How to choose the best photo for a personalised children’s book
The photo you choose is the single biggest thing that makes your child look like themselves in the book. Good news: a normal photo from your phone is all you need.
What works best
- Face clearly visible, looking roughly towards the camera.
- Good, soft light, like daylight from a window. Avoid strong shadows across the face.
- A recent photo, so the painting matches how they look now.
- Their usual hair and glasses. If they always wear glasses, keep them on.
- A natural smile tends to give the friendliest character.
What to avoid
- Sunglasses, hats or hoods that hide the hair.
- Very blurry photos, or ones taken from far away.
- Heavy filters or face effects from social media apps.
- Photos where something covers part of the face, like a hand or a dummy.
Group photos are fine
If your favourite photo has other people in it, just tap your child’s face when you add it and we will paint the right person. For someone remembered, where you may only have older or group photos, you can add up to three photos to help us get it right.
Not quite right?
You see the painted character before anything else, and you can choose between versions or try a different photo. You also see the first pages before you pay.
What happens to the photo
Your photo is only used to paint your book and is deleted automatically within 7 days. You can read more on our privacy page.
Books in this post
The Unicorn Who Made Grey Rainbows
Clementine's first rainbow keeps coming out grey. Your child knows the secret: sometimes you have to stop trying so hard, and jump in a puddle.
The Shoes That Wouldn't Stop Dancing
A pair of magic ballet shoes dance your child all over town, past the bakery, through the park, and onto the stage. For anyone with a wobbly tummy before a show.
The Night the Diggers Woke Up
When the building site wakes up at night, the machines need someone in charge. There's a crane who is scared of heights.