How to create more dynamic portrait images in Midjourney？

In Midjourney prompts, when lacking key descriptive words, the generated portraits often appear stiff or lifeless. To create portraits that are vibrant, dynamic, and full of life, you need to incorporate detailed descriptions of expressions, actions, settings, atmospheres, lighting, and clothing. Below are tips and key words to help you design more lively and expressive portrait prompts.

1. Expressions and Emotions

Facial expressions are critical to adding life and character to portraits. Describing specific emotions makes the portrait feel natural and relatable.

  • Key Words:
    • Joyful, cheerful, smiling, grinning, laughing
    • Thoughtful, introspective, serene, calm
    • Excited, enthusiastic, exhilarated, ecstatic
    • Playful, mischievous, teasing
    • Angry, frustrated, furious, intense
    • Sad, melancholy, pensive, wistful
    • Focused, determined, confident

Example Prompt:
“A young woman, laughing joyfully with her eyes closed, wind blowing her hair, sunlit background –vivid colors –ar 4:5”

2. Actions and Poses

Dynamic poses and movements avoid static and stiff visuals. Describing body language brings energy and life to the portrait.

  • Key Words:
    • Running, jumping, dancing, twirling
    • Walking energetically, skipping, leaping
    • Stretching arms, leaning back, looking up
    • Hands on hips, crossed arms, pointing forward
    • Spinning, crouching, mid-motion, mid-air
    • Playful poses, relaxed poses, yoga poses

Example Prompt:
“A dynamic portrait of a girl mid-jump, arms outstretched, joyful expression, golden sunlight illuminating her silhouette –ar 9:16 –vivid colors”

3. Eyes and Gaze

The eyes are the “windows to the soul” and play a huge role in conveying emotion and engagement.

  • Key Words:
    • Looking directly at the viewer, intense gaze
    • Looking up to the sky, dreamy gaze
    • Looking away, lost in thought
    • Sparkling eyes, expressive eyes, teary eyes
    • Closed eyes with a smile, serene expression

Example Prompt:
“Close-up portrait of a woman with sparkling, expressive eyes, looking directly at the viewer, soft natural light, slight smile –ar 3:2”

4. Setting and Environment

Integrating portraits into rich settings creates a sense of story and visual interest.

  • Key Words:
    • Sunlit fields, windy beach, bustling city streets
    • A cozy café, under cherry blossom trees, autumn forest
    • Sunset glow, stormy weather, moonlit night
    • Sitting on a balcony, by the ocean, in a flower garden
    • Golden hour, twilight atmosphere, morning sunlight

Example Prompt:
“A portrait of a young man sitting on a wooden bench in an autumn park, leaves swirling in the wind, warm golden sunlight –cinematic lighting –ar 16:9”

5. Lighting and Atmosphere

Lighting defines mood and tone, adding depth and drama to the portrait.

  • Key Words:
    • Soft natural light, diffused light, golden hour glow
    • Dramatic lighting, chiaroscuro, high contrast
    • Backlit, rim light, silhouettes
    • Neon lights, moody lighting, warm candlelight
    • Twilight ambiance, ethereal glow, cinematic light

Example Prompt:
“A serene portrait of a woman backlit by golden hour light, her silhouette glowing with warmth, soft shadows –atmospheric –ar 2:3”

6. Clothing and Details

Describing attire and unique physical details adds personality and dimension to the portrait.

  • Key Words:
    • Flowing dress, casual jeans, elegant gown
    • Traditional attire, fantasy armor, futuristic outfit
    • Hats, scarves, glasses, jewelry, flowers in hair
    • Windswept hair, freckles, tattooed arms, painted nails

Example Prompt:
“A stylish woman with windswept hair, wearing a flowing red dress, standing on a windy hilltop, cinematic lighting –ar 4:5”

7. Colors and Textures

Vivid colors and detailed textures enhance the visual appeal of the image.

  • Key Words:
    • Vivid colors, vibrant tones, pastel hues
    • Rich textures, glossy surfaces, soft fabrics
    • High contrast, deep shadows, radiant glow

Example Prompt:
“A vibrant portrait of a girl in a colorful dress, playful expression, soft sunlight, vivid tones of blue and orange –ar 4:5”

8. Artistic Styles

Specifying artistic styles can transform the portrait into unique visual forms.

  • Key Words:
    • Hyperrealistic, cinematic, editorial photography
    • Oil painting, watercolor, digital art
    • Dreamlike, surreal, fantasy, futuristic
    • Vogue-style, magazine cover, retro 80s aesthetic

Example Prompt:
“Hyperrealistic portrait of a young woman, dreamy expression, surreal background with glowing flowers, soft lighting –ar 3:2”

9. Storytelling Elements

Adding narrative elements to the portrait creates visual storytelling and deeper emotional engagement.

  • Key Words:
    • A traveler resting, a dancer mid-spin, a warrior preparing for battle
    • Sitting on a train, looking out of a rainy window
    • Reading a book under candlelight, waiting at a crossroads

Example Prompt:
“A portrait of a lone traveler sitting by a campfire, looking at the night sky full of stars, storytelling composition, warm atmosphere –ar 16:9”

10 Complete MidJourney Portrait Prompts

  1. “A joyful girl spinning in a field of wildflowers, golden hour lighting, hair flowing in the wind, vibrant colors –ar 3:2”
  2. “Close-up portrait of a man with intense gaze, rain droplets on his face, dramatic lighting, moody atmosphere –ar 4:5”
  3. “A woman sitting on a balcony overlooking the city at sunset, dreamy expression, warm soft light –ar 16:9”
  4. “Dynamic shot of a dancer mid-air, energetic pose, flowing dress, soft spotlight, dark background –ar 2:3”
  5. “Stylish portrait of a man in a vintage suit, standing confidently in an old library, cinematic lighting –ar 4:5”
  6. “Fantasy portrait of a warrior woman in glowing armor, battle-ready stance, fiery background –ar 16:9”
  7. “A cheerful boy holding balloons in a sunny park, vibrant colors, playful pose, clear blue sky –ar 3:2”
  8. “A serene woman in traditional Japanese attire, standing under cherry blossom trees, petals falling –ar 2:3”
  9. “Close-up of a freckled girl with sparkling eyes, dreamy pastel background, soft focus –ar 1:1”
  10. “Retro 80s-inspired portrait of a stylish woman in neon lights, dynamic pose, vibrant colors –ar 16:9”

By applying these detailed descriptions and key words, you can create MidJourney portraits that are more vibrant, emotionally engaging, and full of life.