How to Choose a Cover and Portrait

A candid photo beats a formal one

Often the most touching portrait isn't a stern studio photo but a candid shot: smiling, doing a favorite activity, surrounded by loved ones. Such pictures convey character, not just appearance. Choose the one where the person is truly themselves.

Quality and light

Choose a sharper, brighter shot where the face is clearly visible without heavy shadows. An old paper photo is worth scanning carefully rather than rephotographing off a screen. A sharp portrait looks good both on the page and on a printed plaque.

How to crop

A portrait where the face takes up a significant part of the frame reads best. Too wide a shot with a small face gets lost in the cover. The service will help you crop the photo, but it's better to start with a larger original.

The portrait can be changed

If a better photograph turns up over time, the portrait is easy to replace in the editor. Memory isn't static — it's added to and refined. Don't worry if the perfect shot isn't found right away.

• A candid shot conveys character.
• A sharp, bright photo without heavy shadows.
• The face large in the frame.
• The portrait is easy to change later.