How to use this prompt
Use the uploaded reference image to ensure the exact facial structure and likeness. Copy the prompt into your image generator and select high-resolution output settings. For Midjourney, try `--ar 1:1 --v 5 --q 2` for sharp detail. For Stable Diffusion/SDXL, increase sampling steps (40–60) and use face-detail or photo-realistic checkpoints. Make sure to guide the model with terms like 'sharp focus on eye' and 'moisture detail' to keep texture natural and avoid over-smoothing.
Prompt
Extreme close-up portrait of [reference face from uploaded photo], keeping exact facial features and natural structure. Highly detailed skin texture with visible pores and subtle moisture creating a dewy shine. Wet strands of hair fall partially across the eye area. The eye is in sharp focus with high clarity, showing slight redness for a raw, lifelike effect. Strong, directional studio light from the side emphasizes micro-shadows, highlights, and natural contours of the skin. Ultra photorealistic, 8K resolution, cinematic quality, subtle film grain, balanced exposure, hyper-detailed textures, raw realism.
Why this prompt works
This prompt ensures the generator locks onto photorealism by combining specific tokens like 'visible pores,' 'wet hair strands,' and 'sharp focus on the eye.' Studio lighting with side directionality creates depth and realistic micro-shadows. By emphasizing exact likeness, texture, and raw imperfections, the result avoids overly stylized outputs and delivers a high-impact portrait.
Example Output
Here's an example result generated with this exact prompt:
Prompt Variations
- Replace 'wet strands of hair across the eye area' with 'windswept dry strands across the forehead' for a different mood.
- Replace 'directional studio light from the side' with 'soft diffused daylight from a window' for a gentler look.
- Replace 'slight redness in the eye' with 'bright, clear eyes with high gloss reflection' for a polished aesthetic.
- Replace 'extreme close-up portrait' with 'macro shot of the eye and surrounding skin' to zoom in further on detail.
FAQ
How do I keep the likeness of the reference face accurate?
Upload the exact reference image and use prompt terms like 'keep exact facial features' and 'match original face shape.' In Stable Diffusion, use ControlNet or reference-only mode for precise resemblance.
How do I stop the skin from looking overly smooth or airbrushed?
Include texture tokens like 'visible pores,' 'micro-shadows,' and 'natural dewy shine.' Avoid words like 'flawless' or 'perfect skin,' as they encourage smoothing.