Photorealistic Editorial Portrait with Reference Lock AI Image Prompt

A highly structured prompt for generating a photorealistic editorial portrait (head and shoulders) that strictly locks the face identity, pose, and lighting style to an uploaded reference image, while allowing customization of the outfit to smart casual attire in neutral tones.

Prompt

{
  "reference_usage": {
    "use_reference_for": [
      "face_identity",
      "facial_structure",
      "pose",
      "framing",
      "camera_angle",
      "lighting_style",
      "overall_composition"
    ],
    "do_not_copy": [
      "exact_outfit",
      "formal_corporate_styling",
      "celebrity_association"
    ]
  },
  "scene": {
    "type": "studio",
    "background": "soft_muted_gradient_with_subtle_texture",
    "lighting": "natural_soft_studio_lighting_with_gentle_falloff"
  },
  "subject": {
    "identity": "same_person_as_reference",
    "age_range": "late_20s_to_mid_30s",
    "pose": "relaxed_upright_head_and_shoulders_pose",
    "expression": "calm_confident_approachable_smile",
    "gaze": "direct_eye_contact_with_camera",
    "hair": {
      "style": "short_naturally_styled",
      "color": "dark_brown_or_black"
    },
    "facial_features": "match_reference_face_with_natural_variation"
  },
  "outfit": {
    "type": "smart_casual",
    "top": "solid_color_crewneck_or_lightweight_knit",
    "layer": "casual_blazer_or_unstructured_jacket",
    "colors": "earthy_or_neutral_tones_beige_olive_charcoal",
    "styling": "effortless_and_modern_not_formal"
  },
  "camera": {
    "framing": "tight_head_and_upper_torso",
    "angle": "straight_on_or_slightly_above_eye_level",
    "lens": "85mm_portrait",
    "aperture": "f2.8",
    "depth_of_field": "shallow",
    "focus": "sharp_on_eyes_and_face"
  },
  "style": {
    "look": "photorealistic_editorial_casual_portrait",
    "skin_texture": "natural_detailed_realistic",
    "contrast": "soft_clean_with_warm_tones",
    "detail_level": "high"
  },
  "negative_prompt": [
    "formal_suit_and_tie",
    "corporate_headshot_style",
    "celebrity",
    "lookalike",
    "different_face_from_reference",
    "cartoon",
    "illustration",
    "overprocessed_skin",
    "blur",
    "low_resolution"
  ]
}

How to use this prompt

Copy the prompt above and paste it into an AI image generator such as Google Gemini (Nano Banana) or a similar tool. Replace any bracketed placeholders with your own details, then generate and refine the result.

This prompt is designed to work with a reference photo. Upload your own photo (only one you have the right to use) together with the prompt.

Prompt collection credit: YouMind Awesome Nano Banana Pro Prompts (CC BY 4.0). Credit to the original prompt creators. To request removal of a prompt or image, please contact us.