High Resolution:

Most pictures taken with a digital camera or smart phone are automatically high resolution. If you are using a photo someone emailed to you or a photo created from scanning an actual paper photo, be sure to check the resolution prior to uploading.  

Proper Lighting:

The best photos are taken in well lit indirect light. The best light is during the day, either outside in light shade or indoors in a well lit room. Harsh sunlight or flash on photos may be problematic.

Eye-Level Head Shot:

Kid Photos: For best results, use a head shot. A body shot is fine so long as the child’s face is prominently featured in the photo.  Make sure the child’s entire face, including hair is visible and the child is looking directly into the camera, at eye level. Also, make sure nothing is covering the child's face or hair, such as hats or sunglasses.

Single Subject:

Teddy Bear/Blanket/Lovey Photos:  For best results, use photos of the teddy bear by itself and not a photo of the teddy being hugged or held by the child.  

Kid Photos: For best results, use photos of the child by herself.  If your favorite photo features the child with other people, please crop the photo first, check photo resolution and then upload.  

Contrasting Background:

Teddy Bear/Blanket/Lovey Photos:  Use a background that does not closely match the color of the teddy.  (Examples: a brown teddy on a white blanket is good.  A light blue plush pal on a pale blue carpet is not good.) We will remove the entire background from the photo.

Kid Photos: We remove everything except the child's head and we keep the child's face and hair.

Poses:

Teddy Bear/Blanket/Lovey Photos:  Three different poses are necessary for books starring lovies; a forward facing pose, profile pose (facing left or right) and a funny / creative pose using your imagination…but please make sure we can still see teddy’s face (if he has one).

Kid Photos: If buying the “When Madison Grows Up” book, upload 3 favorite photos of your child looking.

File Format:

We accept .jpg, .png, .bmp and .gif file formats.  Please make sure your photo image is no larger than 5000 x 5000 pixels.

Copyright Free: 

We cannot use photos protected by a copyright.  Photos of well known stuffed characters such as Mickey Mouse or Peter Rabbit are acceptable, provided it is your photo of your child’s plush pal and not an online or manufacturer’s photo.

Questions about photos?:  We’re happy to help.  Send us your photos along with questions to hello@DreamMeUp.com.