Section 1.1: The Importance of Subtlety

Previously, we discussed eight techniques on Midjourney's Layout and Composition, showcasing various ways to enhance your images. But what’s the value in just understanding the theory without practical examples? Let’s dive into applying a simple composition technique that captures your character's delicate demeanor.

Imagine the phrase, "Convey something without stating it directly." Before I illustrate how to create such a prompt, take a moment to look at the images below and reflect on three questions:

1. Who takes center stage in the photos (image grid)?
2. What additional insights can you glean about the main character?
3. Is there a deeper significance in these images?

Now, spend a minute examining the image grid. Let’s discuss your observations.

Isn’t it straightforward? The woman is clearly the focal point, and she exudes authority. Beyond her attractiveness, she appears self-assured, leading her companion and commanding the scene.

Could there be a more profound interpretation? Perhaps we could describe her as a modern, independent figure, embodying liberation without needing a relationship for happiness.

Here’s an example prompt:

/imagine prompt: Jennifer and Ben walking on a Paris street, street photography

Isn’t it impressive that the Midjourney bot can recognize names? You could alternatively prompt: "a lady and a guy walking," and the bot will adapt accordingly.

Now, let’s examine another image. This time, I’ll provide you with the prompt first, and you’ll need to connect it to the visuals.

/imagine prompt: Ben and Jennifer walking on a street, photograph

This grid offers a subtler challenge. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll see:

• Image 1: Ben is slightly ahead of Jennifer.
• Image 2: Ben appears more prominent.
• Image 3: Ben is holding Jennifer’s hand.
• Image 4: The main character is undoubtedly Ben.

To achieve a subtle expression in your composition, position the main character at the forefront of your prompt.

Here’s how it’s done:

/imagine prompt: Jennifer walking in front of Ben on a Paris street, street photography

What if you instructed the bot to place Jennifer in front of Ben?

/imagine prompt: Jennifer walking in front of Ben on a Paris street, street photography

In this case, she becomes the primary focus, with Ben appearing too distant or blurred. The nuance is lost, and the message is overt.

Moving on, what about this prompt?

/imagine prompt: a lady and a guy walking on a Paris street, street photography

The lady draws more attention, while the bot subtly guides us with visual cues. Notice the umbrella in Image 4?

Now, consider prompting for a couple:

/imagine prompt: a couple walking on a Paris street, photography

Here, the bot treats the couple as a single entity, making it harder to distinguish prominence.

Section 1.2: Adding Depth to Characters

Enhancing your characters with specific details, like shirt colors or clothing styles, can add depth. Ideally, limit it to two characters, as adding more can complicate the outcome.

For example:

/imagine prompt: red-shirt David and green-shirt Matthew walking on the street, gay couple, photography

(Note: The phrasing "red-shirt David" yields the same result as "red-shirt-David." I prefer the hyphenated style.)

These two characters received distinct shirt colors, and the bot performed admirably in assigning them correctly, though this is not always guaranteed.

Often, you may encounter mix-ups, such as both characters wearing the same color. This limitation is due to the current version of Midjourney providing minimal control over color assignments and details. If inaccuracies occur, simply re-roll to correct them.

To ensure the intimate nature of the characters’ relationship is conveyed, add "gay couple" or "lesbian couple" at the end of your prompt. Without this specification, the bot might misinterpret their relationship, turning them into friends or strangers. Sometimes, one character might even vanish!

For instance:

/imagine prompt: red-shirt David and green-shirt Matthew walking on the street, photography

/imagine prompt: red-dress Evelyn and green-dress Isabelle walking on the street, lesbian couple, photography