How to create amazing images in Google's Nano Banana — 3 essential tips

Getting started

To try out Gemini Nano-Banana’s photo editing powers, you’ll need to log in and attach or create a base image.

To do this, simply click the plus button, attach your photo, and you’re ready to go. From there, type your prompt into the chat box and hit the arrow icon to generate.

1. Maintain character and scene consistency

Start with a base image and make iterative changes while Nano Banana preserves the core likeness. You can alter outfits, poses, lighting, or entire backgrounds while the subject remains recognizably the same person or character.

Use simple prompts to transform photos into different styles without losing the original subject's features. You could turn a selfie into figurines or render the same character from different angles while maintaining their appearance.

The model understands faces and features well enough to make edits that look genuinely like the original person rather than a close approximation. This matters when editing photos of yourself or people you know, where subtle differences become obvious.

2. Make perfect edits without affecting the rest

Give natural language instructions to change specific elements in an image while leaving everything else untouched. For example, you could change your bedding's color, visulize new decor, or adjust a single element without distorting the surrounding layout.

I'm currently in the process of giving my apartment a fresh new look, so Nano Banana really came in handy when I wanted to envision my cream walls as duck egg blue. It didn't look as good as I imagined, so I re-prompted to dusky pink. Then I had a play around with decor.

When it comes to targeting exactly what needs changing, be precise. Simple, natural speaking prompts like make the curtains grey lets you surgically alter details without requiring complex masking or selection tools.

For example, I asked Nano Banana to add an art deco style mirror on the wall. It was far too big so I simply prompted: that's too OTT, something more demure, and it knew exactly what to add.

3. Blend images and even restore photos

To create something new, combine up to three images. Merge disparate photo elements, blend objects with different textures, or apply patterns from one image to subjects in another. Nano Banana understands how to integrate these elements cohesively.

You can also restore and colorize old photos with historical accuracy. The model applies knowledge about the real world and historical context when bringing black-and-white photos to life, making informed decisions about colors and details based on that era.

Keep your prompts concise and to the point. I have definitely been guilty in the past of overloading with a beefy prompt and being disappointed with the result. When you don't use simple, conversational instructions, models like Nano Banana will interpret your vague directions and fill in the blanks.