Tips and Ideas to Help You Choose the Right Obituary Photo

July 9, 2023

Chicagoland Cremation Options understand the importance of having a good photo for the obituary, so here are a few ways to choose an appropriate image. 

Losing a loved one can create a large to-do list, and it can be challenging to determine what needs to be completed first. Between scheduling the Cremation service Glenview, IL, or picking the cremation urn, it can feel overwhelming. Choosing the right image for the obituary is another task that will need to be completed, so here are some tips on picking the right photo. 


What Does a Good Photo Entail? 


You want the photo to be crisp and clear and avoid any that are out of focus or grainy. It also needs cropping so viewers can see the individual's face. A few examples of photos to avoid using are: 


Unflattering images 


  • Photos are taken from a distance 
  • Out-of-focus or granny pictures 
  • Group pictures 
  • Photos taken in poor taste 


Do You Want a Past or Current Image? 


You also need to decide if you want to use a photo from their past or one that's more current. Typically, it's better to use a more recent photo, but there may be one from the past that might feel more appropriate and expresses their personality more effectively. If you don't have many images, select the best quality from the selection. 


What is the Photo's Quality? 


The most important consideration is to pick one that's high quality. While you don't need a professional image, it should be crisp and clear. Technology now allows for photographs to be darkened or lightened and can be edited to help make the pictures clearer and resize them if needed


Where is the Photo Going to be Used? 


The photo can be used in many different places, so you want to ensure you meet each publication's specific guidelines. Most funeral homes will list obituaries on their website, and these are typically accompanied by the person's photo. If you're choosing a newspaper, there may be a charge for publishing the picture with the obituary, so understand your budget before submitting. You also may use it for the pamphlet at the services or on social media, so consider where the image will be used before submitting it. 


Are there any Submission Guidelines? 


You also will need to understand the submission guidelines before sending in the obituary. You may need to submit a digital photo of the individual; if the photo was taken from a phone or camera, this might be the easier solution. Otherwise, you can scan the image or get a copy made at an office supply store and send that to the funeral home or newspaper. 


Our Team is Here to Answer All Your Questions 


As you can see, there are a few things to consider when picking the right image for the obituary, so take your time and choose one that feels appropriate. And if you need compassionate support in planning Cremation service Glenview, IL, a team of professionals is here to assist you. We understand the pain of loss and would love to help you create a truly memorable event, so contact us today if you have any questions or need to schedule an appointment. 

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