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Humpback whale mother and calf in crystal clear water - underwater wildlife photography
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Humpback whale mother and calf in crystal clear blue water off Tonga, sunbeams streaming down from surface creating god rays, the massive mother gently touching her calf with a pectoral fin in tender moment, bubble streams rising from both whales, underwater wildlife photography, extreme scale contrast between whales and tiny fish scattered in background, Nikon Z9 underwater housing quality, intimate marine mammal moment
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Wildlife Photography Masterclass

Ocean & Marine Life

with Google's Nano Banana Pro

Master the art of generating stunning underwater and marine wildlife imagery—from the giants of the deep to the intricate life of coral reefs. Learn underwater lighting techniques, water clarity cues, and the documentary style that brings ocean life to vivid reality.

InteractiveNano Banana ProWildlife Photography

The Blue Planet's Hidden World

Underwater photography represents some of the most challenging and rewarding imagery in wildlife documentation. The ocean transforms everything—light bends and filters, colors shift with depth, and encounters with marine life feel like meetings with alien intelligence. Generating compelling marine imagery requires understanding not just the creatures, but the physics of light underwater and the unique visual language of the deep.

Nano Banana Pro excels at marine photography for several key reasons: its understanding of how light behaves underwater, its rendering of the blue gradient that defines ocean imagery, and its ability to capture the textures of marine life—from whale skin to coral polyps. The model responds particularly well to specific dive locations (Galápagos, Raja Ampat, Great Barrier Reef) and underwater camera terminology.

Foundation

Giants of the Deep

The ocean's largest inhabitants demand wide compositions that capture both their majesty and the scale of their underwater world.

Blue whale at surface - largest animal on Earth
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Blue whale at the surface taking a breath, the largest animal to ever exist, mottled blue-grey skin glistening wet, tiny dorsal fin visible, massive tail flukes just below surface creating wake patterns, research vessel in far distance for scale showing the whale is longer than the boat, Sea of Cortez Mexico, afternoon light, shot on drone at 50mm, BBC Blue Planet documentary establishing shot
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Humpback Whale
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Humpback whale breaching out of deep blue ocean, massive body suspended in mid-air with spray frozen in time like diamonds, pectoral fins spread wide, barnacles visible on chin, Tonga South Pacific, dramatic backlit spray catching afternoon sunlight, tiny birds scattered by the impact, shot on Canon 400mm at f/5.6 1/4000s, National Geographic documentary quality
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Humpback Whale

Breaching power, spray frozen

Blue Whale
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Blue whale surfacing to breathe in crystalline ocean, the largest animal ever to exist, mottled blue-grey skin visible through clear water, distinctive small dorsal fin, powerful tail flukes just visible beneath surface, tiny research boat in background for scale comparison, Sea of Cortez Mexico, shot on 70mm from zodiac at f/8, BBC Blue Planet documentary style
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Blue Whale

Largest ever, sense of scale

Orca
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Orca pod spy-hopping in Norwegian fjord, dramatic black and white markings sharp against dark blue water, lead female rising vertically to survey surroundings, ice-capped mountains reflected in still water, other pod members visible as shadows below, winter light creating silver highlights on wet skin, shot on 200mm at f/4, wildlife documentary
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Orca

Dramatic contrast, apex power

Sperm Whale
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Sperm whale beginning deep dive, massive square head tilting down, iconic flukes raised high against blue sky dripping water, distinctive wrinkled skin texture, blow hole vapor visible, Azores Portugal, deep blue Atlantic water, other whales in pod resting at surface in distance, shot on 300mm at f/5.6, Nikon underwater housing quality
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Sperm Whale

Deep diver, flukes raised

Each marine giant requires different approaches. Humpbacks are theatrical—capture breaching, spy-hopping, or the tender moments between mother and calf. Blue whales need scale references (boats, divers) to convey their impossible size. Orcas benefit from their dramatic black-and-white contrast. Sperm whales are most iconic during their signature fluke-up dives into the deep.

Key insight: Always specify water clarity (crystal clear, deep blue) and include the geographic location (Tonga, Azores, Sea of Cortez). Reference the 21:9 or 16:9 aspect ratio for whales—they need horizontal space to convey their length.

Dive into marine imagery today

No complex setup. No API keys. Just drop an img tag into your HTML and start generating stunning underwater wildlife with Nano Banana Pro and 40+ leading models.

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Predators

Sharks - Apex Hunters

The ocean's apex predators demand respect in every frame. Capture the power, the ancient intelligence, and the primal presence.

Great White
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Great white shark rising toward surface from below, mouth open revealing rows of serrated teeth, powerful torpedo body in hunting posture, sunlight streaming down creating god rays around the predator, tiny pilot fish swimming alongside, Guadalupe Island Mexico, crystal clear blue water, shot from underwater cage on 15mm fisheye at f/8, dramatic low angle
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Great White

Jaws perspective, primal power

Hammerhead
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
School of scalloped hammerhead sharks spiraling in clear blue water, unique cephalofoil heads creating distinctive silhouettes, hundreds of sharks in formation, sunlight filtering from surface above, Galápagos Islands Ecuador, divers tiny silhouettes in background for scale, shot on 24mm wide angle at f/11, underwater wildlife documentary
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Hammerhead

Unique silhouette, schooling

Whale Shark
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Whale shark feeding at surface with mouth wide open filtering plankton, distinctive white spots on blue-grey skin, massive size dwarfing nearby snorkeler, remora fish attached beneath chin, Ningaloo Reef Australia, golden sunset light penetrating surface, shot on 16mm at f/8 from underwater, gentle giant documentary style
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Whale Shark

Gentle giant, polka dots

Tiger Shark
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Tiger shark cruising over sandy bottom, distinctive dark stripes fading into camouflage pattern, powerful body in relaxed patrol mode, amber eye with ancient intelligence, smaller fish giving wide berth, Bahamas Caribbean, crystal clear turquoise water, shot on 20mm at f/5.6 from below, wildlife documentary
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Tiger Shark

Striped hunter, reef patrol

Shark Photography Tips

Great White

Low angles from below emphasize power. Cage diving shots from Guadalupe or South Africa.

Hammerhead

Best in schools. Galápagos and Cocos Island for massive aggregations. Silhouettes are iconic.

Whale Shark

Include snorkelers for scale. Ningaloo, Maldives, or Holbox. Surface feeding with mouth open.

Tiger Shark

Bahamas for clear water encounters. Striped pattern fades with age. Sandy bottom settings.

Ecosystem

Coral Kingdom

The reef is an underwater city teeming with life. From symbiotic partnerships to alien-like creatures, the coral kingdom offers endless visual stories.

Clownfish Anemone
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Pair of clownfish nestled in purple-tipped anemone, vibrant orange with white stripes, tentacles swaying gently in current, symbiotic relationship visible, macro detail of fish scales and anemone texture, Great Barrier Reef Australia, soft natural light, shot on 100mm macro at f/5.6, underwater macro photography
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Clownfish Anemone

"Pair of clownfish nestled in purple-tipped anemone, vibrant ..."

Manta Ray
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Giant oceanic manta ray gliding over cleaning station, massive wingspan over 5 meters, elegant cephalic fins channeling plankton, distinctive black and white belly pattern, tiny cleaner wrasses visible at gill slits, Maldives Indian Ocean, crystal clear water with dappled sunlight, shot on 16mm wide angle looking up at f/8, graceful marine ballet
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Manta Ray

"Giant oceanic manta ray gliding over cleaning station, massi..."

Sea Turtle
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Green sea turtle portrait showing ancient wise eyes, intricate shell patterns of overlapping scutes, algae growing on carapace showing age, flippers tucked in resting position, Hawaiian coral reef background soft, Maui Hawaii, natural light filtering through surface, shot on 50mm at f/4, intimate marine portrait
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Sea Turtle

"Green sea turtle portrait showing ancient wise eyes, intrica..."

Moray Eel
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Giant moray eel emerging from coral crevice with mouth agape showing needle teeth, dramatic breathing display not aggression, mottled brown and black pattern, small cleaner shrimp on lips, Indonesian coral reef Raja Ampat, dramatic side lighting from dive torch, shot on 60mm macro at f/8, underwater creature portrait
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Moray Eel

"Giant moray eel emerging from coral crevice with mouth agape..."

Lionfish
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Red lionfish displaying venomous spines in full glory, elaborate pectoral fins spread like fans, zebra stripes warning coloration, delicate lacework of fin membranes backlit by sunlight, hovering over coral in hunting position, Red Sea Egypt, dramatic backlighting, shot on 100mm macro at f/5.6, invasive beauty
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Lionfish

"Red lionfish displaying venomous spines in full glory, elabo..."

Seahorse
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Pygmy seahorse perfectly camouflaged on pink sea fan coral, tiny creature only 2cm tall, exact color match to host coral, delicate curled tail gripping branch, intricate body texture mimicking coral polyps, Lembeh Strait Indonesia, extreme macro photography, shot on 100mm with diopter at f/11, hidden gem
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Seahorse

"Pygmy seahorse perfectly camouflaged on pink sea fan coral, ..."

Octopus
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Common octopus displaying color-changing ability, half body showing red excitement texture, half smooth white camouflage, intelligent eye watching camera, tentacles exploring coral substrate, Philippines Anilao, natural light creating texture contrast, shot on 60mm macro at f/8, cephalopod intelligence
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Octopus

"Common octopus displaying color-changing ability, half body ..."

Coral Spawning
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Mass coral spawning event at night, thousands of pink and white egg bundles rising like underwater snowstorm, staghorn and brain corals releasing gametes simultaneously, diver's torch beam illuminating the spectacle, Great Barrier Reef annual spawning, shot on 35mm at f/2.8 high ISO, once-a-year marine phenomenon
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Coral Spawning

"Mass coral spawning event at night, thousands of pink and wh..."

Tip: For reef photography, macro details matter. Mention specific behaviors (clownfish defending anemone, octopus changing color, cleaning station interactions) and include reef location (Great Barrier Reef, Raja Ampat, Red Sea) for authentic underwater ecosystems.

Technique

Light in the Ocean

Underwater light behaves unlike any other environment. Master the techniques that transform good marine shots into transcendent imagery.

God rays underwater with manta ray silhouette
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Cathedral of light underwater, dramatic sunbeams streaming through surface creating god rays in crystal clear Pacific water, silhouette of massive manta ray gliding through the light shafts, tiny diver in background illuminated by a single beam, dust particles and plankton catching light like underwater stars, Palau blue hole, noon sun directly overhead, shot on 15mm fisheye at f/16, spiritual underwater moment
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God Rays
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Cathedral of light underwater, dramatic sunbeams streaming through surface creating god rays in crystal clear water, silhouette of sea turtle swimming through light shafts, dust particles and plankton catching light like stars, Palau Micronesia blue hole, noon sun directly overhead, shot on 15mm fisheye at f/16, spiritual underwater moment
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God Rays

Sunbeams pierce the blue

Bioluminescence
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Bioluminescent plankton explosion in dark ocean, millions of blue-green points of light swirling around swimming dolphins, dolphins leaving trails of electric blue, magical otherworldly glow, Maldives night dive, only natural bioluminescence illuminating scene, shot on 35mm at f/1.4 high ISO, Avatar-like ocean magic
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Bioluminescence

Living light in darkness

Surface Silhouette
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Dramatic silhouette of hammerhead shark from directly below against bright surface light, distinctive head shape creating iconic outline, Snell's window effect with circular view to sky, deep blue graduating to bright surface, Galápagos Islands, shot on 15mm fisheye pointing up at f/11, graphic underwater composition
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Surface Silhouette

Contrast against light above

Twilight Zone
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Deep ocean twilight zone at 200 meters, last rays of blue light fading into inky blackness, sixgill shark emerging from the deep, primitive ancient appearance, bioluminescent jellies scattered in water column, blue to black gradient, shot with low light camera at f/2 high ISO, mysterious deep ocean realm
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Twilight Zone

Last light filtering down

Light underwater always comes from above—this fundamental fact shapes all marine photography. Morning and afternoon create dramatic angled rays. Midday sun produces vertical shafts. As depth increases, reds disappear first, then oranges, leaving only blues and eventually darkness. Use these physics in your prompts: "surface light creating god rays," "blue gradient from surface to depth," "bioluminescence in dark water."

Drama

Behavior and Action

Marine life in motion—hunting, playing, fleeing, feeding. Capture the dynamic moments that reveal underwater personalities.

Bow Wave Dolphins
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Pod of spinner dolphins riding the bow wave of research vessel, dolphins perfectly positioned in pressure wave, effortless speed matching the boat, joy and play visible in their movements, crystal clear Hawaiian water showing full bodies, splashing and spray, aerial view from ship's bow, shot on 70mm at f/8 1/2000s, cetacean intelligence
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Bow Wave Dolphins

"Pod of spinner dolphins riding the bow wave of research vessel, dolphins perfectly positioned in pre..."

Bait Ball Frenzy
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Massive sardine bait ball under attack from all directions, dolphins herding from below, gannets diving from above creating bubble trails, Bryde's whale lunging through the center with mouth open, chaos and coordination, South African sardine run, split shot showing above and below surface, National Geographic documentary moment
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Bait Ball Frenzy

"Massive sardine bait ball under attack from all directions, dolphins herding from below, gannets div..."

Playful Sea Lion
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
California sea lion playing with underwater camera, curious whiskers almost touching lens, big liquid eyes with visible catchlights, bubbles streaming from nose, playful spinning motion captured, kelp forest background in Sea of Cortez Mexico, natural light through kelp canopy, shot on 15mm at f/8, marine mammal personality
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Playful Sea Lion

"California sea lion playing with underwater camera, curious whiskers almost touching lens, big liqui..."

Color Change Octopus
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Octopus mid-color-change rippling from camouflage brown to warning red, chromatophores visible as individual pixels of color, texture shifting from smooth to papillae, defensive posture with eyes focused on threat, Indonesian reef background, macro detail of skin transformation, shot on 100mm at f/8, cephalopod magic
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Color Change Octopus

"Octopus mid-color-change rippling from camouflage brown to warning red, chromatophores visible as in..."

Note: Behavioral shots require describing the action clearly—"dolphins riding bow wave," "octopus mid-color-change," "bait ball under attack." Include the chaos and energy of marine action scenes. Reference high shutter speeds (1/2000s) for frozen motion.

Mastery

Putting It All Together

A masterwork combines subject, environment, light, scale, and drama into a single transcendent underwater moment.

Massive school of hammerhead sharks spiraling in underwater vortex
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Massive school of hammerhead sharks spiraling in an underwater vortex, Cocos Island Costa Rica, morning light creating blue columns streaming down from surface, hundreds of sharks forming a living tornado of prehistoric predators, lone technical diver silhouetted tiny in the background for scale demonstrating the immense school size, crystal clear Pacific water with visibility over 30 meters, individual sharks visible from distinctive hammer-shaped heads to powerful tails, thermocline shimmer visible at depth, shot on Sony A1 with 16mm wide angle at f/8, David Attenborough's Blue Planet documentary quality, one of Earth's greatest wildlife spectacles
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The Living Vortex

"Massive school of hammerhead sharks spiraling in an underwater vortex, Cocos Island Costa Rica, morning light creating blue columns streaming down from surface, hundreds of sharks forming a living tor..."

What makes this work

  • →Massive scale (hundreds of sharks)
  • →Human scale reference (lone diver)
  • →Dramatic light columns from surface
  • →Specific location (Cocos Island)
  • →Documentary quality reference

Prompt structure

  • 1.Subject + behavior + formation
  • 2.Location + time of day
  • 3.Light conditions + water clarity
  • 4.Scale reference (diver)
  • 5.Technical specs + documentary reference
Practice

Create Your Underwater Moment

Apply what you've learned using Nano Banana Pro. Experiment with marine mammals, reef life, underwater lighting, and documentary-style composition.

Generated visual
https://demo.imagegpt.host/image?prompt=Humpback+whale+mother+and+calf+in+crystal+clear+blue+water%2C+tender+moment+as+mother+gently+touches+calf+with+pectoral+fin%2C+sunbeams+streaming+down+from+surface+creating+god+rays%2C+bubble+streams+rising+from+both+whales%2C+tiny+reef+fish+scattered+in+background+for+scale%2C+Tonga+South+Pacific%2C+underwater+wildlife+documentary+quality%2C+shot+on+underwater+housing+with+16mm+wide+angle+at+f%2F8&model=google%40gemini-3-pro-image-preview&aspect_ratio=16%3A9

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

  • 1.

    Specify water clarity Crystal clear, murky, blue, green, or turquoise—water color dramatically affects the mood and visibility of your marine imagery.

  • 2.

    Include light direction Surface light, god rays, dappled sun, backlighting—underwater light is always filtered from above, creating unique directional qualities.

  • 3.

    Reference specific locations Great Barrier Reef, Galápagos, Maldives, Raja Ampat—each has distinctive visibility, species, and underwater landscapes.

  • 4.

    Use underwater camera terms Wide angle (16mm, 15mm fisheye), macro (100mm), underwater housing, strobe lighting—technical terms signal authentic marine photography.

  • 5.

    Describe depth and environment Reef, open blue, sandy bottom, kelp forest, deep water—the underwater environment provides crucial context for marine encounters.

Guide

African Savanna Wildlife

Apply similar wildlife photography techniques to land-based subjects.

Model Comparison

Nano Banana Pro vs Flux 2 Pro

Compare how different models handle photorealistic wildlife imagery.

Dive deep.
Surface with wonder.

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