A great photo makes a great keepsake. You do not need a fancy camera. A recent phone photo works well when it follows a few simple tips.
The short version
- Pick a clear, well-lit photo where faces are easy to see.
- Use the original file from your phone or camera, not a screenshot or a photo of a photo.
- Bigger files print sharper, so use the full-size photo.
- Skip heavy filters.
- For group photos, make sure every face is large enough to see.
- For pets, choose a clear face with the eyes visible.
Light and focus
Look for a photo in soft, even light, such as near a window or outside on a cloudy day. Make sure it is in focus. If a face already looks soft when you zoom in on your phone, it will look soft once printed.
Faces
Choose a photo where the faces are easy to see, not tiny, far away, or hidden in shadow. Faces turned toward the camera usually print best.
Use the original file
Send the original photo, straight from your phone or camera. Screenshots, photos of printed pictures, and images saved from social media are usually smaller and softer, and they print that way.
Bigger files print sharper. The bigger the print, the more any blur shows, so a sharp photo matters most for the larger blanket sizes.
Messaging apps and social media often shrink photos along the way. If you can, go back to the original in your photo library. If your phone asks what size to upload or send, choose the largest or “Actual size” option.
Filters and edits
Light touch-ups are fine. Heavy filters can change colors and hide detail, and that shows in print. When in doubt, send the unedited version.
Group and family photos
Every face should be large enough to see clearly. When a group is far from the camera, the faces get small. A closer photo, where everyone is near the camera, will print better than a wide shot of a crowd.
Pet photos
Choose a photo where your pet’s face is clear and both eyes are visible, in good light. A photo taken at your pet’s eye level often works well.
Watercolor portraits
We create your watercolor portrait from your photo, so the clearer the faces, the better. A photo where everyone is looking toward the camera helps. You can send more than one photo.
How to add your photo
- Photo blankets, photo canvases (including the small sizes) and ornaments: upload one photo and type the name or line you want on the product page. A live preview shows how it will look before you order.
- Watercolor portrait canvases: after you order, reply to your order confirmation email and attach your photo (or photos) to it, along with the names or text you want printed.
- Star map canvases: no photo needed. You enter the date, time and place on the product page instead.
Our How it works page walks through each product step by step.
If there is a problem with your photo
Before anything is printed, we look at your photo. If it is blurry, too small, or the faces are too small to see, we will email you so we can sort it out together. A different photo is usually the quickest way forward, and nothing is printed until we have looked it over.
Questions? Write to us at support@keepsakenest.shop and include your order number.