How to Create Magazine Style Photos Using Midjourney

Magazine-style photos grab attention and tell stories at a glance. They’re key for marketers, bloggers, and anyone looking to make an impact online.

With Midjourney, you can create these eye-catching visuals without expensive photoshoots or pro editing skills. In this post, I’ll show you how to use Midjourney to make magazine-worthy images that’ll make your content pop.

I’ve spent weeks testing different prompts and tweaking my approach. Now, I’m sharing what I’ve learned so you can skip the trial and error.

We’ll look at a basic formula for great prompts, break down why it works, and check out some real examples.

Create a Base Prompt for Midjourney

To get consistent, magazine-quality results from Midjourney, I’ve developed a base prompt. It includes all the key elements. Here it is:

Magazine cover photo of [subject], dynamic composition, sharp focus, [lighting style], [background style], [magazine type] aesthetic, high-definition, cinematic details

This structure works well because it gives Midjourney clear instructions about what you want. Let’s break it down:

• [subject]: What’s the main focus? A person, animal, object, or scene.
• Dynamic composition: Tells Midjourney to create an engaging layout.
• Sharp focus: Ensures the important parts of the image are clear and crisp.
• [lighting style]: Defines the mood through lighting. Examples: soft natural light, dramatic studio lighting, moody low-key lighting.
• [background style]: Sets the scene. It could be a location or a simple studio backdrop.
• [magazine type] aesthetic: Guides the overall style. Think fashion, nature, tech, sports, etc.
• High-definition: Asks for a clear, detailed image.
• Cinematic details: Adds a professional, polished look to the final result.

Here’s an example of the base prompt in action:

Magazine cover photo of a model in a designer outfit, dynamic composition, sharp focus, studio lighting, clean white background, fashion magazine aesthetic, high-definition, cinematic details.

This prompt produced images that look like they belong on the cover of Vogue or Elle. See some results given below.

By tweaking each part of this base prompt, you can create a wide variety of magazine-style images.

Example Prompts and Results

I’ve tested this base prompt structure with various subjects and styles. Here’s a look at some of the prompts I used and the results I got. Each example shows how small changes can create very different magazine-style images.

Automotive: Luxury Sports Car

Prompt: Magazine cover photo of a luxury sports car, dynamic composition, sharp focus, dramatic lighting, urban night background, auto magazine aesthetic, high-definition, cinematic details –ar 3:4 –v 6.1

This prompt created a sleek sports car image that would fit right in on the cover of Car and Driver or Top Gear. The night setting and dramatic lighting really made the car’s lines pop.

Wildlife: Tiger in Natural Habitat

Prompt: Magazine cover photo of a tiger, dynamic composition, sharp focus, natural sunlight, wild landscape background, wildlife magazine aesthetic, high-definition, cinematic details –ar 3:4 –v 6.1

The result was a striking image of a tiger that looked perfect for National Geographic. The natural lighting and wild background gave it an authentic feel.

Travel: Tropical Beach Paradise

Prompt: Magazine cover photo of a tropical beach with palm trees, dynamic composition, sharp focus, golden hour lighting, picturesque seascape background, travel magazine aesthetic, high-definition, cinematic details –ar 3:4 –v 6.1

This created an inviting beach scene that would make anyone want to book a vacation. The golden hour lighting added warmth and a dreamy quality to the image.

Technology: Sleek Smartphone

Prompt: Magazine cover photo of a sleek smartphone on a futuristic desk, dynamic composition, sharp focus, studio lighting, modern tech background, technology magazine aesthetic, high-definition, cinematic details –ar 3:4 –v 6.1

The result was a clean, modern image of a smartphone that would look at home on the cover of Wired or TechCrunch. The background added to the high-tech feel.

Sports: Soccer Player in Action

Prompt: Magazine cover photo of a soccer player mid-kick in action, dynamic composition, sharp focus, stadium lighting, packed crowd in the background, sports magazine aesthetic, high-definition, cinematic details –ar 3:4 –v 6.1

This prompt produced a dynamic image of a soccer player that captured the energy and excitement of the sport. It would fit well on the cover of Sports Illustrated or ESPN Magazine.

Photography: Vintage Camera Still Life

Prompt: Magazine cover photo of a vintage camera on a wooden table, dynamic composition, sharp focus, soft natural lighting, minimal background, photography magazine aesthetic, high-definition, cinematic details –ar 3:4 –v 6.1

The result was a beautifully composed still life that would appeal to photography enthusiasts. The soft lighting and minimal background gave it an artistic quality.

Music: Rock Band Performance

Prompt: Magazine cover photo of a rock band performing on stage, dynamic composition, sharp focus, concert lighting, energetic crowd in the background, music magazine aesthetic, high-definition, cinematic details –ar 3:4 –v 6.1

This created an energetic concert scene that captured the excitement of live music. It would be perfect for Rolling Stone or NME.

Home Decor: Modern Living Room

Prompt: Magazine cover photo of a cozy living room with modern furniture, dynamic composition, sharp focus, soft ambient lighting, elegant interior design background, home décor magazine aesthetic, high-definition, cinematic details –ar 3:4 –v 6.1

The result was a stylish interior shot that would look great on the cover of Architectural Digest or Elle Decor. The soft lighting added warmth to the modern design.

Kids’ Fashion: Trendy Child Model

Prompt: Magazine cover photo of a young child wearing a trendy outfit, dynamic composition, sharp focus, studio lighting, playful and colorful background, kids’ fashion magazine aesthetic, high-definition, cinematic details –ar 3:4 –v 6.1

This prompt created a fun and fashionable image of a child model that would be perfect for a children’s fashion magazine.

Luxury: Diamond Necklace Display

Prompt: Magazine cover photo of a diamond necklace on a velvet display, dynamic composition, sharp focus, studio lighting, dark luxury background, luxury magazine aesthetic, high-definition, cinematic details –ar 3:4 –v 6.1

The result was a glamorous image that highlighted the sparkle and elegance of the jewelry. It would be at home on the cover of a high-end fashion or luxury lifestyle magazine.

History: Ancient Castle

Prompt: Magazine cover photo of an ancient castle on a hilltop, dynamic composition, sharp focus, soft evening sunlight, historical background setting, history magazine aesthetic, high-definition, cinematic details –ar 3:4 –v 6.1

This created a captivating image of a castle that would be perfect for a history or travel magazine. The evening light added a sense of mystery and age to the scene.

Celebrity: Famous Actor on Red Carpet

Prompt: Magazine cover photo of a famous actor on the red carpet, dynamic composition, sharp focus, bright flash photography lighting, glamorous event background, celebrity magazine aesthetic, high-definition, cinematic details –ar 3:4 –v 6.1

The result was a glitzy red carpet scene that captured the glamour of Hollywood events. It would fit well on the cover of People or Entertainment Weekly.

Crafts: Handmade Pottery

Prompt: Magazine cover photo of handmade pottery on a rustic table, dynamic composition, sharp focus, soft studio lighting, colorful ceramics background, crafts magazine aesthetic, high-definition, cinematic details –ar 3:4 –v 6.1

This prompt produced a warm, inviting image that showcased the beauty of handmade crafts. It would be perfect for a DIY or crafting magazine.

Environmental: Forest Landscape

Prompt: Magazine cover photo of a forest with towering trees, dynamic composition, sharp focus, soft sunlight through the leaves, pristine natural landscape background, environmental magazine aesthetic, high-definition, cinematic details –ar 3:4 –v 6.1

The result was a stunning forest scene that captured the majesty of nature. It would be ideal for an environmental or outdoor magazine.

Food: Fried Chicken Dish

Prompt: Magazine cover photo of fried chicken, dynamic composition, sharp focus, soft natural lighting, white background, food magazine aesthetic, high-definition, cinematic details –ar 3:4 –v 6.1

This created an image of fried chicken that would be perfect for a food or culinary magazine. The soft lighting and white background made the food the star.

Fitness: Bodybuilder in Gym

Prompt: Magazine cover photo of a bodybuilder lifting weights, dynamic composition, sharp focus, dramatic lighting, gym background, fitness magazine aesthetic, high-definition, cinematic details –ar 3:4 –v 6.1

The result was a powerful image of a bodybuilder that captured the intensity of weightlifting. It would fit well on the cover of a fitness or bodybuilding magazine.

Gardening: Vibrant Flower Garden

Prompt: Magazine cover photo of blooming flowers in a vibrant garden, dynamic composition, sharp focus, soft morning sunlight, lush greenery background, gardening magazine aesthetic, high-definition, cinematic details –ar 3:4 –v 6.1

This prompt produced a colorful and inviting garden scene that would appeal to any gardening enthusiast. The soft morning light added a fresh, dewy look to the flowers.

Pets: Playful Golden Retriever

Prompt: Magazine cover photo of a playful golden retriever in a park, dynamic composition, sharp focus, soft natural lighting, green park background, pet magazine aesthetic, high-definition, cinematic details –ar 3:4 –v 6.1

The result was a joyful image of a golden retriever that captured the dog’s personality. It would be perfect for a pet or dog lovers’ magazine.

Wellness: Beach Runner at Sunrise

Prompt: Magazine cover photo of a person running on a beach during sunrise, dynamic composition, sharp focus, natural sunlight, serene coastal background, fitness and wellness magazine aesthetic, high-definition, cinematic details –ar 3:4 –v 6.1

This created an inspiring image of a beach runner that embodied health and wellness. The sunrise setting added a sense of new beginnings and motivation.

Luxury Travel: Private Jet on Runway

Prompt: Magazine cover photo of a private jet parked on a runway, dynamic composition, sharp focus, golden hour lighting, luxurious airport background, luxury travel magazine aesthetic, high-definition, cinematic details –ar 3:4 –v 6.1

The result was a sleek and luxurious image of a private jet that oozed exclusivity. It would be perfect for a high-end travel or lifestyle magazine.

Outdoor: Camping in the Forest

Prompt: Magazine cover photo of a tent set up in a forest, dynamic composition, sharp focus, soft morning sunlight, trees and campfire in the background, outdoor magazine aesthetic, high-definition, cinematic details –ar 3:4 –v 6.1

This prompt created a cozy and inviting camping scene that would appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. The morning light and campfire added warmth to the image.

Street Style: Urban Fashion

Prompt: Magazine cover photo of a person wearing streetwear in an urban setting, dynamic composition, sharp focus, bright outdoor lighting, graffiti walls in the background, street style magazine aesthetic, high-definition, cinematic details –ar 3:4 –v 6.1

The result was a cool, edgy image that captured urban fashion. It would fit well on the cover of a street style or youth culture magazine.

These examples show how versatile the base prompt can be. By changing key elements like the subject, lighting, and background, you can create images suited to a wide range of magazine styles and topics.

In each case, the prompts produced high-quality, detailed images that looked like they could be on real magazine covers. The combination of dynamic composition, sharp focus, and specific aesthetic directions helped Midjourney create images with a professional, polished look.