🎭Style & CompositionLesson 6 of 6

Reference Image Techniques

5 min

basics

Sometimes words aren't enough. Reference images (where supported) let you show the AI what you mean. Image-to-image, style transfer, and image prompts extend your vocabulary beyond language into visual communication.

Key Concepts

1
Image prompts: use images as part of your prompt
2
Style transfer: apply one image's style to another subject
3
Image-to-image: modify existing images
4
Blend modes: combine multiple reference images
5
Weight control: balance text vs. image influence

Examples

Prompt

[Reference image: Van Gogh's Starry Night] + modern cityscape, same swirling sky style

Result

City scene with Van Gogh's iconic sky treatment

Pro Tips

In Midjourney, use image URLs at the start of prompts

Control image weight with --iw parameter

Use reference images for specific textures, colors, or compositions

Combine multiple references with different weights

Summary

Reference images extend prompting beyond words. Use them when visual examples communicate better than descriptions.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate lessons

Combining Styles

The Consistency Challenge