Reference Photo Guide

We want your custom portrait to be absolutely perfect! Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best photo for your order. Clear, thoughtful references make all the difference in creating artwork you’ll love.

A blended portrait from vintage photos of two women

Our approach to your photos

We’ll use your photo as inspiration for the pose, outfit, and overall look, adding a touch of artistic interpretation. If you have specific ideas, just let us know in your instructions!

Make sure the subject looks exactly how you’d like them to appear in the final artwork.

Good and bad photos to upload examples

Photo requirements

  • Clear and high-quality photos work best! Blurry or pixelated images make it harder to capture details.
  • Upload multiple photos if needed, and let us know how you’d like them combined in the portrait.
  • Try to avoid photos with dark lighting, but if you’re working with a rare or old photo, don’t worry—we’ll do our best to make it work!
  • Skip the filters. Unedited photos help us match the colors in your portrait more accurately.
  • Make sure everything you want included (like full outfits or specific details) is visible in the photo.
  • Choose a photo that matches your chosen artwork view. For example, pick a full-body photo if you’ve ordered a full-body portrait.

Need help with your photo?

If you’re unsure about your photo, feel free to reach out—we’re always happy to help! If we notice any issues with your image, we’ll contact you before starting. Please reply quickly so we can keep things moving smoothly. 💛