Before and after comparison showing a smiling golden retriever photo on the left and the completed custom paint by numbers canvas of the same dog on the right, highlighting the transformation into artwork.

How to Choose the Perfect Photo for Your Custom Kit: An Artist's Advice

Article Summary

This expert guide, written by founder William Murdock, provides the definitive checklist for choosing the perfect photo for a custom paint by numbers kit. It addresses the most common customer pain point, photo uncertainty, by breaking down the three keys to a successful result: lighting, composition, and resolution. This is the ultimate resource for ensuring your cherished memory becomes a beautiful masterpiece.

A custom paint by numbers kit is a partnership. You provide the memory, and we provide the artistry to turn it into a masterpiece. The single most important part of that partnership is the photo you choose. A great photo is the blueprint for a great painting.

As the founder of Paint On Numbers, I've personally reviewed thousands of customer photos. I've seen what works, what doesn't, and what simple choices can make the difference between a good result and a breathtaking one. This guide contains our definitive, expert advice for selecting the perfect photo.

The 3 Keys to a Perfect Photo

For the best possible result, your photo should have three key qualities. We've compiled them into a simple checklist to guide you.

An infographic showing the Do's and Don'ts for choosing a custom kit photo, covering lighting, focus, and resolution.

1. Lighting: Bright and Clear is Non-Negotiable

Good lighting is the most critical element. The details our artists need to create your design are found in the light.

  • Do: Choose a photo taken in bright, natural daylight. The light should be hitting the front of your subject, illuminating their features.
  • Don't: Avoid photos that are dark, blurry, backlit (where the main light source is behind your subject), or have harsh, distracting shadows across the face.

2. Composition: Close-Ups Create the Best Portraits

The best portraits, whether of people or pets, are focused on the subject.

  • Do: Use a close-up shot where the subject's head and shoulders take up a significant portion of the frame. 1-4 subjects is ideal for a clear and detailed result.
  • Don't: Avoid distant shots with busy, cluttered backgrounds. The more background our artists have to interpret, the less detail can be focused on your main subject.

3. Resolution: Use the Original File

The quality of the file you send us matters immensely.

  • Do: Always upload the original, full-size image file directly from your smartphone or camera.
  • Don't: Never use a screenshot or a photo you've saved from social media. These files are heavily compressed and lose the crucial detail our artists need to create a masterpiece.

Our Artisan Design Process: A Final Check

Remember, every photo submitted for a Custom Kit is reviewed by a real human artist. If we notice any quality issues with your photo that would prevent a beautiful result, we will contact you immediately via email before we proceed. Your satisfaction is our top priority.

William Murdock, Founder & Creative Head of Paint On Numbers

About the Author

This guide was written by William Murdock. As a designer, William has reviewed thousands of photos and is passionate about helping customers choose the perfect image to create a cherished, one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

Ready to Turn Your Photo into Art?

Now that you have the expert knowledge to choose the perfect photo, you're ready to create a truly meaningful gift. Start your one-of-a-kind project today.

Create Your Custom Kit
Back to blog