6.5 KiB
Prompting Guide and Strategies
Mastering Gemini 2.5 Flash (NanoBanana) Image Generation starts with one fundamental principle:
Describe the scene, don't just list keywords. The model's core strength is its deep language understanding. A narrative, descriptive paragraph will almost always produce a better, more coherent image than a list of disconnected words.
Prompts for Generating Images
The following strategies will help you create effective prompts to generate exactly the images you're looking for.
1. Photorealistic Scenes
For realistic images, use photography terms. Mention camera angles, lens types, lighting, and fine details to guide the model toward a photorealistic result.
Template:
A photorealistic [shot type] of [subject], [action or expression], set in
[environment]. The scene is illuminated by [lighting description], creating
a [mood] atmosphere. Captured with a [camera/lens details], emphasizing
[key textures and details]. The image should be in a [aspect ratio] format.
2. Stylized Illustrations & Stickers
To create stickers, icons, or assets, be explicit about the style and request a transparent background.
Template:
A [style] sticker of a [subject], featuring [key characteristics] and a
[color palette]. The design should have [line style] and [shading style].
The background must be transparent.
3. Accurate Text in Images
Gemini excels at rendering text. Be clear about the text, the font style (descriptively), and the overall design.
Template:
Create a [image type] for [brand/concept] with the text "[text to render]"
in a [font style]. The design should be [style description], with a
[color scheme].
4. Product Mockups & Commercial Photography
Perfect for creating clean, professional product shots for e-commerce, advertising, or branding.
Template:
A high-resolution, studio-lit product photograph of a [product description]
on a [background surface/description]. The lighting is a [lighting setup,
e.g., three-point softbox setup] to [lighting purpose]. The camera angle is
a [angle type] to showcase [specific feature]. Ultra-realistic, with sharp
focus on [key detail]. [Aspect ratio].
5. Minimalist & Negative Space Design
Excellent for creating backgrounds for websites, presentations, or marketing materials where text will be overlaid.
Template:
A minimalist composition featuring a single [subject] positioned in the
[bottom-right/top-left/etc.] of the frame. The background is a vast, empty
[color] canvas, creating significant negative space. Soft, subtle lighting.
[Aspect ratio].
6. Sequential Art (Comic Panel / Storyboard)
Builds on character consistency and scene description to create panels for visual storytelling.
Template:
A single comic book panel in a [art style] style. In the foreground,
[character description and action]. In the background, [setting details].
The panel has a [dialogue/caption box] with the text "[Text]". The lighting
creates a [mood] mood. [Aspect ratio].
Prompts for Editing Images
These examples show how to provide images alongside your text prompts for editing, composition, and style transfer.
1. Adding and Removing Elements
Provide an image and describe your change. The model will match the original image's style, lighting, and perspective.
Template:
Using the provided image of [subject], please [add/remove/modify] [element]
to/from the scene. Ensure the change is [description of how the change should
integrate].
2. Inpainting (Semantic Masking)
Conversationally define a "mask" to edit a specific part of an image while leaving the rest untouched.
Template:
Using the provided image, change only the [specific element] to [new
element/description]. Keep everything else in the image exactly the same,
preserving the original style, lighting, and composition.
3. Style Transfer
Provide an image and ask the model to recreate its content in a different artistic style.
Template:
Transform the provided photograph of [subject] into the artistic style of
[artist/art style]. Preserve the original composition but render it with
[description of stylistic elements].
4. Advanced Composition: Combining Multiple Images
Provide multiple images as context to create a new, composite scene. This is perfect for product mockups or creative collages.
Template:
Create a new image by combining the elements from the provided images. Take
the [element from image 1] and place it with/on the [element from image 2].
The final image should be a [description of the final scene].
5. High-Fidelity Detail Preservation
To ensure critical details (like a face or logo) are preserved during an edit, describe them in great detail along with your edit request.
Template:
Using the provided images, place [element from image 2] onto [element from
image 1]. Ensure that the features of [element from image 1] remain
completely unchanged. The added element should [description of how the
element should integrate].
Best Practices
To elevate your results from good to great, incorporate these professional strategies into your workflow.
Be Hyper-Specific
The more detail you provide, the more control you have. Instead of "fantasy armor," describe it: "ornate elven plate armor, etched with silver leaf patterns, with a high collar and pauldrons shaped like falcon wings."
Provide Context and Intent
Explain the purpose of the image. The model's understanding of context will influence the final output. For example, "Create a logo for a high-end, minimalist skincare brand" will yield better results than just "Create a logo."
Iterate and Refine
Don't expect a perfect image on the first try. Use the conversational nature of the model to make small changes. Follow up with prompts like, "That's great, but can you make the lighting a bit warmer?" or "Keep everything the same, but change the character's expression to be more serious."
Use Step-by-Step Instructions
For complex scenes with many elements, break your prompt into steps. "First, create a background of a serene, misty forest at dawn. Then, in the foreground, add a moss-covered ancient stone altar. Finally, place a single, glowing sword on top of the altar."
Use "Semantic Negative Prompts"
Instead of saying "no cars," describe the desired scene positively: "an empty, deserted street with no signs of traffic."
Control the Camera
Use photographic and cinematic language to control the composition. Terms like wide-angle shot, macro shot, low-angle perspective.