How to create realistic stock photos in Lifestyle style using MidJourney

In this article, I will tell you about the process of creating realistic stock photos using MidJourney, including tips, key elements, and prompt examples to get you started. If you have problems registering an account or purchasing a subscription to MidJourney, but you want to work with it, I recommend the Telegram bot that I use myself.

1. What are Lifestyle stock photos?

Lifestyle stock photos depict people in real settings, engaged in everyday activities such as working, relaxing, cooking, or spending time with loved ones. These images are typically used:

• In advertising campaigns to create believable brand stories.

• In social media posts to create engaging content.

• In blogs and websites as illustrations for lifestyle topics.

The goal is to create visual images that appear natural and realistic, rather than staged or artificial.

2. Key elements of realistic lifestyle stock photos

To make your lifestyle photos stand out, pay attention to the following elements:

a. Realistic plots

Choose common everyday activities that your audience can identify with, such as having coffee, gardening, or spending time with family.

b. Natural poses

The subjects should look relaxed and natural, as if caught in the middle of an event.

c. Thoughtful composition

Use well-balanced compositions, including leading lines, negative space, and natural framing, to create visually pleasing images.

d. Appropriate Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in realism. For lifestyle photos, natural light is often preferable, but you can experiment with soft, diffused lighting when creating interior scenes.

e. Authentic Details

Use props, interior items, and clothing that match the activity, such as a laptop for home office scenes or cozy blankets for a relaxed evening at home.

3. Creating Effective Prompts for MidJourney

To create realistic stock photos in MidJourney, you need to use detailed and descriptive prompts. The more specific your prompt, the more accurate and realistic the result will be.

General Prompt Template:

[object] [action or scenario], [setting details], [lighting style], [color scheme], [emotion or mood], [special style], --ar [aspect ratio] --q [quality]

4. Examples of Prompts for Realistic Lifestyle Stock Photos

1. Morning Routine

Prompt: a young woman sitting on her bed, sipping coffee from a ceramic mug, sunlight streaming through the window, casting shadows on her face. She is wearing cozy, comfortable pajamas, her hair relaxed and natural. The bedroom has a minimalist design with soft textures and neutral tones. The room is filled with soft, cool white light, creating an airy, peaceful atmosphere. The scene is captured in ultra-realistic detail, focusing on the warm, natural lighting and the serene mood of the moment. --ar 16:9 --q 2 --s 1000 --style raw

Why it works:

This prompt captures a serene morning scene with detailed setting and lighting.

2. Family Dinner

Prompt: a family of three sitting around a dining table, laughing and enjoying a meal together, exuding warmth and joy. The table is made of warm, natural wood with a rich, textured surface, elegantly set with delicate, minimalistic plates, glassware, and a small vase with fresh flowers. Overhead, soft pendant lamps cast a gentle, warm glow that highlights their faces, creating an intimate and cozy atmosphere. The rustic kitchen in the background is visible with open wooden shelves, neatly organized kitchenware, and a few green potted plants adding vibrancy. The neutral-colored backsplash and wooden accents complement the airy, light tone of the space. The room is filled with natural light pouring in through large windows, dressed in sheer white curtains that diffuse the sunlight into soft, diffused beams across the room. The walls and furniture are in light, neutral tones, with touches of greenery and cozy decor such as small woven baskets and soft cushions, all contributing to the airy and peaceful ambiance. The floors are light colored hardwood, enhancing the openness of the space. The image is captured with ultra-realistic precision, from the fine textures of the wood to the gentle reflections in the glassware and the warm yet natural lighting that surrounds the scene. Every detail, from the relaxed and joyful expressions of the family to the serene atmosphere, is carefully rendered contributing to a welcoming, harmonious and serene environment --ar 16:9 --q 2 --s 1000 --style raw

Why it works:

This prompt results in a lively, soulful scene suitable for family-oriented brands or resources.

3. Working from home

Prompt: a man working on a laptop at a wooden desk in a modern home office. The desk is clean and minimalistic, with a few carefully arranged books, a sleek ceramic cup of coffee and a small potted plant beside him. The room is flooded with natural light streaming through a large window, casting soft shadows on the light wood floor and the white walls, which create an airy and open atmosphere. The window features sheer white curtains, allowing the light to gently diffuse into the space. The man is casually dressed, sitting with a calm and focused expression, surrounded by minimalist, yet functional workspace. The room is decorated with subtle touches of greenery and modern, light-colored furniture, including a comfortable chair. The warm wood tones of the desk contrast softly with the cool, neutral walls, enhancing the peaceful vibe of the room. Every detail is captured with ultra-realistic precision, from the texture of the wood to the soft sheen on the coffee cup and the gentle play of light across the room. --ar 16:9 --q 2 --s 1000 --style raw

Why it fits:

This realistic work-from-home scene is perfect for articles, blogs, or marketing materials about remote work.

4. Outdoor physical exercises

a woman jogging in a park during early morning, wearing colorful running gear. Her outfit is vibrant, with contrasting colors and sleek, athletic fabric that reflects the soft early light. She is captured in mid-stride, her expression focused yet joyful, with the natural motion of her run beautifully detailed. The park around her features lush green trees, their leves bathed in a soft golden flow from the rising sun. The dirt trail beneath her feet is slightly damp from the morning dew, creating a fresh and crisp atmosphere. The air feels light and invigorating, with light mist lingering near the ground, adding to the serene mood. The sky above is clear and soft, with the warm hues of early morning light spilling through the trees. The image captures every detail with ultra-realistic precision, from the texture of the trees and trail to the smoothness of her skin and the reflective surfaces of her running gear. The scene has a white, airy feel, with the light streaming through the canopy of the trees and casting gentle shadows. --ar 16:9 --q 2 --s 1000 --style raw

Почему он работает:

Окружающая обстановка на свежем воздухе и динамичные позы подходят к темам фитнеса и здорового образа жизни.

5. Уютный вечер

Промпт: a couple sitting together on a plush, inviting couch, wrapped in a soft, cozy blanket, sharing a relaxed evening while watching TV. The man and woman are casually dressed in simple, comfortable clothing, with the blanket pulled snugly around them, creating a tender, intimate atmosphere. The room is softly illuminated by the gentle glow of a nearby lamp, casting delicate, diffused light on their faces, highlighting their relaxed expressions. The TV screen emits a soft, ambient light, subtly reflection on their faces and creating a peaceful, calm environment. A bowl of freshly popped popcorn rests on the coffee table, completing the scene of coziness. The decor is minimalist, with light-toned furniture and soft, neutral-colored walls that contribute to the airy, fresh feeling in the space. The floors are light, pale wood that matches the soft aesthetic of the room. Delicate sheer white curtains hang gently from the windows, allowing the natural light from the outside to filter in and gently fill the room with a peaceful glow. Every detail is rendered with ultra-realistic precision, from the texture of the fabric on the couch to the soft glow of the lamp's light and the subtle reflections in the TV screen. The warm highlights on their skin, the smooth surface of the coffee table, and the peaceful energy of the moment are all captured beautifully. The soft lighting and serene composition evoke a calming, tranquil and airy atmosphere throughout the room. --ar 16:9 --q 2 --s 1000 -style raw

Почему он работает:

Эта сцена подчеркивает тепло и уют, что делает ее идеальной для lifestyle-блогов и брендов, ориентированных на домашний уют.

5. Советы для успеха

a. Используйте описание

Чем больше деталей вы добавите в промпт, тем лучше ИИ сможет интерпретировать ваш замысел. Опишите окружающую обстановку, освещение, настроение и конкретные действия.

b. Use aspect ratio

Use the --ar command to set the aspect ratio according to the requirements of the target platform. For example, use --ar 16:9 for widescreen images or --ar 4:5 for Instagram posts.

c. Experiment with lighting

Natural light is ideal for many lifestyle images, but don't be afraid to experiment with soft diffused lighting or "golden hour" lighting.

d. Focus on plausibility

Choose plots that resonate with your target audience to make the images more engaging.

e. Test options

Run several iterations of the prompt and refine it based on the results to get the most realistic and attractive result.

6. Areas of application of lifestyle stock photos

Realistic lifestyle stock images are used in a variety of areas, including:

• Brand campaigns. Use engaging visuals to tell authentic brand stories.

• Social networks. Create engaging and trendy content for Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

• Blog articles. Illustrate lifestyle-related topics such as self-care, family, or productivity.

• Marketing materials. Add emotional depth to advertisements and promotional campaigns.

With MidJourney, creating realistic lifestyle stock photos is a useful and creative process. If you focus on plausible scenes, natural poses, and thoughtful details, you can create images that engage your audience and enhance the value of your content. Whether you're a marketer, blogger, or designer, these tips and prompts will help you create images that tell compelling stories and convey everyday moments of life.

Start experimenting with MidJourney today and bring your vision of authentic, lifestyle-oriented visuals to life!