The Viral Photo Wave of Google Gemini
In recent months, the photo-editing world has been electrified by a viral trend spreading across social media: using Google Gemini’s image-generation capabilities to transform ordinary selfies and portraits into vivid, stylised visuals. From 3D figurines to retro saree looks to festival-ready outfits, this phenomenon shows how AI tools are reshaping how we present ourselves online.
What’s going on?
The trend centres around Gemini’s image-generation model (nicknamed Nano Banana in many articles) that lets users upload a photo and then apply text prompts to get dramatic, high-quality edits.
Some of the most popular styles include:
- Creating mini-toy-style 3D figurines of oneself or pets, complete with transparent display stands and packaging-style boxes.
- Retro Bollywood-inspired saree portraits, film-grain effects, ‘90s vibe edits.
- Festival-themed transformations—e.g., Navratri/garba/dandiya looks in traditional attire.
Why has it taken off?
There are a few reasons this trend has soared:
- Ease of access: You don’t need complex software or editing skills—just a photo and a descriptive prompt.
- Visual appeal: The results are share-worthy, eye-catching images, which fuel social-media spread.
- Cultural resonance: In markets like India, combining digital tools with traditional aesthetics (festive dress, cultural styles) gives the trend local meaning.
- Prompt-driven creativity: Users love crafting and sharing prompts (“turn this selfie into…”). For example, some guides list detailed prompts for Navratri looks.
Creative directions & how to try
If you’re curious to try it, here’s a simplified guide:
- Upload your selfie or portrait into the Gemini tool.
- Write a prompt with details: outfit, background, mood, lighting.
- Select the style you want (3D figure, retro look, festival look).
- Generate and refine. Many users tweak prompt details to get the best result.
For instance: “Turn this selfie into a Navratri dandiya night portrait… wearing vibrant red and yellow ghagra choli with mirror-work…” is one example of a prompt given.
Things to watch / caution
- Because these tools alter images and generate synthetic visuals, there are concerns around privacy, consent, and representation. Some edits may produce unexpected results or “hallucinations”.
- Prompt craft matters: vague prompts may give less satisfying results.
- The novelty may fade: as more users adopt it, it becomes less unique.
- Cultural-context sensitivity: when editing images of people or culturally significant motifs, responsible usage is important.
●Prompts●
“Half fire, half ice portrait of a man, ultra-realistic cinematic lighting, close-up of face with intense eyes, left side covered in burning orange flames, right side covered in cold blue ice and water droplets, dramatic contrast between heat and cold, detailed skin texture, black background, moody lighting, high detail, 8K resolution, fantasy concept art, epic dual-element warrior look.”Keep my face 100% the same as in the reference image.
A cinematic portrait of a stylish man wearing a dark suit and patterned tie, standing in front of vibrant neon lights. The scene has a futuristic cyberpunk aesthetic with glowing blue and orange lighting reflecting on his sunglasses. The background shows blurred neon signs, giving a nightlife city vibe. The man has neatly styled hair and a confident serious expression, captured in dramatic low-key lighting. The photo is edited in a teal and orange color tone, giving it a movie poster look with soft depth of field and cinematic shadows. Text at the bottom in glowing neon red font reads “MALIK SHAHAB” like a film title.Keep my face 100% the same as in the reference image.
“A mysterious man wearing a wide-brimmed white hat and round red-tinted glasses, looking intensely at the camera under futuristic teal-blue lighting. The background glows with circular bokeh lights, creating a cinematic sci-fi atmosphere. The man has a well-groomed beard and mustache, wearing a high-collar modern outfit. The mood is dramatic, stylish, and ultra-realistic with detailed shadows and reflections — shot in portrait orientation, hyperrealistic 8K, cinematic lighting, soft depth of field.”Keep my face 100% the same as in the reference image.
“A stylish man posing in a dramatic black-and-white portrait. He is wearing a dark suit and sunglasses, holding one finger up to his lips in a ‘shh’ gesture. The lighting is high-contrast, creating sharp shadows and a cinematic mood. The man has well-groomed hair and a trimmed beard. The background is plain gray, focusing attention on his confident and mysterious expression. The composition is close-up, capturing only the upper half of his face and shoulders, with fine detail and a modern magazine-style look.”Keep my face 100% the same as in the reference image.
Generate Image
Why this matters
This trend is more than just a viral gimmick—it reflects how AI tools are making professional-looking visuals accessible to everyday users, enabling creative expression without deep technical skill. It also shows how digital culture blends with tradition: what was once a filter or photo-edit now becomes an imaginative reinterpretation of self, style, and culture.
In short: if you’re scrolling through Instagram or WhatsApp and seeing striking visuals of people in 3D figurine form, or in cinematic retro saree portraits, chances are you’re seeing the Gemini photo trend in action.
