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How to Use Gemini: Snap a Photo and Ask AI

When this happens

You open the fridge and there's a bit of everything, but you have no idea what to make for dinner. Typing out every ingredient is a hassle. Instead, take one photo, upload it with the photo button in your AI chat, and ask. The example here is a photo of the middle fridge shelf showing eggs, cheddar, spinach, cherry tomatoes and milk.

Watch the video

Ask like this

I'm uploading a photo. First list what you can see, then answer my question. If you're not sure about something, say so. Question: what can I make for dinner with this?

The answer we got

Example AI chat
YouI'm uploading a photo. First list what you can see, then answer my question. If you're not sure about something, say so. Question: what can I make for dinner with this?
AIHere's what I can see in the photo: · Eggs, cheddar cheese, spinach, cherry tomatoes, milk · The jar at the back has its label turned away, so I can't tell what it is. Dinner ideas with these: 1) Spinach and cheese omelette: whisk the eggs with a splash of milk, add spinach and grated cheddar, then fold. 2) Baked eggs with tomatoes: soften the tomatoes and spinach in a pan, crack in the eggs, cover and cook until set. 3) Creamy tomato pasta: if you have pasta, simmer the tomatoes and spinach with a little milk and melt in the cheese. The omelette and baked eggs are the quickest. Check that you have basics like oil, salt and pepper, since I can't see them in the photo.

Tips for better results

  1. Ask about plant leaves too

    If a houseplant's leaf tips are turning yellow, take a photo that shows both the leaves and the soil. Asking it to describe what it sees first lets you check how the AI read the photo.

    Here's a photo of my plant. List the symptoms you see, then possible causes and how I can check at home.
  2. Have it copy small label text

    For small print, like the back of a product label, take a close, well-lit photo and ask the AI to copy the text word for word. Tell it upfront not to guess at words it can't read.

    Here's a product label. Copy the text exactly, then list just the warnings. Write "unreadable" for anything you can't make out.
  3. Don't upload photos with personal info

    Avoid uploading ID cards, bank cards, other people's faces, or documents and shipping labels with names, addresses or phone numbers. If you have to, cover or crop those parts first.

    I've covered the name and address. Summarize this notice in three lines.

Today's checklist

FAQ

How do I upload a photo?

Most AI chat apps have a photo or attachment button next to the message box. Its look and position vary by service and version, so check your app's help page.

Does this work in AI apps other than Gemini?

Any AI chat that accepts photos can use the same prompt. Whether free accounts can upload photos, and how many, differs by service, so check its guide.

What if the AI misreads the photo?

That's why you ask it to list what it sees first. If the list is wrong, correct it ("the jar is pesto") and ask again. For medicine or health questions, check with a professional.

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AI answers can vary by service and version. Double-check anything important before you use it.

Works in ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini.