Google Gemini (Nano Banana 2 / Nano Banana Pro) prompt guide

How to prompt Google Gemini (Nano Banana 2 / Nano Banana Pro)

1. Describe the scene as a narrative paragraph rather than a list of disconnected keywords.
2. Open with an action verb and the image type ('Create a photorealistic close-up of…'), then subject, setting and atmosphere.
3. Be hyper-specific about subject details, materials, textures, weather and mood.
4. State the purpose and audience ('a logo for a high-end minimalist skincare brand') so the model infers the right style.
5. Use photography language for control: shot type, camera angle, lens and aperture, lighting such as golden-hour backlight.
6. Put exact text in quotes and describe the font, weight, colour and position; use Nano Banana Pro for dense or multi-block text.
7. State the canvas in words ('9:16 vertical poster', 'cinematic 21:9 wide shot').
8. Phrase exclusions positively ('an empty, deserted street') instead of 'no cars'.
9. When supplying reference images, give each one a role (pose from image 1, style from image 2, background from image 3).
10. For edits, say exactly what to change and what must stay the same; then refine conversationally one change at a time.

The shape of a good prompt

Create a [image type/style] of [subject with specific details] [action], in [setting/location]. [Lighting and atmosphere]. [Camera: shot type, angle, lens]. [Colour palette/mood]. The text "[exact words]" appears [position] in [font style, colour]. [Aspect ratio in words, e.g. 16:9 widescreen]. [Purpose/context].

Avoid

• Comma-separated keyword lists with no relationships between items
• Negative phrasing ('no people', 'without text')
• Vague single-line prompts with no purpose or context
• Ambiguous pronouns when editing or using multiple references ('make it bigger')
• Midjourney-style --parameters (not supported)

Example

Request a cozy coffee shop poster for autumn

Create a vertical 2:3 poster in a vintage screen-printed illustration style for a neighbourhood coffee shop's autumn menu. A steaming ceramic mug of spiced latte sits on a wooden window ledge in the foreground; behind it, a rainy street at dusk with maple leaves scattered on the wet pavement and warm amber light glowing from the café's tall windows. Soft, cozy atmosphere with a burnt orange, mustard and deep teal palette and visible paper grain. The headline "AUTUMN BREWS" runs across the top in bold cream serif capitals, and the line "Pumpkin spice • Maple latte • Chai" sits along the bottom in a clean sans-serif. The street is quiet and empty.