Your image must be at least 1 Mega-pixel in size (1200 x 800 dots).
Please note that photo CD images are typically too low in resolution (typically 640 x 480 dots). On your camera, use the highest Mega-pixel setting and send a high quality, jpeg image. Try using the ISO 200 (or lower) setting.

If you must scan in your photograph, please be sure and scan the image at 300 dpi resolution. For best results, we recommend digital images. Remember that we must have a copyright release for professional photographs.

Remember that the key to successful photographs is adequate lighting. It is always best to take outdoor photographs in the early morning or late afternoon, rather than in the harsh sun of midday. Position the source of light over and to the side of the subject you are photographing. Try to refrain from using flash if there is better, more natural lighting available.

If photographing a newborn, wait to take your announcement pictures until he/she is at least one week old. 

Dress your subject in a solid color, preferably black or white (something with a lot of contrast), or if you are photographing a graduate, in his/her cap and gown (if desired). If your subject is a baby, even consider  photographing sans clothing!

For babies, photograph them on a solid background such as a blanket or a sheet.  Take pictures from several different poses, such as lying tummy-down on a pillow (covered with same background material) or propped up in a sitting position on the couch.  Or even cover the bouncy seat or infant carrier with the background material and place the baby there!  If you are using an announcement with more than one image, try taking pictures of different expressions, different body parts (mouth, eyes, hands, feet).  Make sure you get close shots of their face, remembering not to cut any of their face out!  Perfect Pixels will crop your images as needed.

For graduation or engagement pictures, take your subject(s) to a local park in the late afternoon.  The light is best at that time of day.  Depending on what you want, either focus on their upper body or their entire body.  Be mindful of what is in the background (try to pose them in front of some trees, rocks, or bushes).  Have them stand in several different poses.  For grads, take some serious picture and some smiling pictures.  They can lie on the grass with their arms crossed or their hands up under their chins.  They can stand behind a tree leaning to the side.  For an engaged or married couple, have them walk toward or away from you, hand in hand, looking at each other.  Or have them sit in the grass with each of their legs facing a different way.  Remember not to have too much background showing!

Take as many pictures as you feel you need to get those few that you will love.  We suggest taking at least one roll of film or as many as it takes, digitally.  Remember, these picture mark a milestone so it is important to get the perfect picture!  You may even want to take two or three rolls to be safe.