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Maori elder portrait - dramatic lighting masterpiece
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Extraordinary portrait of an elderly Maori elder with full traditional tā moko facial tattoos, intricate patterns telling ancestral stories across weathered skin, piercing dark eyes holding generations of wisdom, silver-white hair swept back, draped in a ceremonial feather cloak, dramatic natural lighting from a single window casting half the face in rich shadow while the other half glows with warm light, every line and tattoo detail rendered with museum-quality precision, shot on Phase One IQ4 150MP at f/4, award-winning documentary portrait photography, the weight of culture visible in every feature
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Prompting Masterclass

Mastering Portrait Images

with Google's Nano Banana Pro

Learn to create stunning AI portraits that capture the soul. From editorial beauty to documentary authenticity, master the techniques that transform simple prompts into powerful human imagery—powered by Nano Banana Pro (also known as Gemini 3 Pro), Google's flagship image model.

InteractiveNano Banana ProPortrait Photography

The Human Face: AI's Greatest Challenge

Portraits are the ultimate test of any image generation model. We humans are experts at reading faces—we notice when something is slightly off, when skin looks plastic, when eyes lack that spark of life. Creating convincing portrait photography requires mastering not just technical elements, but the ineffable quality that makes a portrait feel alive.

Nano Banana Pro (also known as Gemini 3 Pro) excels at portraits because of its deep understanding of human anatomy, light behavior on skin, and emotional expression. The model responds particularly well to professional photography terminology and named lighting techniques.

Foundation

One Face, Four Stories

The same subject transforms completely through lighting and mood direction. Portrait mastery is about creative intention.

Natural Light
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Portrait of a woman in her early 30s with warm olive skin and dark wavy hair, soft natural window light illuminating her face, relaxed genuine smile, freckles visible across her cheeks, wearing a cream linen blouse, cozy home environment with plants in soft focus, shot on 85mm at f/2, lifestyle photography warmth
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Natural Light

Warm & Authentic

Rembrandt Drama
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Portrait of a woman in her early 30s with warm olive skin and dark wavy hair, classic Rembrandt lighting with triangle of light on shadowed cheek, contemplative expression with a hint of mystery, wearing a black turtleneck against dark background, rich shadows and warm highlights, shot on 85mm at f/2, fine art portrait quality
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Rembrandt Drama

Moody & Artistic

Editorial High-Key
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Portrait of a woman in her early 30s with warm olive skin and dark wavy hair, high-key beauty lighting with beauty dish, flawless luminous skin, confident direct gaze into camera, subtle glossy lip, clean white background, high-end fashion editorial quality, shot on medium format at f/4, Annie Leibovitz aesthetic
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Editorial High-Key

Polished & Bold

Golden Hour
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Portrait of a woman in her early 30s with warm olive skin and dark wavy hair, backlit by golden hour sun creating a halo effect, lens flare kissing the frame, wind-tossed hair catching the light, peaceful expression with eyes gently closed, ethereal and romantic mood, shot on vintage 85mm at f/1.4, film grain
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Golden Hour

Dreamy & Romantic

Notice how the same subject—a woman in her early 30s with olive skin and dark hair—becomes four completely different portraits. The lighting direction, mood descriptors, and environment transform not just how she looks, but how she feels.

What stayed constant: Age, skin tone, hair color, basic features, and lens choice (85mm at f/2) remain consistent across all four images. What changed: Lighting setup, expression, clothing, background, mood descriptors, and style references create entirely different stories.

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Styles

Portrait Archetypes

Eight distinct approaches to portrait photography, each requiring different prompt strategies.

Editorial Beauty
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
High fashion beauty portrait, flawless luminous skin with visible pores for realism, striking green eyes with perfect catch lights, glossy nude lips, soft beauty dish lighting creating gentle shadows under cheekbones, hair swept back elegantly, shot on Hasselblad H6D at f/2.8, high-end fashion editorial quality, Patrick Demarchelier aesthetic
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Editorial Beauty

"High fashion beauty portrait, flawless luminous skin with vi..."

Documentary Character
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Intimate portrait of a weathered Icelandic fisherman, deep wrinkles telling decades of ocean stories, salt-and-pepper beard catching window light, piercing blue eyes holding secrets of the sea, worn wool sweater, natural window light from a fishing cottage, shot on Leica M10 at f/2, Steve McCurry documentary style
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Documentary Character

"Intimate portrait of a weathered Icelandic fisherman, deep w..."

Cinematic Drama
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Cinematic portrait of a young woman in golden hour light, backlit hair glowing like fire, lens flare kissing the frame edge, freckles visible across sun-warmed cheeks, contemplative gaze into distance, shallow depth of field with bokeh orbs, shot on vintage Cooke anamorphic lens, Terrence Malick film still
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Cinematic Drama

"Cinematic portrait of a young woman in golden hour light, ba..."

Classic Studio
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Timeless black and white studio portrait, elegant woman with sculptural bone structure, dramatic Rembrandt lighting with single key light, rich tonal range from deep blacks to pure whites, subtle rim light separating from dark background, shot on medium format at f/4, Irving Penn elegance
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Classic Studio

"Timeless black and white studio portrait, elegant woman with..."

Street Candid
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Candid street portrait of a young musician busking on a rain-slicked city corner, guitar case open at his feet, neon signs reflecting in puddles, genuine smile mid-laugh, urban texture and grit, shot on 35mm at f/2.8, authentic documentary moment, Vivian Maier influence
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Street Candid

"Candid street portrait of a young musician busking on a rain..."

Fine Art
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Fine art portrait inspired by Renaissance painting, woman with pearl earring against dark velvet background, soft diffused natural light from north-facing window, subtle color palette of earth tones and deep shadows, painterly quality with soft edges, medium format at f/5.6, museum-worthy composition
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Fine Art

"Fine art portrait inspired by Renaissance painting, woman wi..."

Corporate Professional
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Executive portrait of a confident CEO in modern glass office, tailored navy suit, warm smile with approachable authority, soft key light with fill, city skyline blurred through floor-to-ceiling windows, clean and polished corporate aesthetic, 85mm at f/2.8, LinkedIn-worthy professionalism
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Corporate Professional

"Executive portrait of a confident CEO in modern glass office..."

Environmental Storytelling
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Environmental portrait of a master woodworker in his workshop, sawdust floating in shafts of afternoon light, weathered hands resting on hand-carved furniture, tools organized on pegboard walls behind him, warm tungsten mixed with natural window light, authentic craft narrative, 50mm at f/2
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Environmental Storytelling

"Environmental portrait of a master woodworker in his worksho..."

Tip: Match your aspect ratio to the portrait type: 4:5 or 3:4 for classic portraits, 16:9 for cinematic, 1:1 for social media or intimate close-ups.

Technique

The Language of Light

Professional lighting setups have names. Use them, and the model will understand exactly what you want.

Dramatic lighting demonstration
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Dramatic studio portrait demonstrating the full range of portrait lighting, a striking model's face illuminated by precisely controlled light, one half bathed in warm key light revealing every detail while the other half falls into deep shadow, subtle rim light separating from the black background, visible texture of skin and individual strands of hair, professional studio setup, shot on medium format at f/2.8, masterclass in light control
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Rembrandt
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Portrait with classic Rembrandt lighting, triangle of light illuminating the shadowed cheek, single window as key light, warm skin tones against dark background, contemplative expression, visible skin texture, 85mm at f/2, old master painting quality
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Rembrandt

Triangle of light on shadowed cheek

Butterfly
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Glamorous portrait with butterfly lighting, symmetric shadow beneath the nose, beauty dish directly above, luminous skin with soft highlights on cheekbones, classic Hollywood elegance, shot at f/2.8, George Hurrell golden age style
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Butterfly

Shadow under nose, glamour standard

Split
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Dramatic split lighting portrait, exactly half the face illuminated while half falls into deep shadow, single hard light source from the side, intense and mysterious mood, high contrast, visible skin texture in the lit portion, noir cinematography
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Split

Half face in light, half in shadow

Loop
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Natural portrait with loop lighting, small shadow falling to the side of the nose, soft main light at 45 degrees, flattering and three-dimensional, warm fill light, relaxed authentic expression, lifestyle photography quality
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Loop

Small shadow beside nose, versatile

Quick Lighting Reference

Soft & Flattering

Loop lighting, butterfly lighting, clamshell setup

Dramatic & Moody

Split lighting, Rembrandt, low-key, chiaroscuro

Natural & Authentic

Window light, golden hour, overcast diffused

Editorial & Fashion

Beauty dish, ring light, high-key, cross lighting

Context

Environmental Portraits

Place your subject in their world. The environment becomes a character, telling the story of who they are.

The Artisan
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Environmental portrait of a master ceramicist in her sunlit studio, clay-covered hands shaping a vessel on the wheel, morning light streaming through dusty windows creating god rays, shelves of finished work in soft focus behind her, focused concentration on her craft, shot on 35mm at f/2, authentic documentary moment
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The Artisan

"Environmental portrait of a master ceramicist in her sunlit studio, clay-covered..."

The Chef
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Kitchen portrait of a Michelin-star chef in the heat of service, steam rising around him, intense focus in his eyes, white jacket pristine against the chaos of the pass, warm tungsten kitchen lights mixing with cool steel surfaces, motion blur on his hands while face stays sharp, 50mm at f/1.8
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The Chef

"Kitchen portrait of a Michelin-star chef in the heat of service, steam rising ar..."

The Scholar
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Portrait of an elderly professor in a leather-bound library, surrounded by towering bookshelves, warm lamp light illuminating his weathered features, reading glasses perched on nose, decades of wisdom in his gentle eyes, dust motes floating in the amber light, 85mm at f/2, timeless academia
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The Scholar

"Portrait of an elderly professor in a leather-bound library, surrounded by tower..."

Environmental portraits require a wider lens (35mm-50mm) to include context while keeping the subject prominent. The key is balance—the environment should support the story without overwhelming the human element. Describe the setting with as much care as the person.

Expression

Capturing Emotion

The face is a landscape of feeling. Learn to direct emotional expression through your prompts.

Joy
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Candid portrait capturing genuine laughter, eyes crinkled with authentic happiness, natural smile revealing personality, soft outdoor light, hair slightly wind-tossed, shot at f/1.8 for dreamy background, warmth radiating from the frame
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Joy

"Candid portrait capturing genuine laughter, eyes crinkled wi..."

Contemplation
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Pensive portrait in window light, subject gazing through rain-streaked glass, soft reflection visible, melancholic but beautiful mood, muted color palette, shallow depth of field on the eyes, quiet introspection captured
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Contemplation

"Pensive portrait in window light, subject gazing through rai..."

Strength
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Powerful portrait conveying inner strength, direct eye contact with viewer, subtle determined expression, dramatic side lighting emphasizing bone structure, dark background, high contrast, commanding presence
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Strength

"Powerful portrait conveying inner strength, direct eye conta..."

Serenity
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Peaceful portrait with eyes gently closed, soft smile playing at lips, golden hour light bathing the face, sense of complete tranquility, soft focus dreamlike quality, pastel tones, meditation captured
Open

Serenity

"Peaceful portrait with eyes gently closed, soft smile playin..."

Curiosity
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Portrait of wide-eyed wonder, head tilted slightly, eyebrows raised in discovery, soft catchlights reflecting something unseen, youthful energy and openness, natural daylight, shallow depth of field, the moment before understanding
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Curiosity

"Portrait of wide-eyed wonder, head tilted slightly, eyebrows..."

Melancholy
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Bittersweet portrait with distant gaze, subtle sadness in the eyes mixed with acceptance, overcast window light creating soft shadows, muted tones of blue and gray, quiet emotional depth, vulnerable and honest expression
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Melancholy

"Bittersweet portrait with distant gaze, subtle sadness in th..."

Determination
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Resolute portrait with set jaw and focused gaze, unwavering eye contact, strong lighting from below creating heroic shadows, determined expression without aggression, inner fire visible, athlete before competition energy
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Determination

"Resolute portrait with set jaw and focused gaze, unwavering ..."

Warmth
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Tender portrait radiating kindness, gentle crinkles around eyes, soft genuine smile, warm golden hour backlighting, cozy sweater, sense of comfort and safety, grandmother's wisdom in young face, inviting and approachable
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Warmth

"Tender portrait radiating kindness, gentle crinkles around e..."

Note: Describing emotion is more effective than describing facial muscles. "Genuine laughter" works better than "mouth open, eyes crinkled." Let the model interpret the feeling naturally.

Mastery

Putting It All Together

A masterwork portrait combines all elements: subject, lighting, environment, emotion, and technical excellence.

Blues musician masterwork portrait
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Masterwork environmental portrait of a legendary blues musician in a dimly lit juke joint, his weathered hands resting on a vintage guitar, face illuminated by a single bare bulb swinging overhead casting dynamic shadows, smoke curling through beams of light, decades of Mississippi delta stories written in every wrinkle, worn fedora tilted back, eyes closed in a moment of musical transcendence, authentic wood-paneled walls covered in old photographs and neon beer signs in soft focus, the weight of American music history present in every detail, shot on Leica M11 with 50mm Summilux at f/1.4, available darkness photography, William Eggleston meets Gordon Parks
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The Complete Portrait

"Masterwork environmental portrait of a legendary blues musician in a dimly lit juke joint, his weathered hands resting on a vintage guitar, face illuminated by a single bare bulb swinging overhead casting dynamic shadows, smoke curling through beams of light, decades of Mississippi delta stories written in every wrinkle..."

What makes this work

  • →Specific subject with character depth
  • →Dynamic, motivated lighting source
  • →Rich environmental storytelling
  • →Emotional moment captured
  • →Professional equipment references

Prompt structure

  • 1.Type + Subject + Setting
  • 2.Lighting setup + Quality
  • 3.Physical details + Expression
  • 4.Environmental details
  • 5.Technical specs + Style reference
Practice

Create Your Portrait with Nano Banana Pro

Apply what you've learned using Google's flagship model. Nano Banana Pro excels at photorealistic portraits with natural skin texture and lighting.

Generated visual
https://demo.imagegpt.host/image?prompt=Intimate+portrait+of+a+master+watchmaker+in+her+workshop%2C+magnifying+loupe+revealing+her+focused+eye+examining+a+tiny+movement%2C+warm+tungsten+desk+lamp+as+key+light+casting+precise+shadows%2C+hundreds+of+vintage+timepieces+in+soft+focus+behind+her%2C+silver+hair+pinned+back+practically%2C+steady+hands+that+have+assembled+thousands+of+mechanisms%2C+shot+on+85mm+at+f%2F2%2C+shallow+depth+of+field%2C+the+patience+of+decades+visible+in+her+serene+expression&model=google%40gemini-3-pro-image-preview&aspect_ratio=4%3A3

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

  • 1.

    Eyes are everything Always mention catch lights, eye detail, and gaze direction. The eyes make or break a portrait.

  • 2.

    Name your lighting Use professional terms like 'Rembrandt lighting' or 'butterfly lighting'—the model understands these patterns.

  • 3.

    Skin texture is realism Mention 'visible pores', 'natural skin texture', or 'subtle imperfections' to avoid the plastic AI look.

  • 4.

    Context tells story Environmental details, clothing, and setting transform a face into a character with narrative.

Guide

Skin Tones & Ethnicity

Master accurate skin rendering across diverse undertones and ethnic features.

Model Comparison

Nano Banana Pro vs Flux

See how portrait quality compares across different models.

Capture souls.
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