The world of photo restoration is being revolutionized by AI, and it’s all thanks to the viral trend of using ChatGPT and Google Gemini to breathe new life into old, faded memories. These advanced AI tools are transforming grainy, pixelated photos into crisp, high-quality portraits, all while preserving the original emotion and look. But how do they work, and which one comes out on top? Let’s dive in and explore the process and the results of using these AI models for photo restoration.
The AI Photo Restoration Process
The process is simple: users upload their old images to either ChatGPT or Google Gemini, and the AI does the rest. The key to achieving professional-quality results, as shared by AI expert and X user @ShreyaYadav_, lies in the prompt. Here’s a breakdown of the prompt structure and some tips for achieving the best outcomes.
The Detailed Prompt
The widely circulated prompt for achieving studio-grade image restoration through AI models is as follows:
“Restore this old photo of [subject] with advanced AI upscaling and enhancement. Please ensure the restored version looks natural, realistic, and recent — as if it was taken today with a professional camera like the Canon EOS R5. Specific Instructions: Preserve Identity and Originality: Keep [subject]’s exact facial structure, expressions, skin tone, and hairline intact — do not alter their face or make them unrecognizable. Clarity & Resolution: Sharpen the image to ultra-high quality (Full HD or higher), remove any blur, noise, or grain, and make the photo crisp and detailed. Color Correction: Restore accurate, balanced colors — natural skin tone, realistic lighting, and lifelike shadows. Avoid over-saturation or cartoonish tones. Remove Damage: Eliminate all scratches, stains, cracks, fading, or folds. Clean up the background gently while keeping the original scene authentic. Texture & Detail: Enhance fabric textures (shirt, jacket, etc.) and facial details (eyes, hair, wrinkles) subtly to make it look like a recent portrait. Lighting Enhancement: Add soft, natural lighting — like daylight or studio portrait lighting — that flatters the face while maintaining realism. Background Refinement: Smooth and clarify the background without changing its type (e.g., keep a vintage studio or outdoor background if present). Output Quality: Generate a final image that appears professionally shot — high-definition, noise-free, balanced contrast, realistic depth of field, and fine dynamic range. Final Goal: Deliver a restored, high-resolution portrait of [subject] that feels modern, clear, and authentic — preserving the emotional essence and originality of the old photograph.”
ChatGPT vs. Gemini: Which Performs Better?
Both ChatGPT and Google Gemini deliver impressive outcomes, but early comparisons suggest that Gemini Nano Banana offers more natural color grading and texture retention. ChatGPT, on the other hand, excels in maintaining fine facial details and sharpness, giving images a refined, high-resolution finish. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference and the kind of aesthetic one hopes to achieve.
Conclusion
The use of AI in photo restoration is a fascinating development, offering a simple and effective way to breathe new life into old memories. Whether you choose ChatGPT or Google Gemini, the results are sure to impress. So, why not give it a try and see how AI can transform your old photos into works of art?