75+ Best Gemini Prompts for Images That Actually Work (2026 Guide)

Last Updated: 2026-01-28 19:11:40

About the Author: I've been experimenting with AI image generators since DALL E 2's beta launch in 2022. Over the past year, I've spent countless hours testing Google's Gemini image capabilities first with the original release, and now with the improved Imagen 3 model. This guide compiles the prompts that consistently delivered quality results in my testing, organized by practical use cases.

Let me be honest with you: most "best Gemini prompts" articles out there are just lists of generic prompts the author never actually tested.

I got frustrated with that. So I spent the last few months putting Gemini's image generation through its paces trying different prompt structures, comparing outputs, and noting what actually makes a difference.

This guide is the result. Not every prompt here will work perfectly for your specific needs (AI image generation still has that unpredictability factor), but these are the approaches and templates that gave me the most consistent, usable results.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Start: How Gemini Image Generation Actually Works
2. The Prompt Framework That Changed My Results
3. Realistic Photography Prompts
4. Art Style Prompts
5. Marketing & Business Prompts
6. Social Media Prompts
7. Industry Specific Prompts
8. Advanced Techniques (What Actually Moves the Needle)
9. Gemini vs Midjourney vs DALL E: My Honest Take
10. Mistakes I Made So You Don't Have To
11. FAQ

Quick Start: How Gemini Image Generation Actually Works {#how it works}

Before we get into the prompts, here's what you need to know about how Gemini handles image requests.

Google's Gemini uses Imagen 3 under the hood their latest image generation model that rolled out in late 2024. If you used Gemini for images earlier in 2024, you might notice the quality has improved significantly.

What Gemini does well:

• Natural language understanding (you can write normal sentences, not keyword salad)
• Human faces and figures (fewer weird artifacts than earlier models)
• Text rendering within images (still not perfect, but better than most)
• Following multi step instructions

Where it still struggles:

• Hands (yes, still)
• Exact counts ("five birds" might give you four or six)
• Very specific brand logos or copyrighted characters
• Consistent characters across multiple generations

Access options:

• Free tier: Available at gemini.google.com with daily generation limits
• Google One AI Premium ($20/mo): Higher limits and priority access
• Gemini API: For developers building applications

The Prompt Framework That Changed My Results {#prompt framework}

I wasted a lot of time early on writing prompts that were either too vague or too cluttered. After testing different approaches, I landed on this structure that works reliably:

[What] + [Doing What] + [Where] + [How It Looks] + [Technical Flavor]
It sounds simple because it is. The key insight: Gemini responds to natural descriptions, not keyword stuffing.

Real Example:

Vague prompt (inconsistent results):

"A chef cooking

Structured prompt (much better):

"A middle aged Italian chef tossing pizza dough in a rustic trattoria kitchen, flour dust visible in warm afternoon light coming through a window, candid documentary photography style

![Comparison placeholder: Side by side showing vague vs. structured prompt results] ↑ Same concept, dramatically different outputs. The structured prompt gives Gemini enough context to work with.

The Five Components Explained:

Best Gemini Prompts for Realistic Photos {#realistic photos}

These prompts are optimized for Gemini's Imagen 3 model. I've organized them by what you're likely actually trying to create.

Portrait Photography

1. Professional Headshot

Professional headshot photograph of a [describe person: age, gender, ethnicity optional], wearing business attire, looking directly at camera with a confident but approachable expression. Clean gray studio background, soft front lighting that minimizes harsh shadows. Sharp focus on the eyes. The kind of photo you'd see on a LinkedIn profile for a senior executive.
What I learned: Adding "the kind of photo you'd see on..." helps Gemini understand the context and quality level you're going for.
![Example placeholder: Generated professional headshot] ↑ Result with this prompt structure. Notice the even lighting and appropriate framing.

1. Environmental Portrait

Documentary style portrait of a [profession: e.g., "blacksmith," "librarian," "nurse"] in their actual work environment. They're paused mid task, looking at the camera. Natural available light only. Include details of their workspace that tell a story about what they do. Slight grain, like Kodak Portra film. Focus on capturing authentic character, not a posed perfection.

1. Casual Lifestyle Portrait

Natural lifestyle photograph of [describe person] in a coffee shop setting. They're genuinely engaged with [activity: reading, working on laptop, conversation with friend]. Window light from the side, slightly overexposed background. Shallow depth of field keeps focus on the subject. Feels candid, like a talented friend took this photo not overly produced.

1. Editorial Fashion

High fashion editorial portrait. [Describe model and outfit]. Dramatic lighting strong side light creating bold shadows across the face. Minimal background, neutral tones. The aesthetic of a Vogue or Harper's Bazaar editorial spread. Confident, almost confrontational eye contact with the camera.

1. Genuine Emotion Portrait

Close up portrait capturing a moment of genuine [emotion: joy, contemplation, determination]. Natural lighting, preferably golden hour warmth. Some imperfection is good a stray hair, laugh lines, authentic expression. This should feel like a decisive moment captured, not a posed photo. Photojournalistic approach.

Landscape & Nature

1. Epic Landscape

Sweeping landscape photograph of [specific location type: Norwegian fjords, Arizona desert, Scottish highlands]. Golden hour lighting with long shadows. Foreground interest leading the eye into the scene maybe a winding path or rocky outcrop. The sense of scale that makes you feel small. Shot on a medium format camera, tack sharp throughout.
![Example placeholder: Generated landscape with foreground interest] ↑ Including "foreground interest" prevents that flat postcard look

1. Moody Weather

Dramatic weather photography: [describe scene, e.g., "storm clouds building over wheat fields"]. The moment just before the storm hits tension in the sky, wind visible in the movement of grass or trees. Deep contrast between dark clouds and any remaining light. Turner esque drama but photographically real.

1. Intimate Nature Detail

Macro nature photograph of [specific subject: dewdrops on a spider web, texture of tree bark, frost crystals on a leaf]. Extreme shallow depth of field with just the key detail sharp. Soft, diffused natural light early morning works well. The beauty in small things that most people walk past.

1. Night Sky

Astrophotography of the Milky Way over [landscape: desert, mountain lake, ancient ruins]. The galaxy clearly visible as a luminous band across the sky. Some foreground illumination maybe moonlight or subtle light painting so the landscape isn't pure silhouette. Long exposure look with pinpoint stars, not star trails.

1. Seasons Transition

[Season] landscape that really captures that specific time of year. [Describe key seasonal elements: autumn leaves at peak color, first snow on still green grass, cherry blossoms, summer heat haze]. The photograph should make you feel the temperature and smell the air of that season.

Product Photography

1. Clean E commerce Style

E commerce product photograph of [describe product] on a clean white background. Soft, even lighting that shows the product's true colors and details without harsh shadows. Straight on or slight 3/4 angle. The product should fill most of the frame. This needs to look professional enough for an online store.
Note: For actual product photography, you'll likely need to composite use Gemini for backgrounds/contexts, real photos for the product itself.

1. Lifestyle Product Context

Lifestyle product photography showing [product] in natural use context. [Describe setting: "on a minimalist desk with morning coffee" or "in a gym bag with workout gear"]. Natural window light, not overly styled. The product is clearly the hero but the environment tells a story about who uses it and when.

1. Food Photography

Appetizing food photograph of [specific dish]. Styled but not overdone this should look like food you'd actually want to eat, not plastic props. Steam or movement where appropriate. Shot from [angle: overhead flat lay, 45 degree, straight on]. Natural or warm artificial lighting. Shallow depth of field on close up shots.
![Example placeholder: Food photography comparison   over styled vs. appetizing] ↑ Left: Over styled and fake looking. Right: Appetizing and believable.

1. Luxury Product

Premium product photography of [luxury item: watch, jewelry, leather goods]. Dark, moody background slate, marble, or deep wood. Dramatic rim lighting that highlights contours and materials. Visible craftsmanship details. This should feel like an ad in a high end magazine, not a catalog.

1. Beverage

Commercial beverage photography of [drink]. Condensation on the glass, ice if appropriate, fresh garnish. The liquid should look refreshing and the colors vibrant but realistic. Dark background with colored accent lighting optional. Capture the moment maybe a pour, a splash, or the settling of bubbles.

Best Gemini Prompts for Art Styles {#art styles}

Gemini handles artistic styles differently than photorealistic requests. Here's what works.

Classical Art Styles

1. Renaissance

Renaissance oil painting in the style of the Italian masters. [Describe subject and scene]. Classical composition with careful attention to proportion. Sfumato technique in the shadows, rich but muted period appropriate colors. Visible brushwork and the slight craquelure of aged canvas. This should feel like it belongs in the Uffizi.

1. Impressionism

Impressionist painting of [scene landscapes and everyday scenes work best]. Loose, visible brushstrokes capturing light and atmosphere rather than precise details. The color palette of Monet's later work vibrant but harmonious. A sense of movement and the passing moment. Oil on canvas texture.

1. Dutch Golden Age Still Life

Dutch Golden Age still life painting. Elaborate arrangement including [list objects: fruits, flowers, silverware, game, etc.]. Vanitas symbolism if appropriate a wilting flower, a timepiece, a half eaten meal. Dramatic chiaroscuro lighting from the upper left. Hyperrealistic rendering of textures the sheen of metal, the fuzz of a peach.

1. Japanese Woodblock

Traditional Japanese ukiyo e woodblock print depicting [scene]. Bold outlines, flat areas of color, the distinctive perspective of Edo period prints. Influenced by [Hokusai/Hiroshige/Utamaro depending on subject]. Limited color palette with subtle gradations. The texture of washi paper and visible wood grain patterns.

1. Art Nouveau

Art Nouveau illustration in the style of Alphonse Mucha. [Describe central figure, usually female]. Elaborate decorative borders with organic, flowing lines. Muted, earthy color palette with gold accents. Typography integrated into the design if including text. Lithograph poster print quality.

Modern & Digital Styles

1. Studio Ghibli Inspired

Illustration in the style of Studio Ghibli films. [Describe scene works best with nature, cozy interiors, or gentle fantasy]. Soft watercolor backgrounds with more detailed character work. The gentle, nostalgic atmosphere of Miyazaki's films. Rich environmental detail that rewards close looking. Warm, hopeful emotional tone.
![Example placeholder: Ghibli style generated image] ↑ Gemini handles this style surprisingly well the key is emphasizing atmosphere over action

1. Concept Art

Professional concept art for [describe: a fantasy city, sci fi vehicle, character design]. Painterly digital style with visible brushwork. Dynamic composition that sells the scale or drama. This should look like keyframe art from a major animation studio or game developer. Include environmental storytelling details.

1. Vintage Travel Poster

Vintage travel poster advertising [destination], in the style of 1930s 1950s tourism art. Bold, simplified shapes and limited color palette. Romanticized view of the destination's most iconic features. Period appropriate typography integrated into the design. Slight paper texture and muted printing colors.

1. Minimalist Modern

Minimalist modern art piece. [Describe: geometric shapes, color relationships, concept]. Influenced by [Rothko/Malevich/Albers depending on style]. Precise edges, flat color fields, intentional negative space. This should work as a large scale wall piece in a contemporary interior. Gallery quality.

1. Cyberpunk

Cyberpunk digital art depicting [scene]. Neon drenched urban environment, rain slicked streets reflecting lights. High contrast between deep shadows and saturated color accents. Visible corporate signage (fictional), dense visual information. The aesthetic of Blade Runner meets modern anime. Highly detailed.

Trending Styles

1. Isometric Illustration

Isometric illustration of [scene: a coffee shop interior, a fantasy village, a spaceship cutaway]. Clean vector style rendering with consistent 30 degree angles. Charming level of detail tiny elements that reward close inspection. Cohesive color palette, usually bright and friendly. No perspective distortion.

1. Low Poly 3D

Low poly 3D art of [subject/scene]. Geometric faceted surfaces with visible polygons. Limited color palette with subtle gradients on faces. Modern, stylized aesthetic beautiful in its simplicity. This should look like a high quality indie game or design agency portfolio piece.

1. Paper Cut / Layered

Paper cut art style illustration of [scene]. Multiple layered paper creating depth, visible shadows between layers. Delicate, intricate cutting with fine details. Usually white or cream paper on a colored background, though colored paper layers work too. The craftsmanship of a master paper artist.

1. Children's Book

Children's book illustration showing [scene]. Warm, friendly art style appropriate for ages [specify]. [Describe medium: watercolor, colored pencil, digital]. Characters should be appealing with readable expressions and body language. Rich environmental detail that supports the narrative. The quality you'd see from a major publisher.

1. Pixel Art

Pixel art [scene/character] in [specify resolution: 16 bit, 32 bit, modern high res pixel art]. Limited color palette appropriate to the style. Each pixel deliberately placed. [If character: clear silhouette and readable at small size]. The craftsmanship of classic games elevated to fine art.

Best Gemini Prompts for Marketing & Business {#marketing}

These prompts are designed for practical business applications. I've noted optimal dimensions where relevant.

Social Media Assets

1. Instagram Post Quote

Instagram post graphic with the quote "[your quote]". Clean, modern design with ample white space. Text is the hero easy to read at phone screen size. Subtle background texture or gradient in [brand colors]. The aesthetic of a popular personal development or design focused account. Square format.
Note on text: Gemini can render text in images, but it's not 100% reliable. For important text, I still recommend adding it in post production.

1. LinkedIn Banner

Professional LinkedIn banner image for someone in [industry]. Abstract or subtle imagery suggesting [themes: innovation, connection, growth]. Corporate appropriate color scheme blues, grays, or [specify brand colors]. Avoid busy patterns that will fight with the profile photo overlay. 1584x396 pixel dimension considerations.

1. YouTube Thumbnail Background

YouTube thumbnail background (subject will be added separately). [Describe mood/theme]. Bold, saturated colors that pop on the YouTube interface. Strong visual hierarchy with clear focal point. Space on [left/right] for the subject and text overlays. This needs to be eye catching at small sizes.

1. Instagram Story Template

Instagram story template design with space for [describe content areas: product photo, text, poll sticker]. Trendy aesthetic that appeals to [target demographic]. On brand colors and style. Clear visual hierarchy guiding where to look first. 1080x1920 vertical format optimization.

1. Pinterest Pin

Pinterest pin design for [topic: recipe, DIY tutorial, inspirational quote, product]. Vertical format (2:3 ratio works well). Clear headline area at top, supporting image below. The aesthetic that performs well in [category] usually bright, clean, and aspirational. Designed for saving and clicking through.

Website & Marketing Materials

1. Hero Image

Website hero image for a [type of business: SaaS startup, law firm, restaurant, etc.]. [Describe desired scene/mood]. Plenty of negative space on the [left/right] side for headline text overlay. Professional stock photo quality but not generic. The image should communicate [core brand value] at a glance.

1. Blog Featured Image

Featured image for a blog post titled "[your title]". Visual metaphor or literal representation of the topic. Horizontal format suitable for content management systems. Not too busy it needs to work with various text overlay treatments. Professional, editorial quality.

1. Abstract Background

Abstract background suitable for [use: website section, presentation slide, social graphic]. [Describe colors and general style: flowing gradients, geometric patterns, organic shapes]. Subtle enough to allow text overlay but visually interesting. Seamless/tileable edges preferred if possible.

1. Testimonial Section

Background image for a testimonial/quote section on a website. Should evoke [emotion: trust, success, warmth] without being distracting. Muted or desaturated treatment so quote text remains readable. Professional but human not cold and corporate.

1. Email Header

Email header image for [type of email: newsletter, promotional, welcome series]. [Brand colors] color scheme. Sized for email rendering (max 600px wide, not too tall). Visual theme relating to [content topic]. Clean enough to load quickly and display well across email clients.

Print Materials

1. Business Card Background

Background design element for a business card. Subtle, sophisticated pattern or texture in [colors]. Should enhance rather than overwhelm the contact information. Works in both horizontal and vertical orientations. Premium, tactile feeling even in a digital preview.

1. Brochure Interior

Image for a brochure interior page about [topic/service]. [Describe desired scene or concept]. Professional photography or illustration style appropriate to [industry]. Should fill a half page or full page bleed. Supports the sales message without distracting from body copy.

1. Trade Show Display

Large format image for a trade show backdrop or banner. Bold, visible from 15+ feet away. Communicates [key message or brand identity] instantly. [Brand colors], minimal text integration. Should work at large scale without pixelation concerns (describe for high resolution generation).

1. Event Invitation

Visual design for a [type of event: corporate gala, product launch, charity fundraiser] invitation. [Formal/casual] aesthetic appropriate to the occasion. Evokes [mood: excitement, elegance, innovation]. Space for event details to be added. Works for both digital and print versions.

1. Packaging Concept

Product packaging concept for [describe product]. [Style: minimalist, luxurious, eco friendly, playful]. Shows the package from an angle that displays key design elements. Appropriate for [target market]. This is a concept visualization photorealistic mockup quality.

Best Gemini Prompts for Social Media Content {#social media}

Prompts specifically optimized for social media performance.

Instagram

1. Flat Lay

Instagram worthy flat lay arrangement of [items related to theme: morning routine, travel essentials, workspace]. Top down perspective, carefully arranged but not too perfect. [Surface: marble, wood, linen, concrete]. Natural light from one direction creating soft shadows. The aesthetic of a lifestyle influencer with 100K+ followers.
![Example placeholder: Generated flat lay] ↑ The "not too perfect" instruction helps avoid that overly manufactured look

1. Behind the Scenes

Behind the scenes style photo of [creative process: artist in studio, chef in kitchen, maker at workbench]. Candid feeling, caught mid action. Authentic workspace mess visible. Natural or practical lighting not overly produced. The kind of BTS content that humanizes a brand.

1. Before/After Comparison

Before and after comparison image for [transformation: home renovation, fitness progress, skill improvement]. Clear visual division (side by side or diagonal split). Same angle/framing for both sides so the transformation is obvious. Dramatic but believable difference.

1. Carousel Educational

Clean infographic slide for an Instagram carousel about [topic]. Single key point per slide: "[main takeaway]". Large, readable typography. [Brand color] accent color on white or light background. Icon or simple illustration supporting the point. Minimal this is about clarity.

1. User Generated Content Style

Photo that looks like authentic user generated content not professional but appealing. [Person/product] in a real world setting, slightly imperfect composition. The aesthetic of content a brand might repost from a happy customer. Warm, relatable, genuine feeling.

Platform Specific

1. TikTok Cover Frame

TikTok video cover frame with hook text "[your hook]". Bold, attention grabbing design optimized for vertical scroll. High contrast so it reads clearly at small size. [Trending aesthetic/colors]. This needs to make someone stop scrolling.

1. Twitter/X Post Image

Image to accompany a tweet about [topic]. Horizontal format (16:9 or 2:1). Clear, simple visual that communicates the point quickly Twitter users scroll fast. Works well whether expanded or in preview. [Tone: professional, humorous, informative].

1. Facebook Group Cover

Facebook group cover photo for a community about [topic/interest]. Welcoming and inclusive feeling. Communicates what the group is about at a glance. Works with Facebook's overlay and profile picture placement. Horizontal format, 1640x856 safe area.

1. Substack Header

Substack newsletter header for a publication about [topic]. Captures the intellectual or creative focus of the newsletter. Works at various sizes (header, email, mobile). [Author's personal brand style]. Memorable but not distracting from the writing.

1. Discord Welcome

Discord server welcome image for a community focused on [topic]. Friendly and inviting. Captures the server's personality [describe vibe: professional, gamer, creative, etc.]. Works as a channel banner or pinned image. 960x540 works well.

Best Gemini Prompts for Industries {#industries}

Tailored prompts for specific professional fields.

Real Estate

1. Property Exterior

Real estate listing photograph of a [property type: modern farmhouse, downtown condo building, lakefront cottage] at [time: golden hour works best for warmth]. Landscaping well maintained, sky enhanced but realistic. The aspirational but believable quality of high end real estate photography. Makes a buyer want to schedule a viewing.

1. Interior Room

Interior photography of a [room type] in a [style: contemporary, traditional, mid century] home. Staged for selling clean, depersonalized but not sterile. Natural light supplemented by interior lighting. Wide angle but not distorted. MLS ready but better than average agent photos.

Health & Wellness

1. Fitness Action

Fitness photography of [describe person and activity: runner mid stride, yoga pose, weightlifting]. Athletic and aspirational but achievable not intimidating. Dynamic angle capturing effort and movement. Gym, outdoor, or studio setting as appropriate. Motivating without being cliché.

1. Wellness Lifestyle

Lifestyle wellness image conveying [concept: self care, balance, mental health, healthy eating]. [Describe scene]. Calming color palette greens, neutrals, soft light. Authentic and approachable, not sterile or clinical. The aesthetic of a trusted health and wellness brand.

Food & Hospitality

1. Restaurant Ambiance

Interior photograph of a [cuisine type] restaurant showing atmosphere and vibe. [Describe: intimate booths, open kitchen, rooftop seating]. Warm, inviting lighting. Some motion blur from staff/diners acceptable for energy. Makes viewers want to make a reservation. Google Business listing quality.

1. Signature Dish

Hero food photography of [restaurant's signature dish]. Plated beautifully but believably this should look like what actually arrives at the table. Appropriate props and setting for [casual/fine dining]. Makes the viewer hungry. Instagram shareable quality.

Technology

1. SaaS Concept

Conceptual image for a [type: project management, analytics, communication] software product. Abstract visualization of [core benefit: organization, connection, insight]. Tech forward aesthetic in [brand colors]. Could work as a website hero or presentation visual. Not literal screens this is about the feeling.

1. Team Collaboration

Modern tech workplace showing team collaboration. Diverse group engaged in [meeting, whiteboard session, pair programming]. Contemporary office environment not a cliché stock photo setup. Natural, candid feeling. Represents the human side of technology work.

Education

1. Learning Environment

[Educational setting: university lecture hall, elementary classroom, online tutoring session]. Engaged learners, supportive instructor. Diverse, inclusive representation. Warm, encouraging atmosphere that values education. Works for marketing materials or editorial content.

1. Achievement Moment

Educational achievement photograph [graduation, receiving an award, mastering a skill]. Genuine emotion of accomplishment. [Setting appropriate to achievement level]. Family or mentors included if relevant. Aspirational for prospective students.

Advanced Prompting Techniques {#advanced}

These are the approaches that made the biggest difference in my results.

Technique 1: Reference What You Know

Instead of vague quality descriptors, reference specific photographers, publications, or visual standards your audience would recognize.

Vague:

"A really good portrait photo

Better:

"Portrait with the intimate, natural light aesthetic you'd see in a Humans of New York feature authentic, emotionally present, no retouching or glamour

This works because Gemini has been trained on these references and understands the specific visual language you're invoking.

Technique 2: Describe the Negative Space

One thing I noticed: prompts that include information about what's not in the frame often produce better composed results.

Minimalist workspace photograph. A single cup of coffee and an open notebook on a clean desk. Most of the frame is empty white desk surface, white wall. The objects are positioned in the lower right, creating tension with the negative space. Contemplative, intentional emptiness.

Technique 3: Emotional Before Technical

I had better results when I led with the emotional impact before the technical details.

Technical first (okay results):

"Portrait, 85mm lens, f/1.8 aperture, golden hour, shallow depth of field...

Emotion first (better results):

"A portrait that makes you feel like you know this person their kindness, their slight weariness, their quiet strength. The technical approach should support this intimacy: close framing, natural warm light, soft focus everywhere but the eyes."

Technique 4: Iteration Through Conversation

Gemini is conversational. Use that. Start broad, then refine through follow up prompts.

First prompt: "Generate an image of a cozy cabin interior"

Follow up: "Good start, but make the lighting warmer more firelight, less daylight. And add a dog sleeping by the fire."

Follow up: "Better. Now pull back the camera angle slightly so we can see more of the room's architecture."

This conversational refinement often gets to a better result than trying to specify everything upfront.

Technique 5: When to Break the Rules

These guidelines work most of the time, but sometimes a simple prompt produces exactly what you need.

If you're going for something straightforward and Gemini's training data covers it well, don't overcomplicate things. "Golden Retriever puppy in autumn leaves" doesn't need a paragraph of modifiers if the standard interpretation is what you want.

The detailed prompting becomes essential when:

• You have a specific vision that differs from the obvious interpretation
• You've tried the simple version and it's not working
• You need professional grade output for commercial use
• The subject is unusual or the combination is novel

Gemini vs Midjourney vs DALL E: Honest Comparison {#comparison}

I use all three regularly. Here's my take on when to use each.

Quick Summary

When I Choose Gemini

• Realistic people and portraits: Fewer artifacts, better understanding of human anatomy
• Text in images: Best of the three at rendering legible text
• Conversational iteration: Easy to refine through follow ups
• Google ecosystem integration: If I'm already working in Google tools

When I Choose Midjourney

• Artistic and stylized images: Still produces the most aesthetically distinctive results
• Fantasy and sci fi: Better at otherworldly, imaginative content
• When I want happy accidents: Midjourney's interpretations often surprise me in good ways
• Fine control: Parameters like stylize and chaos offer precise control

When I Choose DALL E 3

• ChatGPT workflow: Already in a conversation, quick to generate
• Simple requests: Often nails the first attempt for straightforward prompts
• Infographics/diagrams: Good at structured visual information

Same Prompt, Three Platforms

Prompt concept: "Cozy coffee shop on a rainy day"

My Gemini prompt:

Interior of an independent coffee shop on a rainy afternoon. Rain streaking down the large front windows, warm amber lighting inside contrasting with the gray day outside. A few customers with laptops and books. Exposed brick, wooden furniture, hanging plants. The comfort of a place you'd spend three hours in. Lifestyle photography.
My Midjourney prompt:

cozy coffee shop interior, rainy day, warm lighting, rain on windows, plants, exposed brick, lifestyle photography   ar 16:9   style raw
Results: Midjourney gives me moodier, more stylized results. Gemini gives me more realistic, "this could be a real place" results. Both valid depending on what I need.
![Comparison placeholder: Same concept across three platforms] ↑ Same concept, different platforms. Note how each has its own character.

Mistakes I Made So You Don't Have To {#mistakes}

Learning from my early failures:

Mistake 1: Adjective Stacking

What I did:

"A beautiful, stunning, gorgeous, breathtaking, magnificent sunset over the ocean

Why it didn't work: These words don't give Gemini specific visual information. They're subjective quality judgments, not descriptions.

What works better:

"Sunset over calm ocean, the sky transitioning from deep orange at the horizon through pink to purple above, sun just touching the water, silhouetted seabirds, the saturated colors of Velvia film"

Mistake 2: Contradictory Instructions

What I did:

"Minimalist design with lots of intricate details and bold patterns

Why it didn't work: Gemini gets confused when the prompt contradicts itself, usually producing something muddled.

Lesson: Pick a direction and commit.

Mistake 3: Forgetting Scale Reference

What I did:

"Epic fantasy castle

Why it didn't work: Without scale reference, I got everything from a model sized castle to one that filled the entire frame.

What works better:

"Massive fantasy castle built into a mountainside, a small caravan of travelers on the road approaching gives sense of the enormous scale, wide establishing shot"

Mistake 4: Over Specifying Unimportant Details

What I did:

"A woman, exactly 34 years old, with exactly shoulder length auburn hair with exactly three gray strands, wearing a medium blue (Pantone 2728C) blouse...

Why it didn't work: Gemini can't hit precise specifications like exact ages or pantone colors. Over specifying irrelevant details just adds noise.

What works better: Specify what matters for the image's purpose, describe the rest generally.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Aspect Ratio

What I did: Generated images without considering where they'd be used, then struggled to crop them.

What works better: Consider the final use from the start. "...vertical composition suitable for Instagram Stories" or "...wide cinematic aspect ratio"

Frequently Asked Questions {#faq}

Is Gemini image generation free?

Yes, with limits. The free tier at gemini.google.com includes image generation with daily usage caps. Google One AI Premium ($19.99/month) includes higher limits. For API access, pricing is separate.

Why won't Gemini generate my image?

Gemini has content policies that restrict certain generations:

• Real, identifiable people (celebrities, politicians)
• Explicit or violent content
• Copyrighted characters (usually)
• Content that could be misleading or harmful

If your prompt is being refused for something that seems reasonable, try rephrasing sometimes the filter catches false positives.

Can I use Gemini images commercially?

Per Google's current terms, yes you can use Gemini generated images for commercial purposes. However:

• Check the current terms of service (they can change)
• Consider additional licensing for high stakes commercial use
• Be aware that others might generate similar images from similar prompts

How do I get consistent characters?

This is one of AI image generation's ongoing challenges. Strategies that help:

• Extremely detailed character descriptions saved to reuse
• Reference the same description verbatim each time
• Use Gemini's conversation memory within a session
• Accept that perfect consistency isn't yet possible

Why do hands look wrong?

AI models still struggle with hands because hand positions are highly variable in training data, and small errors are very noticeable to humans. This is improving with each model generation Imagen 3 is better than previous versions but it's still not perfect.

Workarounds: Frame shots to exclude hands when possible, or plan for some post generation editing.

Gemini 2.0 vs previous versions what changed?

Gemini 2.0 (launched December 2024) improved speed and multimodal capabilities. The image generation specifically uses Imagen 3, which brought:

• Better photorealism
• Improved text rendering
• More accurate human figures
• Better instruction following

If you tried Gemini image generation earlier in 2024 and were unimpressed, it's worth another look.

Conclusion

Here's what I've learned after all this testing: the gap between a mediocre prompt and an excellent one is substantial, but it's not about magic formulas or secret techniques.

It comes down to:

1. Being specific about what you actually want
2. Providing context so Gemini understands the use case
3. Describing what matters for the image's purpose
4. Iterating rather than expecting perfection on the first try

The 75+ prompts in this guide are starting points. Take them, modify them for your needs, see what works. AI image generation is still evolving quickly what doesn't work today might work next month.

If you found this useful, I update this guide when Gemini's capabilities change significantly. Bookmark it for reference.

What prompts are working well for you? I'm always curious what approaches others are discovering. Drop a comment or reach out I may incorporate reader contributed prompts in future updates.