How to capture
the perfect silhouette
How to capture
the perfect silhouette
the perfect silhouette
HOW TO TAKE YOUR PHOTOS
Each art piece is hand-drawn by me to ensure the details of your cameo match your child or pet's photo perfectly! I pour my soul into drawing the curls, the button nose, the baby hairs, and other features to highlight the nuances that are unique to your little one, so that you can have a special art piece that will forever capture them at this precious age!
When drawing your silhouette, it's very important that the photo(s) sent are representative of the child or pet. This means that the facial features (particularly the mouth) and hair should look as you'd like for it to look in the silhouette.
STEP 1: GET AT EYE LEVEL
Take your photo in a relaxed setting, such as your home. The background doesn't have to be a blank wall in order to draw your cameo! Instead, focus on finding a distraction that will keep your subject's attention for a few seconds at a time.
Sit on the floor or on the couch next to your child or pet, and get your camera ready!
STEP 2: HAVE THEM LOOK STRAIGHT AHEAD
with a closed or relaxed mouth (no smiles, please!) The photos will need to be taken directly from the side with only one eye/cheek showing. For helpful tips and tricks for each age, read below!
STEP 3: DOUBLE CHECK YOUR PHOTOS
to make sure they reflect your child or pet accurately. Hair should reflect how you'd like the silhouette to appear in your cameo. While I would love to be able to "make up" a new hairstyle for your child, I want each cameo to be an authentic representation of them.
*I'm happy to add or remove accessories such as bows, or "clean up" stray hairs (although a few strays do add character!) Please give request at time of order.
Newborn Silhouette
If you're ordering a cameo for a baby that cannot sit or hold their head up, you can lay your baby on your chest with their head facing directly left or right, or capture them in their crib while their head is turned (naps are the perfect time to capture their sweet, relaxed features!)
The background does not have to be blank in these photos, but all facial features and the full head do need to be showing.
*Notice in the picture that while her hands are by her face, you can still see a clear nose outline and her full head shape is visible.
Older Babies & Children
While older children may be easier to direct for silhouette photos, babies or squirmy toddlers may be a little more tricky to capture. For these photos, don't worry about sitting them in front of a blank wall! Instead, focus on finding a distraction that will keep your subject's attention for a few seconds at a time (I can easily draw a cameo even if there is a distracting background!)
For older children, follow the requirements above for the perfect photo. For babies that cannot be directed, I recommend turning on the tv or placing a light up toy in front of them to hold their gaze. This will typically also help to relax the mouth into a natural position. You can also take a video and screenshot if your babe is on the move!
Pet Silhouette
Treats highly encouraged while taking your pets’ silhouette photos! For best results, the photo will follow all of the guidelines listed above (eye level, taken perfectly from the side, with face looking straight forward). Two people may be helpful to capture untrained pets- one to capture the photo while the other uses a treat or squeaky toy to capture their attention and get their head in the perfect position.
