One little photo.
A world of wonder.
A clear, natural picture helps us capture the details that make your child familiar. A favorite everyday photo is a lovely place to start.
Find the right photoGet help
Let their little details shine.
Find a bright spot.
Choose soft daylight, such as near a window. Keep the light in front of your child, rather than behind them, so their face is easy to see.
Keep their face clear.
A front-facing photo or a gentle turn works well. Include their whole head and hair, with enough room around the face.
Keep it natural.
A relaxed smile or everyday expression is perfect. Choose a photo that looks like the child you know, without beauty filters or face effects.
Easy to see. Easy to recognize.
Choose a photo with…
- One child clearly visible.
- Sharp eyes and facial details.
- Natural skin and hair colors.
- A recent, recognizable appearance.
- The original image, when available.
Try another photo if…
- The face is blurry, tiny, or heavily shadowed.
- Sunglasses, hands, or objects cover the face.
- The head or hair is cropped out.
- A filter changes facial features.
- Several faces make the intended child unclear.
A little room around their face.
Include the whole head and hair.
Keep the eyes, cheeks, and smile visible.
An everyday photo can be enough.
A clear phone photo is a good starting point. Avoid screenshots of photos when you have the original, and check that the face still looks sharp when you zoom in.
Use a picture you have permission to share. Choose an ordinary, fully clothed photo, and keep documents, addresses, school details, and other private information out of the frame.
A personal photo deserves care.
Your child’s photo provides a visual reference for their illustrated character. The finished artwork is a creative interpretation, so it may not reproduce every detail exactly.
For information about how personal information is collected, used, and handled, read our privacy policy. Contact us if you have questions about a photo you have submitted.
Read our privacy policyAsk a photo questionBefore you choose their picture.
Does it have to be a professional photograph?
No. A well-lit, sharp phone photo can show the details needed for an illustration. Clarity matters more than a studio background.
Can my child wear their everyday glasses?
If glasses are part of their everyday appearance, choose a clear photo with minimal glare so the eyes remain visible. Avoid tinted lenses or sunglasses that hide their features.
Which file should I upload?
Choose the clearest original photo you have, and follow the file type and size requirements shown in the product’s upload field. If a file is not accepted, contact us for help.
Can I change a photo after ordering?
Contact us with your order number as soon as possible. We can check the order’s progress and tell you whether a change is still possible.
Will the illustrated character look exactly like the photo?
The photo guides the character’s appearance, while the illustration follows the story’s artistic style. You should expect a storybook interpretation rather than an exact photographic copy.
Their adventure starts with them.
Choose a story world, pick a favorite photo, and begin making a book with your little hero at its heart.
Explore our booksRead a sample first