Photo tips

A good print starts with a clear photo. These tips take a minute to read and make a real difference to the result.

For every photo

  • A photo straight from any recent phone is big enough for every size we sell.
  • Uploads can be JPEG, PNG, WebP or HEIC, up to 30 MB. The shorter side must be at least 800 pixels.
  • Use your phone's standard photo setting. RAW files are much larger and aren't needed.
  • Only use a photo you took yourself, or one you have permission to use. If a professional took it, ask them first.
  • You see a preview before you pay. Nothing is printed until you've approved it.

A place, a street or a view

  • Take it in daylight. Overcast days are fine; strong low sun leaves deep shadows that hide detail.
  • Stand back far enough to get the whole building or view in, with a little sky above it.
  • Hold the phone level. Tilting it up makes buildings lean back.
  • Wait for a gap in the traffic. Cars, vans and people in front of the building get drawn too.
  • We redraw what's in your photo, and we never add buildings that aren't there. If something matters, make sure it's in the picture.

Your home

  • Photograph the whole front of the house, with the roof and front door in view.
  • Face it straight on, from across the road if you can.
  • Avoid cars, bins or trees covering the windows and door.

Pets

  • Get down to their eye level and photograph them in daylight.
  • Keep their eyes, ears and markings in view, with nothing covering their face.
  • Skip filters and screenshots: the original photo from your camera roll works best.

A child's drawing or painting

  • Scan it, or photograph it straight on in even daylight, with no shadow of your phone across it.
  • Fill the picture with the paper, and keep all four edges in view.
  • We print their artwork as it is. We don't redraw it.

A photo printed as it is

  • Without a style, the photo is printed exactly as it is, so sharpness matters most here.
  • Use the original from your phone or camera, not a copy from a messaging app or social media. Those are shrunk and compressed.
  • If a size would look soft, the maker tells you before you buy, and you can choose a smaller one.

Not sure about your photo?

Upload it anyway. The preview shows you the result before you pay, and the maker warns you if a size would print soft. Still unsure? Email hello@herelooksgood.com and we’ll take a look.

Make a poster from your photo →