How to Choose a Photo for a Personalised Paint by Numbers Kit

Some photos look lovely on a phone but make a tricky paint by numbers canvas. The best choice isn't always the most polished shot. It's the one where you can see your subject clearly, the light is even and the important details won't disappear once the image becomes numbered shapes.

Whether you're painting a pet, a person or a favourite moment, use this guide to choose a photo you'll enjoy working on.

Start with a clear, high-resolution photo

Zoom in on the face or main subject. If the details still look sharp, you're off to a good start. Aim for an image of at least 1000 x 1000 pixels. A small screenshot or a blurry image may look fine at thumbnail size but leaves less detail to work with on a canvas -Not sure about your image, Whatsapp us and we will check before you order.

Let the subject fill the frame

The closer-up the better! rather than a photo taken from across the room. As a guide, your subject should fill around 70% of the picture. For portraits, a close photo with visible facial features usually works better than a full-body shot with lots of background. The same goes for pets: make those eyes and markings easy to see.

For the canvas shape, aim for a 4:5 ratio for a portrait image or 5:4 for a landscape image. Check that cropping won't cut off ears, hair or another detail you want to keep.

Look for soft, even lighting

A well-lit photo helps the shapes and colours read clearly. Try to avoid strong light behind your subject, heavy shadows across a face and colour filters that change how skin or fur looks. Natural, even light is a solid choice.

Keep the background simple

A busy background can compete with the part you actually want to paint. If you're choosing between two similar photos, pick the one where the person or pet stands out clearly. Leave a little space around the subject so the composition has room to breathe.

Which canvas size should you choose?

Our 40x50cm personalised paint by numbers kit is the smaller option. If you'd like a larger canvas, see the 60x75cm personalised kit. Both let you turn your chosen photo into a painting you make yourself. You can compare the options in our personalised paint by numbers collection.

Before you order

Pick the clearest version of your photo, check the crop and read the photo guidelines on the product page. Personalised kits are custom-made in monthly batches, so check the current production and delivery details before ordering, especially if you're planning a gift for a particular date.

Got two possible photos? Zoom in on each one and choose the image with the clearer subject and more even light. That's usually the one you'll be happiest to paint.