When a loved one passes away, a headstone offers family and friends a way to personalize their goodbye and allow the individual’s legacy to live on. In addition to text, you can use an image to share your loved one’s likeness. To ensure you get the best possible results, use the following three pointers.

3 Tips for Choosing a Headstone Image

1. Use a High-Resolution Image

For the clearest engraving, choose a high-resolution image (300 dpi) taken by a modern digital camera. In some cases, pictures taken by the latest smartphone edition will suffice.

If you’d rather use a printed photo, such as an old film picture from your loved one’s youth, don’t take a photo of it. Instead, use a scanner to import the photo into your computer at the highest possible resolution.

2. Consider the Background

Next, look at the image itself. The best headstone photos include the subject alone with an empty background, so their silhouette is sharply defined. Therefore, avoid images that include cluttered foregrounds. You may also want to avoid images with other people nearby, such as photos taken at parties.

If you still like the picture of your loved one in less than ideal surroundings, you can cut the background out in Photoshop or a similar editing software before sending it in.

3. Don’t Expect Adjustments

Once you submit a headstone image, the picture will be used as-is, unless the designer or manufacturer says otherwise. That’s why you need to be sure you’re satisfied with the way your loved one is portrayed. For example, if they’re not smiling, their eyes are shut, or they’re sporting a haircut they disliked, you likely won’t want to memorialize that image.

If in doubt, choose a picture you know your loved one was proud to show off.

If you’re interested in adding a photo to your loved one’s headstone, reach out to Hawaii Art Stone in Honolulu. This company serves clients throughout Oahu, designing and engraving a wide variety of headstones, tombstones, and grave markers. Whether you’re looking for a monument in glass, copper, or brass, visit the website or call (808) 744-3162 to learn more about their offerings.