Photos aren't required — many beautiful books are made from descriptions alone. But a clear reference photo can upgrade the "that's me!" moment from guesswork to gasp, especially when grandparents haven't seen the child in person recently.
What photos work best
- Face the camera, good lighting, neutral background.
- School portraits and recent birthday snaps are ideal.
- Up to three images on the request form.
- Avoid heavy filters, tiny group shots, or sunglasses-only pics.
Privacy — plain language
Photos are used only to illustrate your story. We don't sell them, advertise with them, or publish them. Story links are private. Full details in our Privacy Policy; deletion requests via contact.
Likeness vs. art style
Illustrations are art, not photocopies. We aim for recognisable likeness within the style you choose — watercolor, fairy tale, 3D cartoon, comic book, and others. A human reviewer checks proportions and awkward AI glitches before anything ships.