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Vintage vibes are officially back, and AI is making it easier than ever to get that dreamy, nostalgic look. Social media is full of retro portraits right now, and tools like Gemini AI is helping people transform simple selfies into pieces of art.
If you want to try out the trend for yourself, this guide is for you. Below are five easy prompts you can copy and use today, or try YouCam Makeup’s AI photo tools to get perfect vintage photos without hours of editing or the use of prompts.
(Source: Instagram @poojakaranbafna)
How to Use Gemini AI to Create Retro Looks
Step 1: Open Gemini AI
Go to the Gemini AI Studio website or app and sign in with your Google account.
Step 2: Upload Your Photo
Choose a clear selfie with your face clearly seen, good lighting and a simple background. Portraits with natural light work best.
Step 3: Enter a Retro Photo Prompt
Copy and paste a prompt like the ones shared below to instantly transform your photo into a retro-inspired masterpiece.
Once you try it in Gemini AI, you’ll see why vintage portraits are trending everywhere. But if you want a faster way to get vintage-style photos without entering prompts, YouCam Makeup is the ultimate AI photo app for creating stunning AI portraits right from your phone.
5 Gemini AI-Inspired Prompts to Try
Here are five prompts you can try in Gemini AI or directly in YouCam Makeup’s AI Portrait feature for quick results.
1. Old Hollywood Glamour
"Transform this image into a classic 1940s Old Hollywood glamour portrait. The lighting should be dramatic with strong contrasts and deep shadows (Rembrandt lighting). The photo should be in black and white with a subtle film grain. The subject's expression should be confident and poised, with a sense of timeless elegance."
This gives you a cinematic, classy look that feels like a movie still.
2. Polaroid Nostalgia
"Take a picture with a Polaroid camera. The photo should look like a normal photo, without any clear subjects or props. The photo should have a slight blur effect and a consistent light source, such as a flash from a dark room, spread throughout the photo. Do not change the faces. Replace the background behind the two people with a white curtain. With the guy being close to me like a couple. Don't change the angle of our faces."
Perfect for cozy couple selfies, best friend shots, or even Polaroids with celebrities.
3. Couple Wedding Photo Shoot
"Convert the uploaded image of the couple into a retro-style image. The couple's faces should remain exactly as they appear in the original image. The poses and clothing should be reimagined to fit the new setting of a deserted 1970s beach at sunset, standing near a classic wooden surfboard. The image should feature warm, golden hour lighting with lens flare, and the overall mood should be romantic and free-spirited."
Great for wedding or engagement photos with a vintage flair.
4. Expired Film Dream Look
"Edit the uploaded image to resemble a photo taken with expired film stock. Mute the colors, introduce a noticeable purple color cast, and add a strong, uneven grain. Include subtle light leaks and minor scratches to give it a unique, ethereal, and somewhat unpredictable vintage feel."
Adds character and artistic flair to your portraits.
5. Retro Magazine Cover
"Generate a photo of the uploaded person as the cover model of a 1960s fashion magazine. The image should have bright, high-key lighting, with a crisp, clean aesthetic. The subject is wearing a fashionable vintage outfit, with a bold, confident expression. The background is a simple, colored backdrop, and the photo should have a glossy, editorial quality."
A bold choice for profile photos that need to stand out.
How to Create Retro Looks without Prompts
Gemini AI is great for experimenting, but YouCam Makeup makes it even easier to get perfect results. Here’s how:
Step 1: Download the YouCam Makeup app for free on iOS and Android.
Step 2: Open AI Tools feature and under Portrait, look for the AI Portrait and AI Selfie categories.
Step 3: Upload a clear selfie facing forward with good lighting. Avoid busy backgrounds or photos of multiple people.
Step 4: Watch as your photo turns into a vintage portrait that you can use to share or as a profile picture.
Bonus: Bring life to your vintage photos with the Image to Video feature.
Step 5: Combine your retro photos into a photo collage for a stunning photo album.
Try the AI Vintage Portrait Trend Today
Gemini AI retro prompts are inspiring creators everywhere. If you want to try them yourself and get even more control, YouCam Makeup is the way to go.
Download YouCam Makeup and try these prompts today. Your selfies will look like they belong in a vintage photo album.
