guaderrama Nano Banana Image Combination
Purpose
Combine, merge, and compose multiple images using Google's Gemini 2.5 Flash (codename "Nano Banana") via OpenRouter. Perfect for creating composite images, replacing backgrounds, face swapping, and AI-guided photo manipulation.
When to Use
- Combining 2+ images into single composition
- Face swapping or identity replacement
- Background replacement
- Creating thumbnails from multiple sources
- AI-guided photo collages
- Portrait + background composition
Architecture Pattern
Project Structure
backend/
├── services/
│ ├── image_combiner_service.py # Main combination logic
│ └── openrouter_service.py # OpenRouter client
├── models/
│ └── combine_models.py # Pydantic models
├── utils/
│ ├── image_encoding.py # Base64 encoding
│ └── image_download.py # Fetch from URLs
└── config/
└── openrouter_config.py # Configuration
Installation
pip install httpx python-dotenv pydantic pillow base64
Environment Setup
# .env
OPENROUTER_API_KEY=sk-or-v1-...
FRONTEND_URL=http://localhost:3000
NANO_BANANA_MODEL=google/gemini-2.5-flash-image-preview
Quick Start
Basic Image Combination
import httpx
import base64
from typing import List
async def combine_images(
image_urls: List[str],
prompt: str
) -> str:
"""Combine multiple images using Nano Banana"""
# Encode images to base64
encoded_images = []
async with httpx.AsyncClient() as client:
for url in image_urls:
response = await client.get(url)
b64 = base64.b64encode(response.content).decode('utf-8')
encoded_images.append({
"type": "image_url",
"image_url": {
"url": f"data:image/jpeg;base64,{b64}"
}
})
# Call OpenRouter
response = await client.post(
"https://openrouter.ai/api/v1/chat/completions",
headers={
"Authorization": f"Bearer {os.getenv('OPENROUTER_API_KEY')}",
"HTTP-Referer": os.getenv('FRONTEND_URL')
},
json={
"model": "google/gemini-2.5-flash-image-preview",
"messages": [
{
"role": "user",
"content": [
{"type": "text", "text": prompt},
*encoded_images
]
}
]
}
)
result = response.json()
return result["choices"][0]["message"]["content"]
Complete Implementation
Image Encoding Utility
import httpx
import base64
from PIL import Image
from io import BytesIO
from typing import Tuple
class ImageEncoder:
@staticmethod
async def download_image(url: str) -> bytes:
"""Download image from URL"""
async with httpx.AsyncClient(timeout=30.0) as client:
response = await client.get(url)
response.raise_for_status()
return response.content
@staticmethod
def resize_image(image_bytes: bytes, max_size: Tuple[int, int] = (1024, 1024)) -> bytes:
"""Resize image to reduce API costs"""
img = Image.open(BytesIO(image_bytes))
# Calculate new size maintaining aspect ratio
img.thumbnail(max_size, Image.Resampling.LANCZOS)
# Convert to RGB if RGBA
if img.mode == 'RGBA':
img = img.convert('RGB')
# Save to bytes
buffer = BytesIO()
img.save(buffer, format='JPEG', quality=85)
return buffer.getvalue()
@staticmethod
def encode_base64(image_bytes: bytes) -> str:
"""Encode image to base64"""
return base64.b64encode(image_bytes).decode('utf-8')
@classmethod
async def prepare_image(cls, url: str, resize: bool = True) -> str:
"""Download, optionally resize, and encode image"""
image_bytes = await cls.download_image(url)
if resize:
image_bytes = cls.resize_image(image_bytes)
return cls.encode_base64(image_bytes)
Pydantic Models
from pydantic import BaseModel, Field, HttpUrl
from typing import List, Literal
class CombineImagesInput(BaseModel):
image_urls: List[HttpUrl] = Field(
min_length=2,
max_length=8,
description="URLs of images to combine (2-8 images)"
)
prompt: str = Field(
description="Instructions for how to combine the images",
examples=[
"Combine these images into a professional YouTube thumbnail",
"Replace the background of the person in image 1 with image 2",
"Create a face swap using the face from image 1 on the body in image 2"
]
)
style: Literal["natural", "artistic", "professional", "creative"] = "natural"
output_format: Literal["url", "base64"] = "url"
resize_inputs: bool = Field(
default=True,
description="Resize inputs to 1024x1024 to save costs"
)
class CombineImagesOutput(BaseModel):
success: bool
result_url: str | None = None
result_base64: str | None = None
prompt_used: str
images_processed: int
error: str | None = None
OpenRouter Service
import httpx
import os
from typing import List, Dict, Any
class OpenRouterService:
def __init__(self):
self.api_key = os.getenv("OPENROUTER_API_KEY")
self.base_url = "https://openrouter.ai/api/v1"
self.frontend_url = os.getenv("FRONTEND_URL", "http://localhost:3000")
async def chat_with_images(
self,
prompt: str,
images: List[str], # Base64 encoded
model: str = "google/gemini-2.5-flash-image-preview",
max_tokens: int = 4096
) -> Dict[str, Any]:
"""Send chat request with multiple images"""
# Build content array
content = [{"type": "text", "text": prompt}]
# Add images
for img_b64 in images:
content.append({
"type": "image_url",
"image_url": {
"url": f"data:image/jpeg;base64,{img_b64}"
}
})
# Make request
async with httpx.AsyncClient(timeout=60.0) as client:
response = await client.post(
f"{self.base_url}/chat/completions",
headers={
"Authorization": f"Bearer {self.api_key}",
"HTTP-Referer": self.frontend_url,
"Content-Type": "application/json"
},
json={
"model": model,
"messages": [
{
"role": "user",
"content": content
}
],
"max_tokens": max_tokens,
"temperature": 0.7
}
)
response.raise_for_status()
return response.json()
Complete Combination Service
import asyncio
from typing import List
import os
class ImageCombinationService:
def __init__(self):
self.openrouter = OpenRouterService()
self.encoder = ImageEncoder()
async def combine_images(
self,
input: CombineImagesInput
) -> CombineImagesOutput:
"""Main method to combine images"""
try:
# Step 1: Download and encode images
encoded_images = await self._prepare_images(
input.image_urls,
resize=input.resize_inputs
)
# Step 2: Build prompt
prompt = self._build_combination_prompt(
input.prompt,
input.style,
len(input.image_urls)
)
# Step 3: Call OpenRouter
response = await self.openrouter.chat_with_images(
prompt=prompt,
images=encoded_images
)
# Step 4: Extract result
result = self._extract_result(response, input.output_format)
return CombineImagesOutput(
success=True,
result_url=result if input.output_format == "url" else None,
result_base64=result if input.output_format == "base64" else None,
prompt_used=prompt,
images_processed=len(input.image_urls)
)
except Exception as e:
return CombineImagesOutput(
success=False,
prompt_used=input.prompt,
images_processed=0,
error=str(e)
)
async def _prepare_images(
self,
urls: List[str],
resize: bool
) -> List[str]:
"""Download and encode all images concurrently"""
tasks = [
self.encoder.prepare_image(str(url), resize=resize)
for url in urls
]
return await asyncio.gather(*tasks)
def _build_combination_prompt(
self,
user_prompt: str,
style: str,
num_images: int
) -> str:
"""Build enhanced prompt for better results"""
style_instructions = {
"natural": "Create a natural, realistic combination that looks like a single photo.",
"artistic": "Combine with artistic flair, creative composition, and visual interest.",
"professional": "Create a clean, professional composition suitable for business use.",
"creative": "Be bold and creative with the combination, prioritize visual impact."
}
return f"""You are an expert image compositor. You have {num_images} images to work with.
USER REQUEST: {user_prompt}
STYLE GUIDELINE: {style_instructions[style]}
REQUIREMENTS:
- Seamlessly blend the images
- Maintain consistent lighting and color balance
- Ensure natural transitions between elements
- Preserve important details from all source images
- Output high-quality composition
Generate the combined image now."""
def _extract_result(self, response: Dict[str, Any], format: str) -> str:
"""Extract URL or base64 from response"""
content = response["choices"][0]["message"]["content"]
# Nano Banana returns image URL in content
if format == "url":
# Extract URL from markdown or plain text
import re
url_match = re.search(r'https?://[^\s]+', content)
if url_match:
return url_match.group(0)
return content
return content
Advanced Use Cases
Face Swap
async def face_swap(
face_image_url: str,
body_image_url: str
) -> str:
"""Swap face from one image onto body in another"""
input = CombineImagesInput(
image_urls=[face_image_url, body_image_url],
prompt="""Take the face from image 1 and naturally place it on the person in image 2.
Ensure:
- Face matches body's angle and lighting
- Natural skin tone blending
- Consistent shadows and highlights
- No visible seams""",
style="natural"
)
service = ImageCombinationService()
result = await service.combine_images(input)
return result.result_url
Background Replacement
async def replace_background(
subject_url: str,
background_url: str,
depth_of_field: bool = True
) -> str:
"""Replace background while preserving subject"""
dof_instruction = "Apply subtle depth of field blur to background" if depth_of_field else ""
input = CombineImagesInput(
image_urls=[subject_url, background_url],
prompt=f"""Extract the main subject from image 1 and place it naturally on the background from image 2.
Requirements:
- Clean subject extraction with natural edges
- Match lighting conditions between subject and background
- Natural shadows under subject
{dof_instruction}
- Professional composition""",
style="professional"
)
service = ImageCombinationService()
result = await service.combine_images(input)
return result.result_url
Multi-Image Collage
async def create_collage(
image_urls: List[str],
layout: Literal["grid", "creative", "storytelling"] = "grid",
title: str | None = None
) -> str:
"""Create artistic collage from multiple images"""
layout_prompts = {
"grid": "Arrange images in a clean grid layout with equal spacing",
"creative": "Create an artistic, overlapping composition with varied sizes",
"storytelling": "Arrange images to tell a visual story, left to right"
}
title_text = f"Include the text '{title}' as a prominent title" if title else ""
input = CombineImagesInput(
image_urls=image_urls,
prompt=f"""{layout_prompts[layout]}. {title_text}
Create a cohesive collage that:
- Maintains visual balance
- Uses consistent color grading
- Has professional spacing and alignment
- Feels unified despite multiple sources""",
style="artistic"
)
service = ImageCombinationService()
result = await service.combine_images(input)
return result.result_url
YouTube Thumbnail Creator
async def create_youtube_thumbnail(
portrait_url: str,
background_url: str,
title_text: str,
style: Literal["tech", "gaming", "vlog", "tutorial"] = "tech"
) -> str:
"""Create engaging YouTube thumbnail"""
style_guides = {
"tech": "Clean, modern, professional tech aesthetic with blue/purple tones",
"gaming": "High energy, vibrant colors, action-oriented composition",
"vlog": "Personal, inviting, warm tones, casual composition",
"tutorial": "Clear, educational, step-by-step visual hierarchy"
}
input = CombineImagesInput(
image_urls=[portrait_url, background_url],
prompt=f"""Create a professional YouTube thumbnail combining these images.
STYLE: {style_guides[style]}
TEXT TO INCLUDE: "{title_text}"
REQUIREMENTS:
- 1280x720 resolution (16:9 aspect ratio)
- Bold, readable text overlay
- High contrast for thumbnail visibility
- Portrait positioned prominently
- Background provides context without distraction
- Eye-catching composition that stops scrolling
- Professional color grading""",
style="professional",
resize_inputs=False # Keep original quality
)
service = ImageCombinationService()
result = await service.combine_images(input)
return result.result_url
FastAPI Integration
Complete API Endpoint
from fastapi import FastAPI, HTTPException, BackgroundTasks
from typing import List
app = FastAPI()
# Global service instance
combiner_service = ImageCombinationService()
@app.post("/api/combine-images", response_model=CombineImagesOutput)
async def combine_images_endpoint(request: CombineImagesInput):
"""Combine multiple images using Nano Banana"""
try:
result = await combiner_service.combine_images(request)
if not result.success:
raise HTTPException(status_code=500, detail=result.error)
return result
except Exception as e:
raise HTTPException(status_code=500, detail=str(e))
@app.post("/api/face-swap")
async def face_swap_endpoint(
face_image_url: HttpUrl,
body_image_url: HttpUrl
):
"""Face swap shortcut endpoint"""
try:
result_url = await face_swap(str(face_image_url), str(body_image_url))
return {"result_url": result_url}
except Exception as e:
raise HTTPException(status_code=500, detail=str(e))
@app.post("/api/replace-background")
async def replace_background_endpoint(
subject_url: HttpUrl,
background_url: HttpUrl,
depth_of_field: bool = True
):
"""Background replacement endpoint"""
try:
result_url = await replace_background(
str(subject_url),
str(background_url),
depth_of_field
)
return {"result_url": result_url}
except Exception as e:
raise HTTPException(status_code=500, detail=str(e))
Tool Calling Integration
Agent Tool Definition
from pydantic_ai import Agent, Tool
# Define tool for AI agent
combine_images_tool = Tool(
name="combine_images",
description="""Combine 2-8 images into a single composition using AI.
Use cases:
- Face swapping
- Background replacement
- Creating thumbnails
- Photo collages
- Portrait + scene composition
Provide image URLs and clear instructions for combination.""",
parameters=CombineImagesInput,
execute=lambda args: ImageCombinationService().combine_images(args)
)
# Register with agent
agent = Agent(
model='openrouter:openai/gpt-4o',
tools=[combine_images_tool],
system_prompt="""You are an AI assistant with image combination capabilities.
When users select multiple images and ask to combine them, use the combine_images tool.
Examples of combination requests:
- "Combine these two"
- "Put my face on that background"
- "Create a thumbnail from these images"
- "Swap faces between these photos"
"""
)
Conversational Integration
from pydantic import BaseModel
class ChatRequest(BaseModel):
message: str
selected_images: List[str] = [] # URLs of selected images
@app.post("/api/chat")
async def chat_with_image_context(request: ChatRequest):
"""Chat endpoint with image selection context"""
# Build system prompt with image context
system_prompt = "You are a helpful assistant."
if request.selected_images:
system_prompt += f"""
The user has selected {len(request.selected_images)} images:
{', '.join(request.selected_images)}
If they ask to combine/merge/blend images, use the combine_images tool."""
# Agent processes message
result = await agent.run(
request.message,
context={"selected_images": request.selected_images}
)
return {"response": result}
Error Handling
Comprehensive Error Handling
from enum import Enum
class CombineError(Exception):
"""Base combination error"""
pass
class InvalidImageError(CombineError):
"""Invalid or inaccessible image URL"""
pass
class APIError(CombineError):
"""OpenRouter API error"""
pass
async def safe_combine(
input: CombineImagesInput,
retry_count: int = 3
) -> CombineImagesOutput:
"""Combine with retry logic"""
for attempt in range(retry_count):
try:
service = ImageCombinationService()
result = await service.combine_images(input)
if result.success:
return result
# If failed, retry
if attempt < retry_count - 1:
await asyncio.sleep(2 ** attempt)
continue
return result
except httpx.HTTPError as e:
if attempt < retry_count - 1:
await asyncio.sleep(2 ** attempt)
continue
raise APIError(f"OpenRouter API error: {e}")
except Exception as e:
raise CombineError(f"Combination failed: {e}")
Best Practices
- Resize images before sending - Reduces API costs and latency
- Validate URLs before downloading - Avoid 404 errors
- Use async/await for concurrent downloads
- Implement retry logic for API failures
- Cache results if same combination requested multiple times
- Set timeouts on HTTP requests (30-60 seconds)
- Compress outputs to WebP for storage efficiency
- Monitor costs - Gemini charges per image token
- Provide clear prompts for better results
- Handle rate limits gracefully
Cost Optimization
Pricing (as of 2024)
- Input tokens: $0.30/M
- Output tokens: $2.50/M
- Image tokens: $1.238/K images
Optimization Strategies
# 1. Resize to minimum required dimensions
COST_OPTIMIZED_SIZE = (512, 512) # Lower cost
BALANCED_SIZE = (1024, 1024) # Good quality/cost ratio
HIGH_QUALITY_SIZE = (2048, 2048) # Maximum quality
# 2. Use appropriate quality settings
def optimize_for_cost(img: Image) -> bytes:
img.thumbnail((1024, 1024))
buffer = BytesIO()
img.save(buffer, format='JPEG', quality=75) # Lower quality = smaller size
return buffer.getvalue()
# 3. Cache combinations
from functools import lru_cache
@lru_cache(maxsize=100)
async def cached_combine(image_urls_tuple: tuple, prompt: str):
return await combine_images(list(image_urls_tuple), prompt)
Common Pitfalls
❌ Don't: Send full-resolution images (wastes tokens) ✅ Do: Resize to 1024x1024 or smaller
❌ Don't: Use vague prompts like "combine these" ✅ Do: Provide specific instructions with desired outcome
❌ Don't: Forget to validate image URLs ✅ Do: Check URLs are accessible before processing
❌ Don't: Block API endpoints waiting for result ✅ Do: Return immediately, process async if needed
Complete Production Example
from fastapi import FastAPI
from typing import List
import asyncio
app = FastAPI()
service = ImageCombinationService()
@app.post("/api/tools/combine")
async def combine_tool(
image_urls: List[HttpUrl],
prompt: str,
style: str = "natural"
):
"""Production-ready combination endpoint"""
# Validate inputs
if len(image_urls) < 2:
return {"error": "Need at least 2 images"}
if len(image_urls) > 8:
return {"error": "Maximum 8 images allowed"}
# Create input
input = CombineImagesInput(
image_urls=image_urls,
prompt=prompt,
style=style,
resize_inputs=True # Cost optimization
)
# Execute with timeout
try:
result = await asyncio.wait_for(
service.combine_images(input),
timeout=60.0
)
if result.success:
return {
"status": "success",
"result_url": result.result_url,
"images_processed": result.images_processed
}
else:
return {
"status": "error",
"error": result.error
}
except asyncio.TimeoutError:
return {"status": "error", "error": "Combination timeout"}
except Exception as e:
return {"status": "error", "error": str(e)}