Midjourney SREF Retro-Surreal Style Prompts: Create 90s Conceptual Photography Masterpieces
--sref 4642760790

sref code and prompt case 1 --sref 4642760790
sref code and prompt case 2 --sref 4642760790
sref code and prompt case 3 --sref 4642760790
sref code and prompt case 4 --sref 4642760790

If you generate different style variations using this sref, please make sure you either use the standard Midjourney version shown on this page or copy the full parameter string from the prompt, including the P code. To highlight the unique advantages and features of the style, we have carefully crafted custom prompts for each sref. By using these prompts, you can perfectly replicate the sref's effects.

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sref Style Analysis

This SREF style exhibits a captivating fusion of "Retro-Surrealism" and "90s Conceptual Photography". It reminds me of the works by the renowned album cover design master Storm Thorgerson (Pink Floyd cover designer), as well as the compositional logic of surrealist painters like René Magritte.

The core of this style lies in "Impossible Realism". It stitches together completely unrelated elements (such as the ocean inside a suitcase, hovering boulders, or walking on water) using hyper-realistic lighting and textures, creating a visual effect that feels like both a dreamscape and vintage film photography. It lacks the overly perfect "plastic" feel of modern CG rendering, retaining instead a subtle grain and high-contrast colors (especially deep blues and intense point lighting). This makes the image look like a high-budget advertising spread from the 90s or an illustration from a classic sci-fi novel. This style is impressive because visually it breaks the laws of physics, yet texturally it strives to deceive the brain into believing it captures a real moment.

What is Surreal Conceptual Photography Style?

In the realm of photography and digital art, "Surreal Conceptual Photography Style" refers to conveying a specific idea, philosophy, or dream through images, rather than simply recording reality. In this SREF, this style is materialized as a "Tactile Dreamscape".

It is not merely a piling up of bizarre elements, but emphasizes narrative and spatial sense. This style often utilizes the perspective tension brought by wide-angle lenses, combined with dramatic natural light (such as eclipse light, starlight, or twilight), to transport the viewer into a grand and quiet otherworldly realm. It is not just a visual style, but a way of thinking—using extremely rational realistic means to depict extremely emotional, irrational scenes.

Surreal Conceptual Photography Style Usage Scenarios

Due to its strong visual impact and profound metaphorical sense, this style is very suitable for the following creative scenarios:

  • Music Album Cover Design: Especially for rock, electronic, or ambient music; this style perfectly fits the abstract imagery of the music.
  • Book Cover Illustrations: Particularly for sci-fi novels, philosophy books, or psychological works, triggering the reader's curiosity and thought.
  • High-end Brand Advertising: Creative posters used to express abstract brand concepts like "boundless," "exploration," and "freedom."
  • Movie Pre-production Concept Art: Used to establish the tone for philosophical scenes in sci-fi or fantasy movies.
  • Art Posters and Decor: Suitable as an immersive visual centerpiece to elevate the artistic tone of a space.

Surreal Conceptual Photography Style Prompt Inspiration

To master this style, your prompt needs to include combinations of specific objects and impossible environments:

  • Idea 1: An ancient wooden door floating in the middle of the deep sea; when opened, it reveals a universe full of stars, surrealism, cinematic lighting.
  • Idea 2: A giant translucent light bulb; inside the bulb is a miniature forest where it is raining, 90s conceptual photography, high definition.
  • Idea 3: Clouds made of colorful glass candy suspended over a dry desert, minimalist composition, dreamlike atmosphere.

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More Prompt Tips & Tricks


You can explore further by combining the following prompt command for MidJourney:

  • --sv: There are six versions of the Style Reference feature in Midjourney version 7 when using images. Use the --sv parameter to choose between them. --sv 6 is default. --sv 4 is the old V7 sref model (prior to June 16, 2025). Using --sv 6 and --sv 4 may produce different style results.
  • --s: Default value is 100, can be set from 0 to 1000. The higher the value, the more detailed the image, and the closer the style may be to reality.
  • -niji 6: Using this command will give the image a more anime style.
  • --sw: Default value is 100, can be input from 0 to 1000. A higher value makes the style closer to the original.
  • You can now blend multiple --sref codes together (for example --sref 123 456 )
  • You can weigh individual codes or urls as follows --sref 123::2
  • You can also read more guides on How to use SREF Code

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This website stands out as one of the pioneering libraries I discovered in my AI art journey. What truly sets it apart is its comprehensive offering: not just unique style codes, but also intricate blends and full prompts. The inclusion of complete prompts is particularly valuable, as it's an artistic choice that many creators hesitate to share openly.

Felix Koutchinski

Felix Koutchinski

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As a beginner in MidJourney, I struggled to create the style of images I envisioned and felt lost with keyword usage. This led me to create this website for sref codes and examples with prompts, aimed at helping newcomers easily generate high-quality images and find joy in their creative process.

underwood

underwood

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There are many Midjourney Sref galleries online, but promptsref.com is my go-to resource. If you're looking for a comprehensive collection of Midjourney Srefs, this is the only website you need.

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