Guide • 5 min read • 5 May 2026

How to choose a photo for a custom 3D statue

When making a custom 3D statue from a photo, the final likeness depends above all on one thing: the quality of the input photo. In this article, let us look at what an ideal photo is, which ones to avoid and how you can get the best results even from older family snapshots.

1. A frontal photo is the foundation

The most important photo is the one that clearly shows the face from the front. Ideally, the person is facing straight toward the camera or at a very slight angle (up to 15°). The focus should be on the face — not the whole body. The same applies to pets: the face must be visible, otherwise the 3D model will not be accurate enough.

A side shot is not required, but it greatly helps in reconstructing facial features, especially the nose, jaw and the profile of the hair. If you have the option to add one photo from the side, we always recommend it.

2. Lighting — the biggest difference

Poor lighting is the reason some photos cannot be used. Direct sunlight creates hard shadows that obscure half the face. Indoor light (LEDs, bulbs) can create uneven colors.

The best choice is diffused daylight — e.g. by a window on a cloudy day or outside in the shade. That way all the facial features are evenly lit and the perception of the 3D modeling is accurate.

3. Sharpness and resolution

The photo must be sharp and in high resolution. We recommend at least 1500 × 1500 pixels or more. Modern phones (iPhone, Samsung) capture photos of sufficient quality in a few seconds.

If you only have an old scanned photo, scan it at at least 600 dpi. From such images we can still make a beautiful 3D statue — especially for memorial statues of older family members.

What to avoid

• Selfies with a distorted face — a wide-angle lens can enlarge the nose and narrow the ears.
• Filters and face effects (Snapchat, Instagram) — the final result then looks unnatural.
• Low-resolution shots from Facebook or screenshots — Facebook and WhatsApp compress the image heavily.
• Sunglasses, masks, hats — unless they are meant to be part of the statue.

4. Background and composition

The background is not critical, because we do not use it for the 3D statue. But if the background is too dark or too busy, it can mislead us when detecting the edges of the hair and jaw. A neutral background (a light wall, blue clothing) is always helpful.

With portrait photos, also pay attention to the pose — a natural, smiling photo often works much better than a formal, official picture.

5. Special situations

Old family photos

Often people order a 3D statue from an old photo of a grandmother or grandfather. Even if the shot is black and white or has damage, send it to us anyway. With digital processing we can often solve what seems impossible. See an example in our gallery, where we show comparisons of photos and finished statues.

Pets

With dogs and cats it is especially important that the face is centered and there is no movement. Some dog faces have distinctive features (e.g. a pug, a bulldog) and are ideal for 3D printing.

Children

For children we recommend several photos from different angles, because they move quickly. From the largest selection we will choose the one that gives the best result.

Summary — checklist

Before sending a photo, check the following:

1. The face is clearly visible and sharp.
2. The shot was taken in natural light.
3. There are no filters, sunglasses or headwear.
4. The resolution is at least 1500 × 1500 pixels.
5. If possible, you also have one photo from the side.

Still have questions? Send us a photo and we will tell you whether it is suitable — before payment, with no obligation.