MidJourney AI Sparks the Viral Retro Craze: 7 Prompts to Create 8K Aesthetic Masterpieces in Seconds
Retro aesthetic photography is taking social media by storm, and MidJourney AI is leading the trend. With the right prompts, creators can transform ordinary images into photorealistic 8K retro masterpieces, complete with cinematic lighting, film grain, and vintage color palettes.
These viral prompts capture the nostalgia of classic magazine covers, Polaroids, and the glamour of the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, combining artistic lighting with richly textured effects for a timeless look.
Whether you’re an influencer, designer, or casual creator, the “7 Best MidJourney AI Photo Editing Prompts” deliver instant visual impact for Instagram posts, digital art, and editorial campaigns, making it simple to achieve that retro, viral aesthetic in seconds.
How to Create Retro 8K Images in MidJourney
Follow these steps to turn your photos into 8K retro masterpieces with MidJourney AI:
1. Sign Up & Access MidJourney
Join MidJourney via their website or official Discord server.
2. Generate Your Retro Portrait
Use the /imagine command with a detailed, scene-driven prompt. Example:
3. Customize Options
- Aspect Ratio: Use --ar 3:4 for portrait or --ar 16:9 for landscape
- Version: --v 6 or higher for maximum quality
- Style: --style raw for realistic, detailed output
4. Add Retro Details
Include references to retro fashion, nostalgic props, cinematic moods, magazine cover settings, or Polaroid borders to enhance authenticity.
5. Generate & Upscale
MidJourney will produce four image options. Choose your favorite and upscale it to achieve ultra-high 8K quality.
6. Download & Share
Use the final image for social media, portfolios, or gallery-style digital art, instantly adding that viral retro flair.
MidJourney AI Sparks the Viral Retro Craze: 7 Prompts to Create 8K Aesthetic Masterpieces in Seconds
Prompt 1:
"Create a retro-modern cinematic image with subtle film grain and soft golden sunlight rays. The boy is styled in a Gen-Z creative influencer aesthetic, wearing an oversized maroon shirt with a slightly silky texture, half-tucked into off-white wide-leg trousers that balance casual streetwear with polished tailoring. His chunky sneakers add a sleek designer edge, complemented by layered minimalist jewelry, a slim belt, a crossbody bag, and subtle statement rings. His dark brown hair is wavy, windswept, and styled with an effortless "editorial casual" look. The atmosphere channels a 90s indie movie reimagined for Gen-Z Instagram, as he stands under a glowing vintage streetlight, holding a book while autumn leaves swirl in the breeze. The lighting emphasizes romantic contrasts, creating a dreamy, curated mood that feels both relaxed and fashion-forward --ar 16:9 --v 6.0"
Prompt 2:
"Capture a vintage college classroom scene, shot from a distance as if quietly captured, keeping the subject's exact facial features and physique subtle. Soft, natural daylight filters through tall, dusty windows, casting muted highlights and shadows across the scene for a timeless, nostalgic feel. He sits on the floor, leaning back against the wall, dressed in a crisp white Oxford shirt layered with a beige knit vest, pleated khaki trousers, black and white Vans, white socks, and a luxury slim leather watch. His expression is calm yet slightly happy, looking upward as if lost in music, with black JBL headphones resting on his ears. A college bag rests beside him, blending into the warm, classic atmosphere. Behind him, the off-white wall carries old sticky notes, duty schedules, and faintly aged classroom details. --ar 16:9 --v 6.0
Prompt 3:
"Capture an edgy, cinematic shot with a dramatic angle, as if the scene is loaded with raw energy. The subject is leaning against a Land Rover Defender in a dim, atmospheric basement garage. He’s dressed in an oversized Nike windbreaker and a basketball cap, with his hands crossed, exuding a strong attitude. The image has a luxury model feel, softly blurred with cinematic bokeh, creating a shallow depth of field that emphasizes the subject’s separation from the background. The colors are rich, with a strong, stylized cinematic grading that enhances the mood of the scene. --ar 16:9 --v 6.0"
Prompt 4:
"Create a cinematic, ultra-realistic portrait of the same man, preserving 100% of his facial details. The scene is set in a vintage college classroom, shot from a distance as if quietly captured. Soft golden daylight falls diagonally from a small side window onto his face, creating dramatic contrast and emphasizing his calm expression. He sits leaning on a chair attached to the wall, one hand casually resting on the chair, with his legs relaxed in a model-like pose. His gaze is directed toward the right-side window. He wears an oversized black hoodie, cream baggy cargo pants, and red Converse sneakers, with red wireless headphones around his neck. The background features an off-white classroom wall adorned with sticky notes, old schedules, and a vintage atmosphere. --ar 16:9 --v 6.0"
Prompt 5:
"Create a bright, retro-aesthetic portrait of the same young man, capturing his exact facial features and physique. Shot from a distance on a vintage college balcony, the scene feels as if quietly captured. Soft daylight streams through tall, dusty windows, scattering warm highlights and muted shadows that evoke a timeless, nostalgic atmosphere. He walks along the balcony, wearing a crisp white Oxford shirt layered with a beige knit vest, pleated khaki loose-fit trousers, and black-and-white Vans shoes. A slim leather watch rests on his wrist, and he holds a book in one hand as he walks forward, looking to the side as though lost in music. Black JBL headphones rest over his ears, seamlessly blending into the warm, retro ambiance of the scene. --ar 16:9 --v 6.0"
Prompt 6:
"Create an ultra-realistic 8k portrait of a young Indian man with a fit body, standing confidently with a VIP suitcase in front of an Emirates airplane at an airport, with passengers boarding in the blurred background. He wears a cool, casual outfit consisting of a baggy cargo pant and stylish sneakers, holding a modern black sunglasses case in one hand, while the other hand rests casually on his luggage. The lighting is realistic, cinematic, and natural, capturing a modern, fashionable travel vibe. --ar 16:9 --v 6.0"
Prompt 7:
"Create a portrait of a person, using the same exact photo, smiling serenely with their head tilted back and eyes closed, standing in a golden field of tall grass during sunset. The scene is bathed in warm, ethereal golden hour lighting, with a cinematic photography style and soft focus. The atmosphere is peaceful and tranquil, capturing the serenity of the moment. The person is wearing a loose white long-sleeved shirt with an open collar, embodying a relaxed and effortless vibe. --ar 16:9 --v 6.0"