PHOTO GUIDE FOR CUSTOM FIGURINES

A better photo creates a stronger starting point.

You do not need studio photography. For a custom figurine from a photo, you need clarity, useful detail and a moment that still feels like the person or pet you know.

A clear portrait, side reference and matching full-color custom figurine

✓ Clear light · visible outfit · useful pose

THE SIMPLE TEST

Can you recognize the important details at a glance?

If you can clearly describe the hairstyle, clothing, expression and pose from the image, it is probably a strong main reference. For pets, check that the ears, coat pattern, tail and body shape are visible.

A beautiful photo is not always a useful reference. Heavy portrait blur, dramatic darkness or a tiny subject can hide the information needed for a personalized 3D model.

Use even, natural light

Faces, coat patterns and clothing colors stay clear without harsh shadows.

Show the important details

Include the full hairstyle, outfit, pose and any accessories you want us to retain.

Choose one clear main reference

A focused image helps establish the composition. Extra references can clarify hidden details.

Avoid

Heavy filters or motion blur

Beauty filters and blur can hide the exact details that make the subject recognizable.

Avoid

Covered faces and cropped bodies

We can infer missing areas, but clear references produce a more intentional result.

Avoid

Very small subjects

If the person or pet takes up only a tiny part of the photo, details may not be recoverable.

CHOOSE BY SUBJECT

The best reference depends on what you are creating.

A portrait prioritizes the face and style. A group needs readable spacing. A pet needs body shape and markings. A milestone often depends on clothing and accessories.

Portrait

Use a chest-up or full-body photo with the face, complete hairstyle and signature outfit visible.

Best for facial cues, glasses, jewelry and a recognizable personal style.

Couple & family

Choose one image where people do not heavily overlap and each face is large enough to inspect.

Best for relative height, shared gestures and a balanced group composition.

Pet

Photograph at eye level and include the ears, chest, paws, tail and distinctive coat markings when possible.

Best for breed shape, stance, expression and personality.

Wedding & milestones

Show the clothing from head to toe and add a closer reference if the face is small in the main image.

Best for gowns, suits, uniforms, bouquets, caps, medals and meaningful accessories.

ONE MAIN PHOTO, OPTIONAL SUPPORT

Use one image for the composition.

Your main photo should establish the pose, relationship and outfit. Supporting references can clarify details that are hidden, small or out of focus.

Main referenceRequired

The image that defines the overall pose, clothing and composition.

Face close-upHelpful

A sharper view of facial cues, hairline, glasses or a pet’s expression.

Hidden detailsOptional

The back of an outfit, a pet’s tail pattern, shoes, jewelry or an important accessory.

BEFORE YOU UPLOAD

Quick photo checklist

Subject is in focus
Face or defining features are visible
Colors are not heavily filtered
Important clothing or accessories are shown
Hands and feet are included when pose matters
Group members do not heavily overlap
File is JPG, PNG, WEBP or HEIC under 10 MB
You have permission to use the image

Not sure which photo to choose?

Start with the clearest image, not necessarily the most formal one.

You can generate a preview first and keep it in Your Creations. Product options and pricing appear only after you choose a saved result.

QUESTIONS, ANSWERED

Know what to expect before you upload.

Custom work feels better when the process is clear.

Visit the help center →

We use your photo to establish the character direction, reconstruct a 3D model, refine recognizable details by hand, and prepare the structure for full-color production.

Your figurine is an artistic 3D interpretation rather than an exact miniature clone. We focus on recognizable cues such as hairstyle, clothing, expression, posture and accessories.

Yes. The InkMee team reviews every direction for production readiness — production begins right after checkout, and recognizable details are checked before the piece is made.

Choose a sharp, well-lit image with the face, hairstyle, outfit and pose visible. Avoid heavy filters, motion blur and cropped hands or feet where possible.

Choose one main image to define the pose and composition. A closer face view or a second image of hidden clothing, pet markings or accessories can help clarify important details when requested.

Choose the format that matches the number and relationship of subjects in the photo: portrait, couple, family, pet, wedding, parent and child, graduation or friends. Product options stay connected to that saved creation type.

YOUR PHOTO IS THE STARTING POINT

Make something only you could make.

Choose a person, a pet, or a moment worth bringing into the room.

Secure upload · Preview before production · Human quality review