Creative AI in Practice — Part I: 12 ChatGPT and Nano Banana Prompts for Turning Your Photos into Professional Images

Explore Creative AI Prompts to Create Professional Photos and Compare Results Between ChatGPT and Google’s Nano Banana

Creative AI in practice: learn how to turn everyday photos into professional images using smart prompts with ChatGPT and Nano Banana. Discover real workflows, practical examples, and techniques for daily creative use.

AI-powered image creation has entered a new phase. It is no longer just experimental — it now directly engages with identity, aesthetics, and personal visual storytelling. Today, the goal is not simply to generate beautiful images, but to create coherent, realistic, and conceptually strong scenes that translate personality, branding, and visual imagination at a professional level. This evolution has made hyper-realistic portraits, cinematic compositions, and advanced visual experimentation accessible without the need for large productions, teams, or high budgets.

In this article, you will find a curated collection of carefully structured prompts designed to explore this new creative territory. Each prompt is crafted to preserve identity, realism, and visual impact while still allowing aesthetic freedom. The ideas move fluidly between fashion, lifestyle, cinematic storytelling, and conceptual experimentation — all ready to be used, adapted, and refined according to your style and creative goals.

Additionally, this article compares the results generated with ChatGPT and Nano Banana, the image generator integrated into Gemini, Google’s AI. Feel free to use the prompts freely, test them, and refine them to better suit your creative objectives.

Prompts

Below, you will find a variety of prompts covering different styles and creative approaches. Note that most prompts require reference photos to achieve accurate and consistent results. If your goal is to generate people entirely from scratch, you can adjust the prompt accordingly. Some prompts may include fields that need to be filled in (or removed) depending on your use case. Read each prompt carefully and adapt it as needed.

The prompts are provided in both Portuguese and English. Personally, I prefer working in English, but in many cases the results are quite similar. Experiment and decide which language works best for your workflow. Although these prompts were tested with ChatGPT and Nano Banana, they should also work well with other AI image generators such as Higgsfield, Kling AI, Grok, and others. Results may vary, so the key is having multiple options to reach the outcome you’re aiming for.

With that said…

Let’s move on to the prompts.

1.0 Photo with Your Favorite Cartoon Character

Comparative image used to illustrate the creation of a casual hyper-realistic photograph integrating a real person and their favorite cartoon character, both provided as visual references.

A hyper-realistic photograph of the exact same person from the attached reference image, with facial identity strictly preserved without any alteration, maintaining full visual consistency. The person is seated casually on a low wall, bench, or rooftop ledge, body relaxed with a natural, unforced posture. Facial structure, bone geometry, nose, eyes, beard density and pattern, skin tone, skin texture, turban folds, and all facial proportions must remain identical to the reference image.

Do not beautify, stylize, smooth, idealize, or reinterpret the face in any way. Preserve all real-life imperfections, asymmetries, and natural skin details.

The photo is captured using a rear-facing camera by another person, from a natural conversational distance. This is not a selfie. Perspective is neutral, with no wide-angle distortion or exaggerated lens effects.

The cartoon character, provided in the other reference image, is seated directly beside the person at the same height level, leaning slightly toward them. One arm rests naturally on the person’s shoulder. The interaction must feel physically believable, with accurate contact points, natural weight distribution, and correct contact shadows.

The cartoon character is rendered in ultra-high-quality cinematic 3D CGI, with realistic scale, proportions, surface detail, and grounded physical presence. No platforms, no floating, no forced perspective tricks.

Lighting is soft, natural daylight with perfectly matched shadows, highlights, and color temperature across both the human subject and the CGI character, ensuring visual coherence. The background is a slightly blurred urban rooftop environment with shallow depth of field. Colors remain natural, contrast is soft, and the overall image feels like a genuine photograph taken casually by a friend.

Camera angle is eye-level relative to the seated subjects, stable and neutral. The final image must convincingly appear as a real photograph in which a CGI character was physically present at the moment of capture.

Aspect Ratio: Recomended for Instagram [Post or Story]

2.0 Test Your Favorite Tattoo Before Getting It — v1

Comparative image created to demonstrate the digital application of a tattoo design on a real photo, preserving anatomy, skin texture, lighting, and original pose.

Create a tattoo design of [tattoo description]. That tattoo should be applied [centralized] onto the [back] of the person present in the attached reference image. The tattoo must accurately follow the natural curves, contours, and shape of the body, wrapping realistically around the skin.

Keep the original skin tone, skin texture, lighting, shadows, and all visual features exactly as in the provided image. The tattoo must look fully embedded into the skin, including subtle shading, slight skin distortion, and natural ink absorption, with no blurred edges or pasted-on appearance.

Preserve the person’s original pose, facial expression, and background exactly as they appear in the reference image. The tattoo must convincingly appear physically applied, blending seamlessly with highlights, shadows, and body perspective derived from the reference.

Aspect Ratio: Recommended for Instagram [Post or Story]

2.2 Tattoo Preview Using a Reference Tattoo Photo (Filled Version)

Comparative image used to illustrate the application of a tattoo on the back. Unlike the previous case, a second image with a reference tattoo was provided.

Create a tattoo design based on the tattoo design shown in the second reference image. This tattoo must be applied centered on the [body part] region of the person shown in the first attached reference image. The tattoo must faithfully follow the body’s natural curves, contours, and volumes, wrapping around the skin in a realistic way.

Keep the original skin tone, skin texture, lighting, shadows, and all other visual characteristics of the provided image completely intact. The tattoo must appear fully integrated into the skin, with subtle shading, slight skin distortion, and natural ink absorption, without any pasted-on look, blurring, or artificial effects.

Preserve exactly the physical characteristics, pose, facial expression, and original background of the image. The tattoo must look physically applied, blending seamlessly with the highlights, shadows, and body perspective of the reference image, fully respecting the anatomy and natural relief of the skin.

Aspect Ratio: Recommended for Instagram [Post or Story]

3.0 Cinematic Golden Sculpture Portrait

Comparative image created to demonstrate the transformation of a real person into a hyper-realistic gold 3D sculpture while precisely preserving facial identity.

Transform the person in the attached reference image into a hyper-realistic 3D sculpture made entirely of polished [gold], set against a fully dark black background with subtle ambient [violet] LED lighting. Maintain exact likeness with absolute precision, preserving facial structure, proportions, volumes, and all fine details from the original reference. No stylization, exaggeration, or caricature.

The surface must display photorealistic reflections with physically accurate light behavior, emphasizing the polished metallic material. Ultra-realistic, cinema-grade rendering quality, comparable to high-end Cinema4D productions. Luxury editorial aesthetic, subtle organic cinematic grain, timeless premium art direction, sophisticated lighting and shadows, hyper-detailed textures, and an elegant, balanced composition.

Aspect Ratio: Recommended for Instagram [Post or Story]

4.0 Classic Family or Group Studio Portrait

Comparative image used to illustrate the creation of a classic and professional family or group portrait, based on individual photos and inspired by traditional studio photography.

Create a classic, professional family or group portrait using the attached individual faces from reference images. Arrange the subjects in a formal, carefully posed composition inspired by traditional studio portrait photography, similar to the provided reference images.

Preserve realistic proportions, natural lighting, soft shadows, and balanced depth. Subjects should be dressed in timeless black formal suits with white shirts and ties or bow ties, arranged sitting and standing on wooden blocks as shown in the reference, forming a structured yet harmonious composition.

Ensure a high level of photorealism, absolute accuracy of facial features based on the uploaded images, natural and composed expressions, and no distortions of any kind. The final result should resemble a traditional, high-end studio portrait with a refined, elegant, and timeless aesthetic.

Aspect Ratio: Recommended for Instagram [Post or Story]

5.0 Luxury Editorial Portrait with Sports Car (Luxury Lifestyle)

Comparative image created to demonstrate the generation of a luxury editorial-style male portrait, combining realistic facial identity, a high-performance sports car, and a private airport setting.

Create a luxury editorial-style male portrait featuring the same man from the attached reference photo, standing beside a high-performance red sports car, with a white private jet in the background.

He is wearing an elegant, tailored black suit, a white shirt slightly open at the collar, black leather shoes, and a luxury wristwatch. Facial identity must be preserved with absolute accuracy, maintaining natural proportions, features, and expression from the original image.

The scene takes place at a private airport under intense natural midday daylight, with a blue sky, white clouds, and characteristic midday tones. The asphalt reflects sunlight, and the car displays realistic metallic reflections, enhancing the premium aesthetic.

Optionally, add modern thick-framed glasses to the subject, ensuring stylistic coherence. The final image should convey sophistication, status, and high-end photorealism, with a polished luxury editorial look.

Aspect Ratio: Recommended for Instagram [Post or Story]

6.0 Luxury Male Portrait at Sunset with Sports Car

Comparative image used to illustrate the creation of a luxury editorial-style male portrait at sunset, maintaining consistent facial identity, refined attire, and an upscale urban setting.

Create a realistic male portrait in a luxury editorial style, featuring the same person from the attached reference photo, leaning naturally against a glossy black sports car at sunset. Ensure the person’s identity remains fully consistent with the original image.

The subject should appear well-groomed, with a short, neatly trimmed beard, thick-framed glasses, and a confident, mature expression, while strictly preserving facial features, proportions, and individual characteristics from the original photo, with no excessive stylization.

He is wearing a well-fitted navy blue suit, a white shirt, a burgundy tie, brown leather shoes, and an elegant wristwatch. Clothing should display realistic tailoring, natural fabric textures, and a refined finish.

The scene takes place in a sophisticated urban setting near a stone parapet with a panoramic view, featuring mountains in the background. The sunset fills the sky with golden, orange, and pink tones, softly reflecting on the car’s bodywork and creating an elegant, cinematic atmosphere.

Aspect Ratio: Recommended for Instagram [Post or Story]

7.0 Retro Luxury Cinematic Portrait

Comparative image created to demonstrate the generation of a cinematic male portrait set in a luxurious 1970s-inspired lounge, with refined editorial aesthetics and preserved facial identity.

Create a cinematic portrait of the same person shown in the uploaded reference image, seated confidently on an elegant vintage armchair inside a luxurious 1970s-inspired lounge. The person’s facial identity must be preserved with absolute accuracy, maintaining original proportions, features, and expression.

He is wearing a perfectly tailored gray three-piece suit, black leather gloves, and elegant brown shoes. In his right hand, he holds a glass of whiskey. His expression is reflective and composed, conveying power, control, and a sense of refined mystery, without exaggeration.

The lighting is intense and cinematic, blending cool blue tones with warm golden highlights. On a dark wooden table beside him are a bottle of whiskey, a vintage camera, and a pair of sunglasses, all subtly illuminated by soft neon reflections. The atmosphere evokes a scene from an elegant film or a luxury magazine cover, with a masculine aesthetic that feels simultaneously modern and retro.

Aspect Ratio: Recommended for Instagram [Post or Story]

8.0 A Moment of Strength and Serenity

Comparative image used to illustrate the creation of a realistic and emotionally impactful scene, depicting a symbolic connection between a real person and a lion in a cold natural environment.

Create a realistic and emotionally powerful scene showing a person (use the provided reference image to accurately reproduce his facial features) and a [lion] facing each other in a moment of deep connection and mutual respect. The person’s eyes are closed, with a serene and contemplative expression, while the lion gently rests its forehead and muzzle against his, conveying trust, balance, and a subtle spiritual bond.

Both are standing on ground lightly covered with snow, with snowflakes falling softly through the air. The person is wearing a dark coat, with his hair slightly moved by the cold wind, while the lion displays a thick, majestic mane with highly realistic texture and volume.

In the background, a cold and misty natural landscape with blurred mountains and gray-toned hues reinforces a quiet yet powerful atmosphere. Lighting should be soft and diffused, with gentle contrast, preserving photorealism and emotional depth.

Aspect Ratio: Recommended for Instagram [Post or Story]

9.0 Luxury Portrait with Volcanic Aesthetic

Comparative image used to illustrate the creation of a low-angle hyper-realistic portrait with a luxury fashion aesthetic and volcanic-inspired cinematic lighting.

Create a hyper-realistic portrait fully consistent with the provided reference photo, captured from a low-angle perspective to emphasize presence and strength. The subject is wearing a highly reflective black puffer jacket, with the [OPTIONAL BRAND] logo visible and naturally integrated into the material.

The scene is illuminated by intense orange-red lighting, reminiscent of volcanic light, combined with subtle blue accents. Both light sources come from the side and from below, creating incandescent reflections, enhancing the glossy jacket surface and precisely defining facial contours, without excessive skin retouching.

Dense smoke with a sense of motion, rising sparks, and glowing embers fill the dark and dramatic background. The atmosphere is powerful and cinematic, featuring a luxury fashion photography aesthetic, sharp details, and deep color grading dominated by red and orange tones, contrasting against a dark, smoky environment.

Aspect Ratio: Recommended for Instagram [Post or Story]

10.0 Identity in Multiple Layers

Comparative image created to demonstrate the generation of a lifestyle and personal branding scene, featuring multiple clones of the same person arranged symmetrically in a fashion editorial setup.

Create a hyper-realistic lifestyle and personal branding photograph featuring a central person that matches the provided reference image exactly, strictly preserving facial features, hair, expression, skin tone, and body structure. The subject is positioned facing the camera, with a stoic, confident posture and hands gently clasped in front.

Positioned behind the central figure, arrange six identical clones, evenly distributed on both sides, forming a symmetrical composition. The clones’ heads should be slightly tilted left and right in a cascading fan-like pattern, ensuring all seven faces are fully visible, aligned, and perfectly consistent with the original subject’s identity.

All subjects wear varied and seemingly random streetwear outfits, including hoodies, graphic t-shirts, loose-fitting pants, sneakers, jackets, and caps, with a balanced mix of colors, textures, and contemporary urban styles. Clothing should display realistic fit and material detail while maintaining overall visual cohesion.

Use soft, professional studio lighting evenly distributed across the scene, with a [light-gray seamless] background. The composition should be symmetrical, with controlled contrast and a clean sense of depth. The final image must display ultra-sharp 4K detail, highlighting fabric textures and materials, conveying a cinematic fashion editorial aesthetic while keeping the skin appearance slightly natural, avoiding excessive retouching.

Aspect Ratio: Recommended for Instagram [Post or Story]

11.0 Technology vs. Nostalgia

Comparative image used to illustrate the creation of a top-down conceptual composition combining vintage and modern devices whose screens form a single continuous portrait of the same person.

Create a top-down flat lay view showing a compact collection of vintage and modern devices, arranged closely together with slight misalignment and subtle overlaps, forming a cohesive and conceptual visual composition.

Include items such as a CRT monitor, flip phone, iMac G3, Game Boy, smartphones, tablets, and a retro television, all carefully positioned with softly illuminated screens. Each screen displays a precise fragment of the same person’s face from the original reference image, so that when viewed together, they seamlessly form one complete, coherent portrait.

Maintain absolute facial identity consistency across all devices, preserving facial features, correct proportions, uniform skin tone, and continuous lighting between fragments. The visual assembly must be precise, with no distortions, misalignment, or variation in expression.

Use photorealistic rendering, soft ambient lighting, minimal shadows, a neutral background, and high resolution. The composition should convey a clean, technological, and conceptual aesthetic, with color grading that subtly blends retro and modern elements, reinforcing the idea of technological evolution and fragmented identity.

Aspect Ratio: Recommended for Instagram [Post or Story]

12.0 Multiple Angles, One Image

Comparative image created to demonstrate the generation of a cinematic 3x3 contact sheet, presenting multiple camera angles of the same person with fully consistent identity, clothing, and environment.

Create a cinematic 3x3 contact sheet with black borders and visible frame numbering, containing nine images of the same person, fully consistent with the original reference photo that I'm providing. Identity must be preserved with absolute accuracy, maintaining the same person, the same outfit, and the same environment across all frames, varying only poses, facial expressions, and lighting.

Each image must feature a clearly distinct camera angle, including: frontal, low angle, high angle, over-the-shoulder, side profile, Dutch tilt, extreme close-up, wide shot, and bird’s-eye view. Variations should be clearly noticeable while remaining fully coherent with the original scene and setting.

Use professional photorealistic photography, with consistent studio or set lighting across all frames, uniform color grading, sharp focus, and a high level of detail. The overall aesthetic should resemble cinematic film stills, with precise composition, visual continuity, and a polished, high-end finish.

Aspect Ratio: Recommended for Instagram [Post or Story]

Conclusion

The prompts presented throughout this article are creative starting points for beginners, while still being mature and flexible enough for those seeking inspiration for their own advanced creations. They demonstrate how the combination of clear art direction, visual consistency, and attention to detail can transform simple images into scenes with presence, emotion, and meaning. When well constructed, a prompt stops being just an instruction and becomes a visual language — something that communicates directly with the viewer.

As AI tools continue to evolve, the real differentiator is no longer access to technology, but the ability to think visually. Understanding composition, lighting, storytelling, and identity will become increasingly essential. Use these prompts as a foundation, experiment with variations, combine concepts, and most importantly, develop your own visual perspective. Artificial intelligence expands creative possibilities, but creative vision remains fundamentally human.

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