiet confidence and determination, enhancing the overall impact of the composition. Channeling the artistic vibes of Alex Ross, Greg Rutkowski, and Ed Emshwiller, the image strikes a balance between retrofuturism and contemporary sci-fi, underscoring how the choice of elements and style significantly impacts MidJourney outputs. This artwork could easily serve as an album cover or a film poster, capturing the essence of a futuristic realm where technology and human-like expressions meld seamlessly.

Midjourney Prompt

A fire-breathing dragon with scales perched on a cliffside

In a captivating composition that combines the fantasy art styles of renowned illustrators such as Larry Elmore, Jeff Easley, and Boris Vallejo, the image depicts a majestic red dragon perched atop rugged rocks, exhaling a powerful breath of fire. This vibrant portrayal not only captures the dynamic and dramatic essence typical of Elmore and Easley’s artwork but also infuses a touch of Vallejo’s distinctive approach to form and color. The dragon’s scales shimmer against the flickering flames, creating a spectacle of light and shadow that encapsulates the mythical power and grandeur of this legendary creature. For artists keen on exploring fantastical themes and how to master AI art style guides, this image serves as a prime example of seamlessly integrating multiple artistic influences into a single, harmonious piece.

Midjourney Prompt

A glass of wine being poured into a crystal goblet with splashes frozen in mid-air

Capturing the dynamic interplay of light, color, and movement, this photograph illustrates a crystal clear glass of cherry wine being precisely poured, surrounded by an array of small golden-colored fruits that enhance the visual allure. Specifically designed to catch the viewer’s eye, the background is kept stark black to emphasize the bright colors and textures of both the liquid and the fruits making a splash. Using –sref for realistic AI art in MidJourney could potentially heighten these vivid details further, imbuing the scene with even more depth and realism. Golden berries and small oranges are strategically scattered around the glass, not only adding to its aesthetic appeal but also contributing to the overall appetizing effect of the scene. The photo, shot with an ultra-high resolution Canon EOS R5 camera and an RF 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, manages to freeze a moment of fluid motion and stillness simultaneously, capturing every droplet and fruit texture in superb detail, highlighted by adept lighting use that carves out depth and drama in the composition.

Midjourney Prompt

A cinematic close-up of a woman’s face with dramatic lighting

This portrait captures the striking features of a woman whose appearance epitomizes the glamour and charm reminiscent of a 1970s magazine cover. With her long, luscious dark brown hair and deep blue eyes, set against lightly sun-tanned skin, the subject radiates an angelic yet poignant allure. Her facial features are accentuated by meticulous 1970s-style makeup, including vibrant red lipstick and soft, pink tones that suggest a recent return from a sunny vacation. The carefully arranged studio lighting casts delicate shadows across her face, emphasizing the high cheekbones and the smooth contours, while contributing a photorealistic quality that hints at the work of renowned photographers like Slim Aarons and Jeanloup Sieff. Such detailed and thoughtful design elements are key examples of how the benefits of using style references in AI art can enhance the depth, realism, and emotional connection of a piece, making every detail of the woman’s face captivatingly beautiful and vividly memorable.

Midjourney Prompt

A single dewdrop on a spiderweb, reflecting a sunrise

In a scene that captures a blend of nature and fantasy, a single dewdrop delicately hangs from the edge of an apple tree branch, transforming into a breathtaking spectacle of light and color. This droplet, more akin to a bejeweled pendant than mere morning dew, is meticulously adorned with sparkling beads, each catching and refracting sunlight to cast a spectrum of dazzling highlights. This vintage-style image evokes the nostalgic flair of a 1970s magazine, yet integrates modern photographic influences from esteemed artists like Jean-Claude Mézières, David LaChapelle, Tim Walker, Roger Dean, and H.R. Giger, creating a fusion between the natural world and surreal artistic expression. The backdrop, a softly blurred autumn landscape, enhances the mystical quality of the image, making this photographic composition not only a visual treat but also an exemplary illustration of best practices for AI image generation, where attention to detail and stylistic emulation merge seamlessly.

Midjourney Prompt

A massive nebula with swirling colors and distant planets in the background

A visually stunning scene unfolds in space where a colossal Christmas tree-shaped cloud, painted in vibrant shades of red and blue, floats majestically. This ethereal arboreal formation, reminiscent of the fantastical works of Roger Dean, borrows from the characteristic dreamlike and surreal qualities found in the paintings of Moebius, Boris Vallejo, and John Berkey. Surrounding this central figure are numerous celestial bodies—planets varying in sizes and colors, and stars that twinkle against the cosmic backdrop. A radiant red sun casts a warm glow, enhancing the vivid contrasts and intricate details typical of John Berkey’s style, while the white clouds swirl around, adding a dynamic texture akin to Roger Dean’s airbrush art. This composition merges these artistic visions into a seamless portrayal of otherworldly beauty and wonder, making it perfect inspiration for those delving into MidJourney style reference tutorials and tricks.