How to Create Realistic AI Photo Edits with Google Gemini and Nanobanana AI
Creating realistic AI photo edits has become a vital skill for designers, photographers, and creative professionals. With the latest AI-powered tools like Google Gemini and Nanobanana AI, it is possible to generate stunning, lifelike portraits that rival real photography. In this detailed guide, you will learn the complete process of using these tools to produce ultra-realistic photo edits, including how to plan your image, write a perfect prompt, apply proper lighting techniques, and export your final masterpiece for social media or print.
Artificial intelligence has completely transformed the world of digital art and photography. In the past, editing photos required advanced skills, professional software, and hours of painstaking manual work. Today, advanced AI tools make it possible for anyone to create professional-grade images with just a few clicks. However, while technology has simplified the process, producing realistic results still requires knowledge, planning, and precision. This article is designed to help you bridge that gap, combining creativity with AI efficiency to produce stunning images.
For this tutorial, we will focus on a specific example: a cinematic portrait of a young man holding glowing text in his left hand. The text will be customized to show any name you choose, creating a unique and personal visual effect. The lighting will be dramatic and dark, with the glowing text serving as the main source of illumination. This is a complex setup that tests multiple skills at once, including prompt writing, lighting theory, and composition. By following these steps, you will not only create one incredible image but also gain knowledge you can use for future projects.
Step 1: Planning Your AI Photo Edit
The first step in creating a realistic image is planning. Before you begin working with Google Gemini or Nanobanana AI, take time to visualize your final result. Consider the mood, environment, and story behind the image. Every detail matters when it comes to realism. Think about questions like: What is the subject wearing? Where is the light coming from? What kind of emotion should the image evoke? Planning ahead ensures that your prompt will be accurate and effective.
In our case, the scene will be a dark room with a single glowing element in the subject's hand. This glow will act as a light source, casting warm highlights on the subject’s face and hand. The background will remain shadowed, adding drama and focus. The wardrobe is equally important—a dark red silk shirt will reflect light beautifully, giving the image depth and texture. Even details like the hairstyle and facial expression should be considered before you begin.
Step 2: Writing the Perfect Prompt
Google Gemini excels at refining complex ideas into clear, actionable text prompts. A well-crafted prompt is the foundation of a great AI-generated image. The more specific and descriptive you are, the better the results. Avoid vague language like "cool photo" or "nice effect." Instead, provide precise instructions about every element in the scene.
Key details to include in your prompt:
- The subject’s age, gender, and facial features
- The clothing style, color, and material
- The main prop or object in the scene
- Lighting style and direction
- The mood or artistic style of the image
For our tutorial, the glowing text is not only a prop but also a light source. This adds complexity because the AI must understand how light behaves in a real-world setting. Your prompt must clearly describe how the glow illuminates surrounding elements like the hand and face. Be clear and concise, but never too short.
This prompt is carefully written to include every crucial element. The phrase "Ultra Realistic ultra Resolution cinematic 8k detail" ensures maximum quality, while specific instructions about lighting and wardrobe guide the AI toward a believable output. Replace "YOUR NAME" with your preferred text to customize the effect.
Step 3: Uploading Reference Images
Reference images are essential for realism. They ensure that the final AI-generated portrait matches the identity and unique features of the person being depicted. When choosing a reference image, follow these guidelines:
- Use a high-resolution, well-lit image.
- Ensure the subject’s face is clearly visible and unobstructed.
- A neutral expression works best for versatility.
- Avoid harsh shadows or extreme angles that may confuse the AI.
Nanobanana AI has tools specifically designed for face matching. Once you upload the reference, set the face guidance level to moderate. Too low, and the likeness may be lost. Too high, and the result might look unnatural or rigid. Strike a balance for the most natural result.
Step 4: Understanding Lighting Theory
Lighting is the single most important factor in achieving realism. For this project, the glowing text will act as a small, intense light source. This setup is similar to holding a candle or lantern in a dark room. The light will create strong highlights on nearby surfaces while leaving the background in shadow.
In photography, this technique is known as low-key lighting. It is used to create drama, mystery, and focus. To make this work in AI generation, describe the light’s behavior in detail. For example, you can say, "The glow softly wraps around the fingers, casting warm highlights on the cheekbones and creating gentle shadows under the eyes." This level of description helps the AI understand the physical interaction between light and subject.
Step 5: Composition and Framing
Composition determines how viewers experience your image. In this example, place the subject slightly off-center, following the rule of thirds. The glowing text should sit lower in the frame to balance the face visually. Keep the background simple and dark, avoiding distracting elements.
The subject’s gaze should meet the viewer to create a connection. Hands must appear natural and relaxed, with slight finger curvature. If the fingers appear stiff or distorted, adjust the prompt by adding phrases like "natural, realistic hand pose with accurate anatomy."
Step 6: Generating and Refining
With your prompt and reference image ready, it's time to generate your first drafts. Start at a medium resolution to speed up the process. Generate several variations and study them closely. Look for issues like:
- Incorrect hand anatomy or finger count
- Lighting inconsistencies
- Facial features that do not match the reference
- Unnatural fabric folds or reflections
Once you identify problems, tweak the prompt and generate again. Iteration is key. Even professional photographers take many shots before getting the perfect image. Treat this process the same way.
Step 7: Post-Processing for Realism
Even after generation, a small amount of manual editing can elevate your image. Use software like Photoshop, Lightroom, or free alternatives like GIMP. Key adjustments include:
- Adjusting brightness and contrast for depth
- Balancing color temperature to match the glow
- Adding subtle film grain for a photographic feel
- Removing minor artifacts or blemishes
Be subtle. The goal is to enhance realism, not to create an over-edited appearance. A lightly retouched photo looks more believable and professional than one with excessive edits.
Step 8: Exporting for Different Platforms
When your image is ready, choose the correct export settings based on how you will use it. For social media, vertical or square formats work best. Instagram, for example, favors a 4:5 ratio. Export as a high-quality JPG for online use or PNG for print. Keep a backup of the original high-resolution file for future edits.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some common problems you may encounter and how to fix them:
- Fingers look strange: Add "realistic natural finger positioning with soft lighting and correct anatomy."
- Face does not match: Increase the face guidance strength slightly in Nanobanana AI.
- Lighting feels fake: Describe how the light interacts with skin and fabric more precisely.
- Fabric looks plastic: Specify natural materials like silk with fine weave and realistic texture.
- Glowing text too harsh: Reduce intensity and describe soft, diffused edges in the prompt.
Expanding Creativity
Once you master this process, you can apply it to countless other projects. Experiment with different props like glowing orbs, floating symbols, or holographic displays. Try outdoor scenes with natural light sources like the sun or moon. Each new concept will teach you more about how AI interprets prompts and references.
For example, you might create a night cityscape where the subject holds a neon sign, or a fantasy setting with magical glowing symbols. The same principles of lighting, composition, and prompt accuracy apply across all these scenarios.
FAQs
Can I use this process for commercial work? Yes, as long as you have the rights to all reference images and the final output does not infringe on copyrights.
How long does it take to generate an image? Most renders take between 30 seconds and 2 minutes, depending on resolution and complexity.
Can I replace the glowing text later? Absolutely. Keep the text flat and straight in the image so you can edit it easily later in Photoshop or another editor.
Is 8K resolution necessary? It depends on your use case. For web use, 4K may be enough. For large prints, go with 8K.
Do I need advanced editing skills? Not necessarily. Basic adjustments like brightness and cropping are enough for most projects.
Can I use multiple reference images? Yes, combining multiple angles helps improve realism and consistency.
What file format is best? JPG for online use, PNG for print or high-quality archives.