Midjourney prompting tips from a pro

2026-03-11 · Source: How I AI · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Prompt Engineering · Depth: Novice, quick

Summary

This guide details a practical approach to crafting effective prompts for image generation, focusing on iterative refinement and specific detail inclusion. Initially, a prompt for "a deer in a New York City apartment" yielded images with the correct general style but lacked the distinct New York context. To address this, the prompt was modified to include "New York skyline can be seen in the window behind it" and to specify "on a matte black leather couch" instead of a "pink couch." The guide also suggests using camera types like DSLR, mirrorless, digital, or film to quickly alter the image's aesthetic, such as achieving a '90s vibe or increased realism. Furthermore, it advocates for concise descriptions, demonstrating how a single word like "luxury" can convey complex scene details more efficiently than lengthy phrases.

Key takeaway

For Creative Technologists aiming to achieve precise visual outcomes with AI image generators, focus on iterative prompt refinement. Start with broad concepts, then progressively add specific details like "New York skyline" or "matte black leather couch." Experiment with camera types to influence aesthetic, and condense descriptive phrases into single, powerful words like "luxury" to enhance efficiency and accuracy in your generated images.

Key insights

Iterative prompt refinement with specific details and concise language improves AI image generation results.

Principles

• Add specific details incrementally.
• Use camera types for aesthetic control.
• Concise language conveys complex ideas.

Method

Start with a general prompt, then add specific visual details like "New York skyline" or "matte black leather couch." Experiment with camera types (DSLR, film) for style. Replace verbose descriptions with single, evocative words like "luxury."

In practice

• Specify background elements for context.
• Experiment with camera types for style.
• Replace phrases with single descriptive words.

Topics

• Prompt Engineering
• Image Generation
• AI Art Style Control
• Descriptive Prompting
• Concise Prompting

Best for: Prompt Engineer, AI Student, Creative Technologist

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by How I AI.