10 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Photo for a Memorial Card
10 Tips on How to Choose the Perfect Photo
for a Memorial Card
Choosing a photograph for a memorial card is often one of the most emotional parts of the process. Sitting with old photos can stir a mix of comfort and sadness, but it can also be a quiet way of keeping someone’s memory alive — sharing stories, remembering small moments, and reconnecting with who they were.
I’m reminded me of a winter afternoon in Wexford, gathered around the fire as cousins visited from the UK with an old suitcase filled with photographs. We would slowly pore over images of our mother’s childhood, growing up in a small townhouse in the 1950s - passing each photograph from hand to hand, taking our time with each one. There was laughter too, as funny stories surfaced and small details sparked memories of mischief, friendships and long-forgotten moments from those early years. We tried to figure out who everyone was, neighbours, school friends, familiar faces whose names were half-remembered - piecing together a wider picture of life as it once was.
Their own mother had died far too young, in her forties. She had grown up in Wexford before moving to London to work as a nurse and raise her family, yet she always longed for home and for Ireland. As we talked, the photographs opened the door to sharing our own precious memories of each other’s mothers over the years, the kindnesses, the quirks, the everyday moments that stayed with us. In that way, the photographs became more than images; they were her story, her roots, and the life she carried with her.
When it comes to memorial cards, the “perfect” photo is rarely about technical perfection. It’s about recognition, warmth, and choosing an image that feels true to the person you are remembering. While there are no hard and fast rules, the following tips are here to gently guide you through the process and help you feel more confident in choosing a photograph that honours your loved one.
While there are no hard and fast rules, here are some tips to help you choose the best photo for a memorial card.
1. You can choose an informal photo of your loved one, mostly it’s the casual snaps of a moment that evoke the happiest memories.
2. It doesn’t have to be perfect - many of the old printed photographs have a certain vintage quality to them which can look really well in a collage to show the story of the stages of
someones life.
3. Ideally select a high resolution scan of a printed photo or the original digital version and send it to us we can judge it from there. Low-resolution images may appear pixelated or blurry, detracting from the overall quality of the card. Usually a screenshot from a photo is not good enough quality for print. We need to get the best quality version to ensure clarity and sharpness when printed.
4. With a decent camera on your phone and a steady hand a copy of a photograph can be taken in bright well lit area but not direct sunlight. Try placing the photo on a kitchen counter top or table near a window and take it straight from above ensuring there are no shadows on the photo.
5. Opt for photos taken in natural light to ensure a clear and vibrant image. Avoid using photos taken in dimly lit settings as they may not reproduce well on the memorial card. Blurry or out-of-focus images will appear unclear when printed.
6. Avoid busy backgrounds - try using photos with simple and uncluttered backgrounds to keep the focus on the person. Alternatively backgrounds can be blended and blurred carefully in photoshop by us.
7. We can enhance photographs using professional editing software like photoshop. Adjusting the brightness, contrast, and colour levels can help improve the overall quality of an image.
8. If you can provide an uncropped version of the photo. We will ensure to frame the subject with care to create a balanced and aesthetically pleasing image.
9. Consider using black and white photos which can evoke a sense of timelessness and elegance. If the colour quality of the original photo is poor, converting it to black and white can be a stylish alternative.
10. Seek feedback from family members or friends. They may offer valuable insights or preferences that can help you make the best choice.
If you have a photo that you are not sure about
using send it to us and we’ll advise you
- photos@rememberme.rip
