How to Use Midjourney AI by Using Reference Photos? Ultimate Guide in 2024
Last Updated: January 5, 2024
Midjourney AI is a gateway to limitless artistic possibilities, especially when using reference photos. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a curious beginner, Midjourney offers an accessible platform to unleash your creativity and bring your imaginative visions to life.
What is Midjourney? How Does it Work?
- Midjourney AI is not just a generative artificial intelligence platform; it’s a creative powerhouse that transforms textual descriptions into visual wonders. Operating through Discord, it leverages cutting-edge machine learning technologies, including expansive language models and sophisticated diffusion models.
- Here’s how it works: users craft and input text prompts – these can range from simple descriptions like “a serene lake at sunset” to more complex and abstract concepts like “a futuristic city merging with nature.” The AI then interprets these prompts, employing its deep learning algorithms to produce artworks that are often breathtakingly detailed and emotionally resonant.
- For instance, a prompt like “a Victorian-era street under moonlight” might yield an image with cobblestone roads, gas lamps, and horse-drawn carriages, all bathed in a soft, ethereal glow.
- On the other hand, a prompt like “an alien landscape with floating islands” could generate a surreal, otherworldly scene filled with vibrant colors and imaginative structures. The versatility of Midjourney lies in its ability to understand and visually translate the nuances of human language into diverse artistic interpretations.
Is Midjourney Free?
Midjourney began with a generous offering of a free trial, allowing users to explore its capabilities without any initial investment. However, as of April 2023, this free trial has been suspended. The platform has since transitioned to a subscription-based model, designed to accommodate a wide range of users, from casual enthusiasts to professional artists. The subscription tiers are thoughtfully structured to provide varying levels of access and usage, ensuring that whether you’re a hobbyist looking to experiment with AI art or a professional seeking a new tool for your creative arsenal, there’s a plan that fits your needs and budget.
How to Use Midjourney AI
- To embark on your journey with Midjourney AI, follow these detailed steps:
- Sign Up for Discord:
- Visit the Discord website.
- Click on “Register” and fill in your details.
- Verify your email address to activate your Discord account.
- Join the Midjourney Discord Server:
- Log into your Discord account.
- Navigate to the Midjourney website and click on “Join the Beta” or use this direct link to access the Midjourney Discord server.
- Accept the invitation to join the server.
- Choose a Subscription Plan:
- In the Midjourney Discord server, look for channels named #newbies or similar.
- Type
/subscribe
in the chat, and a link will appear. - Click the link and select a subscription plan that suits your needs, from Basic to more advanced options.
- Generate Images with
/imagine
Command:- In a newbie channel, type
/imagine
followed by your prompt. For example:/imagine a mystical forest at dawn
. - Press Enter, and the AI will start generating images based on your prompt.
- In a newbie channel, type
- Sign Up for Discord:
How to Use Reference Photos in Midjourney
- To personalize your AI-generated artwork with reference photos:
- Upload an Image to Discord:
- In the chat window, click the ‘+’ icon to upload an image from your device.
- Once uploaded, right-click on the image and select “Copy Link” to get the image URL.
- Use the Image URL in Your Prompt:
- Type
/imagine
followed by your descriptive prompt and paste the image URL. For example:/imagine a landscape inspired by this [image URL]
.
- Type
- Blend Multiple Images:
- Upload multiple images and use the
/blend
command. For instance:/blend [Image URL 1] [Image URL 2] with a prompt
.
- Upload multiple images and use the
- Upload an Image to Discord:
How to Zoom in & Modify an Image in Midjourney?
- To enhance and modify your AI-generated images:
- Zooming In:
- After generating an image, use the “Zoom Out 2x” or “Custom Zoom” options to enlarge and add more details to your image.
- Modifying an Image:
- Upscaling: Select U1-U4 buttons beneath your image to upscale and add details.
- Creating Variations: Use V1-V4 buttons to generate different variations of the selected image.
- Adjusting with Pan and Zoom: Utilize pan (arrow) buttons and zoom options for further customization.
- Zooming In:
Understanding Midjourney’s Subscription and Management
- To manage your Midjourney subscription:
- How Much Does Midjourney Cost?
- Midjourney offers plans starting at $10 per month, with higher tiers providing more features and image generations.
- How to Cancel Midjourney Subscription
- Visit the Midjourney website or access the billing section in the Discord server.
- Follow the provided instructions to cancel your subscription.
- How to Add Midjourney to My Discord Server
- With a verified Discord account, join the Midjourney server.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to integrate Midjourney into your server.
- How Much Does Midjourney Cost?
How to Prompt Midjourney
- To create compelling artwork:
- Be Specific and Concise:
- Use clear, descriptive language in your prompts.
- Consider including details about the subject, artistic style, mood, and color schemes.
- Utilize Parameters:
- Experiment with different parameters in your prompts to refine the results, such as specifying styles or adding constraints.
- Be Specific and Concise:
How Long Does Midjourney Take to Generate?
- On average, Midjourney generates images within about a minute, but this can vary based on the prompt’s complexity and your subscription plan. Advanced plans may offer faster generation times.
FAQs:
- Can I use Midjourney for commercial purposes?
- Yes, Midjourney’s creations can be utilized for commercial purposes. However, it’s crucial to understand the ethical considerations involved. Since the images are generated by an AI trained on a vast array of sources, the question of originality and copyright can be complex. Moreover, the open-source nature of the images implies that while you can use them commercially, others might also have access to similar designs. It’s advisable to use Midjourney as a tool for inspiration or a starting point for further original development rather than the sole source of commercial artwork.
- Does Midjourney support different artistic styles?
- Absolutely! Midjourney’s versatility in artistic expression is one of its most compelling features. It can produce art in a multitude of styles, catering to a wide spectrum of aesthetic preferences. For example, if you’re interested in classical art, you could prompt the AI to create an artwork in the style of Renaissance masters like Leonardo da Vinci or Michelangelo. Alternatively, if modern art is more your taste, you could explore styles reminiscent of abstract expressionism or surrealism. The AI’s ability to interpret and blend different artistic movements allows for the creation of unique pieces that might combine, say, the intricate patterns of Art Nouveau with the bold colors of Pop Art.
- Is there a community for Midjourney users?
- Yes, the Midjourney Discord server is a thriving hub for users of all skill levels. It’s a place where artists, enthusiasts, and AI researchers converge to share their creations, exchange tips, and inspire each other. Within this community, you can find galleries of user-generated art, discussions about best practices, and even collaborative projects. It’s not just a platform for sharing end results; it’s a space for growth, learning, and collaboration, where members can witness the evolution of AI art and contribute to its development. Whether you’re seeking feedback on your latest creation, looking for inspiration, or simply wanting to see the diverse range of art that Midjourney can produce, the community offers a wealth of resources and support.