AI Photo Editing Without Changing Your Face

The single biggest complaint about AI photo edits is "it doesn't look like me". Here's how to fix it.

Updated

Choose the right source photo

Sharp focus, even light, face turned towards the camera, no sunglasses, and the face filling at least a quarter of the frame. Screenshots and heavily filtered photos lose the detail the model needs.

Lock identity at the start of the prompt

Open with "Keep the person's face, facial features, skin tone and expression exactly the same as the uploaded photo." Then describe the changes.

Change one thing at a time

Asking for a new outfit, background and art style at once gives the model licence to reinvent you. Do big changes in steps.

FAQ

Which is better at keeping faces — Gemini or ChatGPT?

In our testing Gemini's Nano Banana Pro preserves identity more reliably for realistic edits; ChatGPT does well with illustration and collage styles.

Try these prompts

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Childhood to Present Birthday Photo – in a photo studio, AI image made with ChatGPT
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Luxury Editorial Korean Woman Collage – woman in a dress in an open field, AI image made with Nano Banana Pro
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Ultra-Realistic Mirror Selfie of a Fashion Store Owner – woman in a photo studio, AI image made with Nano Banana 2
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Lakeside Lifestyle Portrait in Tortoiseshell Sunglasses – man in sunglasses in an open field, AI image made with Nano Banana
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Catgirl in Cozy Bedroom Ambiance – woman in a sweater in a bedroom, AI image made with Nano Banana Pro
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Platinum Blonde Selfie in Moody Low-Light – woman, AI image made with Nano Banana Pro
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Luxury Wellness Editorial Portrait – woman in a photo studio, AI image made with Nano Banana Pro
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Split-Screen Aging Portrait – in a photo studio, AI image made with Nano Banana Pro
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