How to Choose the Perfect Photo for a Custom Painting

You finally decided to order a custom painting—something special, something personal. But now you’re staring at your camera roll, wondering… which photo should I use?

It seems easy, but picking the wrong photo can leave you with a painting that feels “off.” Maybe the lighting is weird. Maybe the face isn’t clear. Maybe the photo just doesn’t show the moment the way you remember it.

The truth is, the photo you choose makes all the difference. It’s the starting point for your artist. A good photo can turn into a beautiful, lifelike painting. A bad one? Not so much.

We will help you choose the perfect photo—one that’s clear, meaningful, and full of life. As painter Chuck Close once said:

“The better you know what you're looking at, the better your art will be.”

Key Takeaways

• High-quality matters. Choose a clear, high-resolution photo (at least 1MB) so the artist can capture fine details accurately.

• Natural lighting is best. Soft, even light—like near a window or during golden hour—helps avoid shadows and glare.

• Keep composition in mind. Make sure the subject is fully in frame and not lost in a cluttered background.

• Expressions say everything. Go for a photo that feels natural and captures real personality—especially for pets or kids.

• Emotional connection beats perfection. A meaningful memory often makes for a more powerful painting than a flawless pose.

• Ask the artist for help. Don’t be afraid to share a few photos and get their input—they know what works best for their medium.

• Avoid common mistakes. Stay away from blurry images, bad lighting, heavy cropping, or rushed decisions without guidance.

Start with a Clear, High-Quality Photo

The number one mistake people make when ordering a custom painting? Picking a photo that’s low quality. It might look fine on your phone screen, but once it’s turned into a painting—especially a larger one—every little flaw becomes obvious.

Artists rely on your photo to see all the important details: eye color, skin texture, shadows, the shape of a smile. If the photo is pixelated, dark, or blurry, they’ll have to guess—and that means the final painting might not look the way you imagined. Here’s how to avoid that,

• Use the original photo file, not a screenshot or something saved from social media.
• Skip the filters. They can change colors and hide details, which makes the artist’s job harder.
• Check the size. A good-quality photo is usually at least 1MB (megabyte) in size.
• Zoom in. If it still looks sharp and clear up close, you’re probably safe.

It’s totally okay if you’re not a pro photographer. Most newer phones take great pictures. Just make sure the image is sharp and well-lit—and you’re already halfway there.

Pay Attention to Lighting

Good lighting can turn a simple photo into something magical—and it makes a huge difference in how your painting turns out.

The best kind of light? Natural light, especially in the morning or late afternoon when it’s soft and golden. This kind of light brings out real skin tones, soft shadows, and warm highlights that are much easier (and more beautiful) for an artist to paint. Here’s what to watch out for,

1. Avoid Harsh Midday Sunlight

Bright sunlight in the middle of the day might seem great for photos, but it often creates strong shadows and causes people to squint. This kind of lighting can make facial features look too sharp or uneven. Instead, aim for early morning or late afternoon light—it's softer and gives the photo a warm, even glow.

2. Say No to Camera Flash

Flash might help in the dark, but it rarely flatters anyone. It can create shiny spots on the skin, red eyes, or even strange-looking shadows behind the subject. Artists can’t always work around these issues, so it’s better to skip flash and go for natural light when possible.

3. Avoid Dark or Dim Lighting

Photos taken in low light might feel moody or artistic, but they often lose important details—especially in the eyes and facial features. If the subject is hard to see, the artist will have to guess what things actually look like. Clear, well-lit photos always work best.

4. Make Sure the Face Is Well Lit

Even if the rest of the photo looks great, the face needs to be the star. Watch out for glare on the skin, heavy shadows, or parts of the face being blown out by light. If you can see the eyes, smile, and skin tone clearly, you're on the right track.

Want a quick test? Look at the eyes in the photo. If you can see them clearly—and they’re not hidden in darkness or glowing like headlights—you’re probably good.

Keep the Subject Fully in Frame

Make sure no important parts are cut off—like the top of someone’s head, a pet’s paws, or part of the face. Artists can sometimes fill in missing pieces, but it’s much easier (and more accurate) when everything is visible in the original photo. A full view gives them more to work with and makes the final painting feel complete.

Centered Is Safe, Angled Can Be Interesting

A centered photo is a classic choice—it keeps the focus right where you want it. But don’t be afraid to go with a photo taken at a slight angle. A gentle tilt or side profile can add character and emotion to the final piece, especially if it feels more “you.” Just make sure the face is still clear and not hidden by hair, hands, or shadows.

Avoid Busy or Distracting Backgrounds

What’s behind you matters, too. A cluttered room or bright, patterned background can pull attention away from the subject. Unless you want the background included in the painting, it’s best to choose a photo where the setting is simple or neutral. That way, the focus stays on what really matters—you (or your pet, or your loved one).

Facial Expressions and Poses Matter

Choosing the right expression can turn a nice painting into something truly meaningful. Whether it's a person, child, or pet, the way they’re captured in the photo sets the tone for the entire artwork.

• Look for Natural, Relaxed Expressions

A forced smile or stiff pose can make even a great photo feel flat. Instead, pick a moment where the person (or pet!) looks comfortable and genuine. Maybe it’s a quiet smile, a laugh, or a thoughtful glance—anything that feels real and unposed. These kinds of expressions help the artist capture emotion and personality in the painting.

• Let the Moment Tell a Story

A photo doesn’t need to be perfect to be powerful. Sometimes, the most moving paintings come from candid shots—like a child deep in thought or someone mid-laugh. These little moments add life to the artwork and make it feel personal, not staged.

• Capture Their True Personality

If you’re choosing a photo of a pet or a child, focus on personality. Is your dog goofy and playful? Is your toddler always curious or full of energy? Go for a picture that shows who they are, not just what they look like. The more personality in the photo, the more heart in the final painting.

Choose Photos with Meaning

Not every great painting starts with a perfect photo—some start with a memory. A slightly grainy image from an old phone might hold more meaning than a studio-quality portrait, and that matters. When you’re choosing a photo, think about the feeling behind it. 

Was it a moment that made you, laugh, cry, or feel close to someone. Maybe it was your child’s first steps, your dog looking up at you on a hike, or a quiet Sunday morning with your grandparents. These moments, big or small, carry emotion—and that emotion can shine through in the painting. Artists love working with photos that tell a story, because it gives them something deeper to express on the canvas. So don’t get too caught up in chasing perfection. If a photo pulls at your heart, that’s the one to choose.

Ask Your Artist for Input

Feeling unsure about which photo to choose? You’re not alone—and the good news is, you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. Most artists are more than happy to help you decide. In fact, they want to help, because the better the photo, the better the painting. If you’re stuck between a few favorites, send them over and ask for honest feedback. Artists have a trained eye—they can spot things like poor lighting, awkward cropping, or distracting backgrounds that might be hard to paint well.

Even better, many artists can work some real magic with what you give them. They might be able to combine two photos into one. Like adding someone who wasn’t originally in the picture, changing the background, or swapping out clothing colors. They can also crop the image for better balance, or adjust the lighting to bring out details. Just make sure to talk to them before they start painting. Once the process begins, big changes can be tricky or even impossible.

And don’t be afraid to share your vision, even if it’s simple. Whether you’re going for something elegant, cozy, fun, or deeply personal, letting the artist know what you want the painting to feel like can really help. Think of your artist as your creative teammate—the more you communicate, the more beautiful and meaningful the final piece will be.

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to pick a photo that doesn’t quite work for a painting. Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for—and how to avoid them.

1. Choosing Low-Quality or Blurry Photos

That grainy screenshot might be a favorite memory, but it won’t give your artist much to work with. If the image is pixelated or lacks detail, the final painting may feel flat or less realistic. Always use the original, high-resolution version if possible.

2. Ignoring Lighting Issues

Dark shadows, harsh flash, or uneven lighting can hide facial features and change colors. These things are hard to fix with paint. Make sure the subject’s face is evenly lit and visible—natural light is almost always best.

3. Cropping Too Tightly

Photos where the top of the head or parts of the body are cut off can make it tough for an artist to create a balanced composition. Try to pick images where the subject is fully in frame and centered (or nicely angled).

4. Forgetting to Consider the Background

Busy or distracting backgrounds can pull focus away from the subject. If you don’t want the setting included in the painting, let the artist know—or choose a photo with a simple, clean backdrop.

5. Skipping the Artist Conversation

Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help choosing a photo. Some people just send an image and hope for the best—but a quick message to the artist can make a huge difference. They can help you pick the strongest option or even combine photos creatively.

Conclusion

Picking the right photo might seem like a small step—but it’s the foundation of your custom painting. When you choose a clear, well-lit image that’s full of emotion and meaning, you’re giving your artist everything they need to create something truly special. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to feel right.

Take your time, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to ask the artist for help along the way. When you match a strong photo with a talented painter, the result is more than just a picture—it’s a piece of art that holds a memory you’ll treasure for years to come.

As artist David Hockney once said:

“Art has to move you and design does not, unless it's a good design for a bus.”

Let your painting move you—and it all starts with the photo you choose.