gemini prompts for food photography (1)

21 Gemini Prompts for Food Photos

ByMohammed Rashid Posted on

Food photography can feel intimidating if you’re starting out. Gemini can help you create stunning descriptions that turn into jaw-dropping images. I’ve tested 21 prompts that work really well, and I’m sharing them all with you.

Here’s how it works: head over to gemini.google.com, start a new chat, and paste any of these prompts. Gemini will generate images that look like they belong in a professional food magazine.

1. Gourmet Cheeseburger

Create a commercial food photograph of a gourmet cheeseburger. The burger features a thick, flame-grilled Angus beef patty with visible grill marks, melting cheddar cheese dripping down the side, crispy bacon, fresh green lettuce, and ripe tomato slices, all inside a glossy, toasted brioche bun sprinkled with sesame seeds. It’s placed on a rustic wooden board next to a small metal basket of golden, crispy french fries. The lighting is dramatic side-lighting, creating deep, appealing shadows and highlighting the textures. The background is a dimly lit, cozy restaurant with a soft bokeh effect. Photorealistic, ultra-detailed, sharp focus, 8K.

Create a commercial food photograph of a gourmet cheeseburger. The burger features a thick, flame-grilled Angus beef patty with visible grill marks, melting cheddar cheese dripping down the side, crispy bacon, fresh green lettuce, and ripe tomato slices, all inside a glossy, toasted brioche bun sprinkled with sesame seeds. It's placed on a rustic wooden board next to a small metal basket of golden, crispy french fries. The lighting is dramatic side-lighting, creating deep, appealing shadows and highlighting the textures. The background is a dimly lit, cozy restaurant with a soft bokeh effect. Photorealistic, ultra-detailed, sharp focus, 8K.

2. Southern-Style Fried Chicken

Create a vibrant and dynamic photo of Southern-style fried chicken. A pile of golden-brown, extra-crispy chicken pieces is overflowing from a classic red-and-white striped bucket. One piece is broken open, revealing juicy, tender meat with steam gently rising. The setting is a sunny outdoor picnic on a red checkered blanket, with a blurred background of green grass. The lighting is bright, natural afternoon sunlight (golden hour) that makes the chicken’s crispy skin glow. Low-angle shot making the chicken look heroic and delicious, shallow depth of field, ultra-detailed texture.

Create a vibrant and dynamic photo of Southern-style fried chicken. A pile of golden-brown, extra-crispy chicken pieces is overflowing from a classic red-and-white striped bucket. One piece is broken open, revealing juicy, tender meat with steam gently rising. The setting is a sunny outdoor picnic on a red checkered blanket, with a blurred background of green grass. The lighting is bright, natural afternoon sunlight (golden hour) that makes the chicken's crispy skin glow. Low-angle shot making the chicken look heroic and delicious, shallow depth of field, ultra-detailed texture.

3. Ice Cream Sundae

Create a macro shot of a decadent ice cream sundae in a classic tall glass. Two scoops of creamy vanilla bean ice cream are topped with a thick, glossy, dark chocolate fudge sauce that is dripping down the sides of the glass. The sundae is finished with a swirl of whipped cream, colorful sprinkles, and a single bright red maraschino cherry on top. The lighting is bright and clean studio lighting, emphasizing the cold condensation on the glass and the rich textures. The background is a solid, cheerful pastel blue. Sharp focus on the dripping sauce, photorealistic, commercial quality.

Create a macro shot of a decadent ice cream sundae in a classic tall glass. Two scoops of creamy vanilla bean ice cream are topped with a thick, glossy, dark chocolate fudge sauce that is dripping down the sides of the glass. The sundae is finished with a swirl of whipped cream, colorful sprinkles, and a single bright red maraschino cherry on top. The lighting is bright and clean studio lighting, emphasizing the cold condensation on the glass and the rich textures. The background is a solid, cheerful pastel blue. Sharp focus on the dripping sauce, photorealistic, commercial quality.

4. Glass of Cola

Create a refreshing and energetic photograph of a glass of cola. The tall, chilled glass is filled with sparkling dark soda and large, clear ice cubes. Tiny bubbles (effervescence) are visibly rising to the surface. A slice of fresh lime is perched on the rim of the glass, and droplets of condensation are running down the side. The lighting is bright backlighting, making the bubbles and ice glow and creating a refreshing halo effect. The background is a clean, minimalist white, making the drink pop. High-speed photography style to freeze the motion of the bubbles.

Create a refreshing and energetic photograph of a glass of cola. The tall, chilled glass is filled with sparkling dark soda and large, clear ice cubes. Tiny bubbles (effervescence) are visibly rising to the surface. A slice of fresh lime is perched on the rim of the glass, and droplets of condensation are running down the side. The lighting is bright backlighting, making the bubbles and ice glow and creating a refreshing halo effect. The background is a clean, minimalist white, making the drink pop. High-speed photography style to freeze the motion of the bubbles.

5. Authentic Chicken Biryani

Create a rich and aromatic photo of authentic Chicken Biriyani. The biriyani is served in a traditional clay handi (pot), with the lid slightly ajar, allowing fragrant steam to escape. The long-grain basmati rice is fluffy and colorful, with shades of white, yellow from saffron, and garnished with crispy fried onions, fresh mint leaves, and cashews. A tender piece of chicken is partially visible amongst the rice. The setting is a dark, rustic wooden table. The lighting is soft and moody, coming from one side, highlighting the steam and the texture of the rice. 45-degree angle, cinematic, deep colors, extremely detailed.

Create a rich and aromatic photo of authentic Chicken Biriyani. The biriyani is served in a traditional clay handi (pot), with the lid slightly ajar, allowing fragrant steam to escape. The long-grain basmati rice is fluffy and colorful, with shades of white, yellow from saffron, and garnished with crispy fried onions, fresh mint leaves, and cashews. A tender piece of chicken is partially visible amongst the rice. The setting is a dark, rustic wooden table. The lighting is soft and moody, coming from one side, highlighting the steam and the texture of the rice. 45-degree angle, cinematic, deep colors, extremely detailed.

6. Buttermilk Pancakes

Create a cozy, morning-themed photograph of a tall stack of fluffy buttermilk pancakes. The stack of three pancakes sits on a minimalist ceramic plate. A perfect square of butter is melting on top, running down the sides and mixing with a generous drizzle of golden maple syrup that is dripping off the edges. A few fresh blueberries are scattered around the plate. The setting is a bright kitchen table next to a window, with soft morning light streaming in. The background shows a soft-focus view of a coffee mug. Eye-level shot, shallow depth of field, warm and inviting mood, photorealistic.

Create a cozy, morning-themed photograph of a tall stack of fluffy buttermilk pancakes. The stack of three pancakes sits on a minimalist ceramic plate. A perfect square of butter is melting on top, running down the sides and mixing with a generous drizzle of golden maple syrup that is dripping off the edges. A few fresh blueberries are scattered around the plate. The setting is a bright kitchen table next to a window, with soft morning light streaming in. The background shows a soft-focus view of a coffee mug. Eye-level shot, shallow depth of field, warm and inviting mood, photorealistic.

7. Chocolate Fudge Cake

Create a photorealistic image of a slice of decadent chocolate fudge cake on a white porcelain plate. The cake has multiple layers of moist, dark chocolate sponge and rich, glossy ganache frosting. A fork has just taken the first bite, revealing the soft, crumbly texture inside. A dusting of cocoa powder is on the plate for decoration. The lighting is soft and natural, coming from a side window, highlighting the glossy texture of the ganache. The background is a clean, light-colored marble surface. Close-up shot, focused on the texture of the cut slice, shallow depth of field, 8K resolution.

Create a photorealistic image of a slice of decadent chocolate fudge cake on a white porcelain plate. The cake has multiple layers of moist, dark chocolate sponge and rich, glossy ganache frosting. A fork has just taken the first bite, revealing the soft, crumbly texture inside. A dusting of cocoa powder is on the plate for decoration. The lighting is soft and natural, coming from a side window, highlighting the glossy texture of the ganache. The background is a clean, light-colored marble surface. Close-up shot, focused on the texture of the cut slice, shallow depth of field, 8K resolution.

8. Sushi and Sashimi

Create a minimalist, elegant photograph of a selection of sushi and sashimi. The arrangement includes glistening pieces of fatty tuna (toro), vibrant orange salmon nigiri, and a delicate maki roll, all placed with precision on a dark, rectangular slate platter. A small, artfully placed dollop of bright green wasabi and thinly sliced pickled ginger are nearby. The lighting is clean and directional studio light, creating soft shadows and highlighting the fresh, moist texture of the fish. Top-down flat lay perspective, Japanese aesthetic, ultra-sharp focus.

Create a minimalist, elegant photograph of a selection of sushi and sashimi. The arrangement includes glistening pieces of fatty tuna (toro), vibrant orange salmon nigiri, and a delicate maki roll, all placed with precision on a dark, rectangular slate platter. A small, artfully placed dollop of bright green wasabi and thinly sliced pickled ginger are nearby. The lighting is clean and directional studio light, creating soft shadows and highlighting the fresh, moist texture of the fish. Top-down flat lay perspective, Japanese aesthetic, ultra-sharp focus.

9. Ribeye Steak

Create a dramatic, “chophouse” style photograph of a perfectly cooked thick-cut ribeye steak. The steak has a deep brown, seared crust with perfect cross-hatch grill marks, and has been sliced to reveal a juicy, medium-rare pink interior. A pat of herb butter is melting over the top, and a sprig of charred rosemary rests against it. The steak is on a dark, rustic wooden cutting board, with coarse sea salt sprinkled around. The lighting is dark and moody, with a single warm light source from the side, making the juices glisten. Low-angle shot, cinematic, hyperrealistic texture.

Create a dramatic, "chophouse" style photograph of a perfectly cooked thick-cut ribeye steak. The steak has a deep brown, seared crust with perfect cross-hatch grill marks, and has been sliced to reveal a juicy, medium-rare pink interior. A pat of herb butter is melting over the top, and a sprig of charred rosemary rests against it. The steak is on a dark, rustic wooden cutting board, with coarse sea salt sprinkled around. The lighting is dark and moody, with a single warm light source from the side, making the juices glisten. Low-angle shot, cinematic, hyperrealistic texture.

10. Gourmet Doughnuts

Create a cheerful and whimsical photo of an assortment of gourmet doughnuts. The doughnuts are arranged on a clean, light marble surface and include a classic pink strawberry frosted with rainbow sprinkles, a rich chocolate glazed, and a powdered doughnut with a bite taken out to reveal a jam filling. The lighting is bright, soft, and even, like a professionally lit studio, eliminating harsh shadows. Top-down, flat-lay composition, vibrant colors, pop-art feel, extremely detailed.

Create a cheerful and whimsical photo of an assortment of gourmet doughnuts. The doughnuts are arranged on a clean, light marble surface and include a classic pink strawberry frosted with rainbow sprinkles, a rich chocolate glazed, and a powdered doughnut with a bite taken out to reveal a jam filling. The lighting is bright, soft, and even, like a professionally lit studio, eliminating harsh shadows. Top-down, flat-lay composition, vibrant colors, pop-art feel, extremely detailed.

11. Latte with Latte Art

Create a cozy and inviting photograph of a warm cup of coffee with detailed latte art. The coffee is in a wide, ceramic mug on a wooden saucer. The latte art is a perfectly executed rosetta pattern, with sharp contrast between the creamy white microfoam and the dark espresso. A gentle wisp of steam is rising from the cup. The setting is a cozy café, with soft morning light streaming in from a window in the background, creating a warm glow. Shot from a 45-degree angle above the cup, shallow depth of field, warm and comforting mood.

Create a cozy and inviting photograph of a warm cup of coffee with detailed latte art. The coffee is in a wide, ceramic mug on a wooden saucer. The latte art is a perfectly executed rosetta pattern, with sharp contrast between the creamy white microfoam and the dark espresso. A gentle wisp of steam is rising from the cup. The setting is a cozy café, with soft morning light streaming in from a window in the background, creating a warm glow. Shot from a 45-degree angle above the cup, shallow depth of field, warm and comforting mood.

12. Authentic Street Tacos

Create a dynamic, action-packed photograph of authentic street tacos. Three small corn tortillas are filled with charred carne asada, finely chopped white onion, and fresh cilantro. They are served on a piece of wax paper on a rustic wooden board. One hand is in the frame, squeezing a lime wedge over the tacos, with droplets of juice captured in mid-air. The lighting is bright and harsh, like the direct sun of a summer afternoon, creating strong, defined shadows. Close-up shot, high-speed photography style, vibrant and energetic.

Create a dynamic, action-packed photograph of authentic street tacos. Three small corn tortillas are filled with charred carne asada, finely chopped white onion, and fresh cilantro. They are served on a piece of wax paper on a rustic wooden board. One hand is in the frame, squeezing a lime wedge over the tacos, with droplets of juice captured in mid-air. The lighting is bright and harsh, like the direct sun of a summer afternoon, creating strong, defined shadows. Close-up shot, high-speed photography style, vibrant and energetic.

13. New York Cheesecake

Create a photograph of a decadent slice of New York cheesecake on a small dessert plate. The cheesecake has a thick, creamy texture with a golden-brown graham cracker crust. A shiny, sweet strawberry coulis is generously drizzled over the top and drips down the side onto the plate, where a few fresh, sliced strawberries are placed as garnish. The background is a dark, elegant restaurant setting with soft bokeh lights. The lighting is a soft spotlight on the cake, emphasizing its creamy texture and the glossy sauce. Close-up, shallow depth of field, indulgent and luxurious feel.

Create a photograph of a decadent slice of New York cheesecake on a small dessert plate. The cheesecake has a thick, creamy texture with a golden-brown graham cracker crust. A shiny, sweet strawberry coulis is generously drizzled over the top and drips down the side onto the plate, where a few fresh, sliced strawberries are placed as garnish. The background is a dark, elegant restaurant setting with soft bokeh lights. The lighting is a soft spotlight on the cake, emphasizing its creamy texture and the glossy sauce. Close-up, shallow depth of field, indulgent and luxurious feel.

14. Baked Mac and Cheese

Create a decadent action shot of baked macaroni and cheese. It’s served in a sizzling, small black cast-iron skillet, fresh from the oven. The top has a golden-brown, bubbly crust of baked cheese and breadcrumbs. A serving spoon is pulling out a scoop, creating an impossibly long and stringy “cheese pull.” The lighting is warm and low, emphasizing the gooey, molten texture of the cheese. Close-up focus on the cheese pull, ultimate comfort food aesthetic, hyper-detailed.

Create a decadent action shot of baked macaroni and cheese. It's served in a sizzling, small black cast-iron skillet, fresh from the oven. The top has a golden-brown, bubbly crust of baked cheese and breadcrumbs. A serving spoon is pulling out a scoop, creating an impossibly long and stringy "cheese pull." The lighting is warm and low, emphasizing the gooey, molten texture of the cheese. Close-up focus on the cheese pull, ultimate comfort food aesthetic, hyper-detailed.

15. Crispy French Fries

Create a dynamic action photograph of golden, crispy french fries. The fries, perfectly cooked with a fluffy interior, are piled high in a rustic metal basket lined with checkered paper. A hand is seen sprinkling flaky sea salt from above, with individual salt crystals captured in mid-air by a high-speed camera shutter. The lighting is dramatic side-lighting, carving out the texture of each fry. The background is a dark, moody pub setting, out of focus. Close-up shot, hyper-detailed, motion blur on the salt.

Create a dynamic action photograph of golden, crispy french fries. The fries, perfectly cooked with a fluffy interior, are piled high in a rustic metal basket lined with checkered paper. A hand is seen sprinkling flaky sea salt from above, with individual salt crystals captured in mid-air by a high-speed camera shutter. The lighting is dramatic side-lighting, carving out the texture of each fry. The background is a dark, moody pub setting, out of focus. Close-up shot, hyper-detailed, motion blur on the salt.

16. Italian Lasagna

Create a warm and comforting photograph of a classic Italian lasagna, fresh from the oven. A perfect, square slice is being lifted from a rustic ceramic baking dish with a metal spatula, revealing the distinct layers of pasta, rich bolognese sauce, creamy béchamel, and stringy, melted mozzarella cheese creating an epic “cheese pull.” Steam is gently rising from the empty space. The lighting is warm and inviting, like a cozy family kitchen in the evening. Shot at a 45-degree angle to perfectly showcase the layers and cheese pull, photorealistic, 8K.

Create a warm and comforting photograph of a classic Italian lasagna, fresh from the oven. A perfect, square slice is being lifted from a rustic ceramic baking dish with a metal spatula, revealing the distinct layers of pasta, rich bolognese sauce, creamy béchamel, and stringy, melted mozzarella cheese creating an epic "cheese pull." Steam is gently rising from the empty space. The lighting is warm and inviting, like a cozy family kitchen in the evening. Shot at a 45-degree angle to perfectly showcase the layers and cheese pull, photorealistic, 8K.

17. Chicken Tikka Masala

Create a rich and aromatic photo of a bowl of Indian Chicken Tikka Masala. The curry has a vibrant orange, creamy gravy, with tender chunks of chicken visible. It’s garnished with a swirl of fresh cream and a sprinkle of finely chopped cilantro. The bowl is a traditional hammered copper karahi, placed next to a serving of fluffy basmati rice and a warm, slightly blistered piece of garlic naan bread. The lighting is moody and directional, highlighting the glossy texture of the sauce against a dark, rustic background. Top-down perspective, extremely detailed.

Create a rich and aromatic photo of a bowl of Indian Chicken Tikka Masala. The curry has a vibrant orange, creamy gravy, with tender chunks of chicken visible. It's garnished with a swirl of fresh cream and a sprinkle of finely chopped cilantro. The bowl is a traditional hammered copper karahi, placed next to a serving of fluffy basmati rice and a warm, slightly blistered piece of garlic naan bread. The lighting is moody and directional, highlighting the glossy texture of the sauce against a dark, rustic background. Top-down perspective, extremely detailed.

18. Butternut Squash Soup

Create an elegant, autumnal photograph of a velvety butternut squash soup. The soup is a brilliant, deep orange, served in a wide, minimalist white ceramic bowl. It is artfully garnished with a delicate swirl of coconut cream, a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), and a single sage leaf. The background is a clean, light-colored surface with a rustic linen napkin nearby. The lighting is soft and diffused, coming from the side to create gentle shadows and highlight the toppings. Top-down flat lay, and clean aesthetic.

Create an elegant, autumnal photograph of a velvety butternut squash soup. The soup is a brilliant, deep orange, served in a wide, minimalist white ceramic bowl. It is artfully garnished with a delicate swirl of coconut cream, a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), and a single sage leaf. The background is a clean, light-colored surface with a rustic linen napkin nearby. The lighting is soft and diffused, coming from the side to create gentle shadows and highlight the toppings. Top-down flat lay, and clean aesthetic.

19. Caesar Salad

Create a vibrant and refreshing photograph of a classic Caesar salad in a large wooden bowl. The salad is made with crisp, whole romaine lettuce leaves, which are lightly coated in a creamy dressing. It’s tossed with large, crunchy garlic croutons and generous shavings of aged Parmesan cheese. A vintage-style wooden salad server is resting in the bowl. The background is a bright, sun-drenched patio table. The lighting is bright, natural sunlight that makes the lettuce leaves glisten. 45-degree angle, sharp focus, embodies freshness.

Create a vibrant and refreshing photograph of a classic Caesar salad in a large wooden bowl. The salad is made with crisp, whole romaine lettuce leaves, which are lightly coated in a creamy dressing. It's tossed with large, crunchy garlic croutons and generous shavings of aged Parmesan cheese. A vintage-style wooden salad server is resting in the bowl. The background is a bright, sun-drenched patio table. The lighting is bright, natural sunlight that makes the lettuce leaves glisten. 45-degree angle, sharp focus, embodies freshness.

20. Popcorn Movie Night

Create a cinematic and playful photograph themed around a movie night. A classic red-and-white striped popcorn box is overflowing with fluffy popcorn. Several pieces are captured mid-air, as if exploding from the box. The background is dark, with only the soft, colorful bokeh glow of a screen, suggesting a movie playing in the dark. The main light source is the glow from the screen, creating a dramatic, fun mood. Low-angle shot, dynamic motion.

Create a cinematic and playful photograph themed around a movie night. A classic red-and-white striped popcorn box is overflowing with fluffy popcorn. Several pieces are captured mid-air, as if exploding from the box. The background is dark, with only the soft, colorful bokeh glow of a screen, suggesting a movie playing in the dark. The main light source is the glow from the screen, creating a dramatic, fun mood. Low-angle shot, dynamic motion.

21. Chocolate Chip Cookie

Create a macro shot of a freshly-baked chocolate chip cookie being broken in half. The cookie has a golden-brown, crinkled edge and a soft, chewy center. The two halves are being pulled apart, creating a long, gooey “chocolate pull” from the large, molten chocolate chunks inside. A few flakes of sea salt are visible on the surface. The background is a simple, dark surface, putting all the focus on the cookie’s texture. The lighting is warm and soft, backlighting the cookie to make the melted chocolate and steam glow. Ultra-detailed, indulgent, 8K resolution.

Create a macro shot of a freshly-baked chocolate chip cookie being broken in half. The cookie has a golden-brown, crinkled edge and a soft, chewy center. The two halves are being pulled apart, creating a long, gooey "chocolate pull" from the large, molten chocolate chunks inside. A few flakes of sea salt are visible on the surface. The background is a simple, dark surface, putting all the focus on the cookie's texture. The lighting is warm and soft, backlighting the cookie to make the melted chocolate and steam glow. Ultra-detailed, indulgent, 8K resolution.

These 21 prompts cover everything from classic comfort food to international cuisine. Each one is designed to pull out the best details and create images that really make you hungry.

Want to try something different? Go ahead and tweak these prompts with your own ideas. Change the background, adjust the lighting style, or add your own twist. The prompts are a starting point, not a rulebook.

Head to Gemini, pick one, and see what happens. The results might surprise you.

I'm Rashid, an avid AI and tech enthusiast with a newfound passion for AI artistry. Through Imagine with Rashid, I explore the burgeoning world of digital creativity, sharing my adventures and insights at the intersection of technology and art.

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