A few simple guidelines will make a big difference in your final portrait.
Most Important
Sharp & In Focus Wins Every Time.
The single biggest factor in portrait quality is how sharp and clear your photo is. A sharp photo from any era — even a scanned old print — will produce a far better result than a blurry modern one.
✓ GOOD
Sharp, clearly focused. Eyes visible. Subject fills the frame.
✕ AVOID
Out of focus or motion blur. Details are lost and the AI cannot reconstruct them.
Facing the Camera
Looking at the Camera Produces the Best Results.
Photos where the subject is looking directly at the camera give the AI the most facial information to work with. Angled or profile shots still work, but straight-on is best.
✓ BEST
Subject facing the camera. Full face visible. Most information for the AI to work with.
~ WORKS BUT NOT IDEAL
Angled or profile shots work but may reduce likeness accuracy.
Black & White vs. Color
What Goes In Is What Comes Out.
This is intentional and it's the heart of the Portraits Impossible aesthetic.
Black & white photos → black & white subjects in your portrait.
Color photos → full color subjects in your portrait.
This contrast between eras is the signature "Through Time" look — a 1940s grandmother in silver and shadow seated beside her granddaughter in full warm color. It is not a flaw. It is the product.
If you prefer your black & white subject to appear in color, find or request a colorized version of the photo before uploading.
✓ THROUGH TIME LOOK
B&W grandmother + color granddaughter. The contrast tells the story of time.
✓ ALL COLOR
All color photos produce a full color portrait. Also beautiful.
Don't Worry About These
None of These Things Matter.
Seriously — don't let any of these stop you from using the photo you have.
✓Pose or body position
✓Background in the photo
✓Full body vs. head & shoulders
✓Photo file size
✓Indoor or outdoor
✓Formal or casual clothing
✓Old or new photo
✓Smiling or not smiling
The clearer and sharper the better — but beyond that, use whatever photo you have. That's the whole point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions & Answers.
No problem at all. Scan it if you have a scanner, or simply take a photo of it with your phone in good lighting. Hold the phone steady, make sure the photo is flat, and avoid glare. A phone photo of a physical print works perfectly well.
Right now we confidently offer two-person and three-person portraits. Expanded options with more subjects are coming in the future. One photo per person — each subject needs their own separate photo.
Easy. When you see your proof, click the "Request Changes" button and describe what you'd like in the text box — including a different background if you want one. A real human will make the change and send you an updated proof.
Yes, but a photo of just your subject alone is better. If other people are in the photo, the AI will do its best to focus on the right person — just tell us who to use in the name field when you upload. A solo photo will always give the cleanest result.
Yes. The proof you see is watermarked so you can review it first. Once you approve and complete your purchase, the final portrait delivered to you will have no watermark.
Your watermarked proof appears on screen within minutes of submitting your photos. Stay on the page — you'll see it generate in real time. We also email it to you so you have a copy.
Ready?
You Have Everything You Need.
Upload your photos and see your portrait in minutes.