How to Choose the Best Photo for a Custom Portrait

The photo you send is the starting point of every custom portrait. With a paper-cut portrait this matters even more, because the artwork keeps only the main shapes of the face. A clear photo gives a clear portrait.

This guide explains what makes a good photo, gives you a quick checklist and links to a detailed photo guide for each portrait style.

What is the best photo for a custom portrait?

The best photo for a custom portrait is sharp, well lit and shows the whole face clearly, with both eyes visible and nothing covering the eyes, nose or mouth. Use the original photo from your phone or camera, not a screenshot, and choose a photo taken in even, natural light.

Quick checklist: 8 things to check before you upload

1. Use a large, original file. The larger the better, ideally above 1080 x 1920 px. Screenshots and photos saved from messaging apps lose detail.
2. Show the whole face. Nothing covering the eyes, nose or mouth: no masks, hands, cups or hair across the face.
3. Keep both eyes open and in focus. The eyes are the first thing people recognise in a portrait.
4. Look for even light. Daylight from a window or outdoors in the shade works best. Avoid strong shadows, flash glare and patterned light, such as light through blinds.
5. Glasses are fine if the eyes can be seen through them.
6. Avoid heavy filters and beauty effects that smooth away detail.
7. Send your own photos. Upload only photos you own or have permission to use. We cannot make portraits of celebrities or from copyrighted images.
8. Upload more than one. You can upload up to 5 photos per portrait. We choose the one that will cut best and tell you which one in our approval email.

Which photo works for each portrait style?

Each guide shows real example photos marked as good, fine or not suitable. The green marked areas on the photos are the parts we use for the artwork.

How do I choose a photo for a couple portrait?

For a couple portrait, choose one photo with both people close together and both faces fully visible. Faces that are far apart are harder to fit on one sheet and lose detail. A hug or a kiss works well, and closed eyes are fine in that case, as long as the photo is not blurred.

Which photos do not work?

• Blurry or dark photos, and photos taken from far away.
• Faces covered by masks, sunglasses, hands, hair or objects.
• Strong shadows across the face, or very patterned light.
• Faces with tattoos: we cannot create the artwork from them.
• Photos of celebrities or images you do not have the right to use.

What happens if my photo is not good enough?

We review every photo before we start, usually within a few hours and always within 2 working days. If a photo is too small, blurry or unsuitable, we email you a link to upload another one. Production starts only after we approve a photo, so you never pay for a portrait made from a photo that does not work.

Your photos are stored in the EU and used only to make your order. Read how we use and store your photos.

Can I use an old or printed photo?

You can, if the face is sharp and large enough. Scan or photograph the print in daylight, straight on and without reflections, and upload the largest file you have. If you have several old photos, upload them all and we will pick the clearest one.