Midjourney V7 introduced the style reference parameter (—sref), which allows you to guide the aesthetic of generations based on source images. Combined with thoughtful prompting, this creates portrait work that approaches photographic quality. The key is understanding how to combine the parameter with subject description and lighting setup.
This guide provides working prompts with actual style reference guidance you can adapt.
Understanding the Style Reference Parameter
The —sref parameter accepts image URLs that Midjourney uses as style references. Rather than describing the visual style in text, you provide an example image. This produces more consistent stylistic control than text description alone.
To use —sref, append the parameter with one or more image URLs: —sref [url1] [url2]. Multiple references blend their styles. The —sref-weight parameter (—sw, 0-1000) controls how strongly the reference influences the output.
Prompt 1: Dramatic Studio Portrait
Prompt: “Photorealistic portrait of [subject description], dramatic Rembrandt lighting, dark background, catch lights in eyes, skin texture with subtle pores visible, 85mm lens bokeh, fashion magazine quality, —ar 3:4 —v 7 —sref [studio portrait URL] —sw 300”
This prompt combines strong subject description with classic portrait lighting. The style reference should be a professional studio portrait with similar lighting.
Prompt 2: Environmental Portrait
Prompt: “Photorealistic environmental portrait of [occupation description], subject in actual work context with appropriate tools and setting, natural ambient light mixing with practical sources, documentary photography aesthetic, authentic moment captured, —ar 3:4 —v 7 —sref [environmental portrait URL] —sw 250”
Environmental portraits tell stories about subjects through their contexts. The style reference should have similar documentary qualities and lighting mix.
Prompt 3: Golden Hour Outdoor
Prompt: “Photorealistic portrait of [subject], late afternoon golden hour light raking across face, slight lens flare intentional, shallow depth of field, warm color temperature, catchlight from sun reflected in eyes, —ar 3:4 —v 7 —sref [golden hour portrait URL] —sw 350”
Golden hour warmth flatters skin tones and creates atmosphere. The style reference should demonstrate this lighting approach successfully.
Prompt 4: High Key Beauty
Prompt: “High key beauty portrait, bright even lighting eliminating shadows, subtle fill from below, flawless skin texture with natural features preserved, minimal makeup aesthetic, clean white or grey background, beauty campaign quality, —ar 3:4 —v 7 —sref [beauty portrait URL] —sw 300”
High key portraits require precise lighting control. The style reference must demonstrate this clean, shadowless approach.
Prompt 5: Character Portrait
Prompt: “Character portrait showing lived-in face, evidence of life in skin texture and expression lines, eyes with depth and history visible, honest unposed moment, slightly asymmetric features preferred over symmetry, —ar 3:4 —v 7 —sref [character portrait URL] —sw 400”
Character portraits embrace imperfection as beauty. The style reference should demonstrate this aesthetic rather than commercial perfection.
Prompt 6: Low Key Dramatic
Prompt: “Low key portrait with single light source creating dramatic shadows, high contrast ratio, moody atmosphere, subject partially in shadow, cinematic film still quality, —ar 3:4 —v 7 —sref [low key portrait URL] —sw 350”
Low key work creates mystery and drama through shadow. The style reference should have similar dramatic lighting ratios.
Prompt 7: Contemporary Editorial
Prompt: “Contemporary editorial portrait, unconventional pose or angle, fashion magazine aesthetic, artistic rather than commercial, slightly moody color grading, —ar 3:4 —v 7 —sref [editorial portrait URL] —sw 300”
Editorial portraits push creative boundaries. The style reference should demonstrate fashion or art publication aesthetic.
Prompt 8: Natural Light Window
Prompt: “Portrait lit by large window light only, soft directional quality without harshness, subject positioned for optimal light fall, subtle shadows defining features, interior context visible in frame, —ar 3:4 —v 7 —sref [window light portrait URL] —sw 350”
Window light produces flattering, natural results. The style reference should demonstrate successful window light portraiture.
Prompt 9: Street Portrait
Prompt: “Candid street portrait, available light only, unposed and unawaresubject, urban environment providing context and light sources, documentary authenticity, —ar 3:4 —v 7 —sref [street portrait URL] —sw 400”
Street portraiture captures authentic moments. The style reference should demonstrate this candid, environmental approach.
Prompt 10: Silhouette Study
Prompt: “Portrait silhouette against bright background, distinct profile visible, rim lighting defining subject shape, high contrast, artistic interpretation rather than documentary, —ar 3:4 —v 7 —sref [silhouette portrait URL] —sw 300”
Silhouette portraits use negative space creatively. The style reference should demonstrate this graphic approach.
Getting Good Style References
The quality of your style reference directly affects output quality. Look for reference images that have:
The lighting approach you want to replicate, not just similar subject matter. Midjourney learns aesthetic patterns from references, so lighting setup transfers even when subjects differ.
Resolution high enough for Midjourney to analyze details. Blurry references produce inconsistent results.
Consistent aesthetic throughout the reference. Collages or inconsistent styling confuse the style learning.
Practical SREF Weight Guidance
Start with —sw 300 as a baseline. Higher values (400-500) produce stronger style transfer but may distort subject fidelity. Lower values (150-200) preserve more prompt control but reduce style influence.
Mix references at different weights to balance multiple aesthetic influences. You can weight individual references differently.
Key Takeaways
- Style references guide aesthetic more consistently than text alone
- —sw 300 provides balanced style influence for most uses
- Reference lighting quality matters more than subject match
- Higher resolution references produce better transfers
- Blend multiple references for unique aesthetic combinations
FAQ
Where do I find good style reference images? Professional photography portfolios, stock photo sites, and photography magazines provide excellent references. Ensure you have rights to reference the images you use.
Can I use generated images as style references? Yes, using your own Midjourney generations as style references creates consistent aesthetic across series of work.
What happens if my style reference conflicts with my prompt? Midjourney attempts to balance both. Strong style references may override prompt elements if they conflict.
How do I maintain subject consistency across multiple generations? Use consistent prompting for subject description and adjust style references to maintain aesthetic while varying subjects.