Photo Requirements

Photo Requirements

Please ensure your photos meet our requirements before proceeding to checkout. The quality of your artwork is greatly determined by the quality of the photo you provide.

---

Digital Camera Images
Minimum image resolution should be 1152 x 864 pixels (16 x 12 at 72 dpi). Images with resolution lower than this cannot be used--simply do not send them. Tip: Low resolution digital camera images typically use under 200kb in disc space. A high res. file will usually use 1mb or more.

Do not crop or edit in any way the digital images you send us. To achieve the best quality, it is essential that we are given the original unedited and unresized digital camera images. If your photos aren't already in .jpg format, please save your images in this file format (save-as command in your image editor) at the highest quality possible (low compression).

---

Photo Mosaic
We suggest using a photo that has a clear focal point and does not have a lot of things going on in the foreground and background for your primary photo. We can use as many or as little photos you want to supply us; however, the more photos you have the less repetition you will have on each photo.

---

Professional photos
Professionally taken photos must be accompanied by a copyright release form signed by your photographer. Click here for a form you can print out.

---

Scanning Prints
We will gladly scan your prints for you for a charge of 49¢ per photo if you wish. If you scan your prints yourself, please use the requirements below:

Scan your prints at 300 dpi, scaled at 100%. Many scanner's default setting is 150 dpi. Make sure to check this and scan your prints at 300 dpi instead (read your scanner's help file if you do not know how to change the scanning dpi). If your scans are not at 400 dpi or greater simply do not send them.

Do not crop or edit your scans in any way. To achieve the best quality, it is essential that we are given the original unedited scan of your image. Scan only your photos--not the entire scanning bed.

Save your images as a .jpg file at the highest quality possible (low compression).

If your scans don't look right on your monitor, chances are they won't look right once printed either. If you're having a hard time getting a good quality scan or are just unsure about the process, please just mail us your original prints. Mailing instructions are below.

---

Mailing Original Prints
Cutting your prints will not be necessary. All cropping and photo retouching is done electronically.
We like to work with 4x6 or 5x7 inch prints. Wallet sized photos can only be used for inset photos--not the main photo.

Kodak Picture Maker reproductions of your prints--these do not reproduce well. Submit only original photos.
Negatives, Polaroid's, and ink jet prints. These cannot be used.

Mail your prints to:
Anything Photos, LLC, 2281 Spring Sound Lane, Buford, GA 30519
Mention your name, order number, and your main photo choice.
Prints are always handled with care and shipped back to you in same condition with your finished order.

---

Tips for taking better photos

Zoom in. Fill the viewfinder with the subject. A combination of close-ups and full body shots with different expressions create interest and variety.

Wear colorful clothing. White or very light colored clothing will tend to wash out the face.

Pets: Take photo outside, natural light is always best but try to avoid any harsh shadows. Your pet's eyes are a crucial part of the artwork. They are what bring personality and realism to the artwork. The photo provided should show their eyes clearly with accurate color. Get down to the animal's eye level and do not have the sun behind them.

Baby announcements/birthday invitations: Light colored backgrounds are the best. Please avoid black or very dark backgrounds (especially behind the head).

Baby announcements: Lay baby on a light colored blanket, but don't cover up arms and legs. A swaddled up baby with only her head poking out makes for boring photo. Show off those sweet little hands and feet.

Baby announcements: Newborns less than two weeks old tend to have very flushed and red faces. You'll get better results once baby is about one month old and their skin settles into a more natural color.

Use natural light. Take photos outside or pose near a sunny window. Sunset is a great time to get a warm, vibrant glow on your subject. Avoid taking photos indoors at night with your flash--this can create harsh shadows and unnatural skin tones. Natural light is always best.

Digital cameras: Always take photos at the highest resolution setting your camera allows. You just never know when you'll capture that perfect expression. Don't worry about using up disc space. Unwanted images can easily be deleted.