How to Use Gemini Nano Banana for AI Image Generation (Step by Step Guide)

Have you ever wanted your regular photo to look like a professional cinematic portrait? With Gemini Nano Banana, you can do it in minutes. All you need is a clear photo, the right settings, and the exact prompts we share.

We’ve tested this tool extensively (yes, all the portraits you see on our blog are created with Nano Banana). The best part? You don’t need to be an expert—just copy and paste our prompts, and you’ll get the same results.

This guide will walk you step by step on how to use Gemini Nano Banana for AI image generation, so you can achieve hyper-realistic portraits on your own.


Step 1: Open Gemini Nano Banana

Go to the official Gemini website. Create an account or log in if you already have one. (This blog is for sign-in users.)

Check properly that your selected model is nano banana or not.


Step 2: Upload Your Reference Photo

  • Click the Plus button and select Upload File.
  • Add a clear photo of yourself (or any subject).
  • For best results:
    • Use good lighting.
    • Always try to upload a full-body Image.
    • Avoid blurry or low-resolution shots.
    • Front-facing or ¾ view works best.
Click the Plus button and select Upload File.

Step 3: Copy & Paste Our Prompts

Here’s the key: don’t waste time writing new prompts. We’ve already done the hard work. You can simply copy and paste our ready-made prompts to get cinematic results.

For example:

Create a hyper-realistic 8K portrait of the man from the reference photo, ensuring 100% facial match accuracy. He has slightly long, wavy hair and a well-kept beard. The scene is viewed from a high angle through the windshield of a vintage car, giving a cinematic perspective.  
He sits in the driver’s seat with effortless poise, wearing a brown leather jacket layered over a crisp white shirt, striped trousers, and gold-framed round spectacles. His right hand rests thoughtfully near his mouth while his left grips the steering wheel. A pair of black sunglasses is also part of his look.  
Inside the car: brown leather seats and a clearly visible gear stick, rendered with detailed textures. Capture soft reflections and light distortions on the windshield glass, adding depth and realism. The mood should feel cinematic, timeless, and stylish—like a scene from a high-end film still.  

👉 Just copy this into Nano Banana, upload your photo, and you’ll get the same cinematic effect we did.

Related Prompts


Step 4: Adjust Settings for Best Results in Prompt if needed. (Not in Gemini)

  • Resolution: Choose 8K for maximum sharpness.
  • Aspect Ratio:
    • 1:1 → Instagram DP
    • 16:9 → YouTube Banner
    • 3:4 → Portrait shots
  • Style: Keep it realistic or cinematic.

Step 5: Generate Your AI Portrait

Click Run and wait a few seconds. The system will process your photo with the prompt, and you’ll see your AI image appear—highly detailed, cinematic, and ready to use.

Click Run and wait a few seconds. The system will process your photo with the prompt, and you’ll see your AI image appear—highly detailed, cinematic, and ready to use.

Variations You Can Try

  • Change outfit descriptions (suit, armor, casual wear).
  • Try different backgrounds (cityscape, forest, rooftop).
  • Adjust lighting styles (neon, cinematic low light, natural sunlight).
  • Experiment with moods (confident, mysterious, heroic).

Tips & Tricks

  • Always use high-quality reference photos.
  • Keep prompts detailed but not overwhelming.
  • If your result looks too flat, try changing lighting words (e.g., “soft cinematic lighting” or “dramatic rim light”).
  • Personal note: When I shifted the camera angle from “high angle” to “low angle,” it instantly made the portrait feel more powerful and cinematic.

Use Cases of Gemini Nano Banana Portraits

  • Social media profiles and posts.
  • Branding & portfolio photos.
  • Posters and storytelling projects.
  • Creative edits for fun.

I'm Simanchal Bordoloi, founder of PromptShelf. I create AI prompts that transform real photos into stunning, creative portraits — with hyper-realistic detail and artistic style. My goal is to make AI-powered creativity simple and accessible for everyone.

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