How to Choose Photos for a Custom Bobblehead
How many photos do you need?
- Template-based bobbleheads use one uploaded photo. You choose an existing body design, and your photo guides the head.
- Fully custom, full-body bobbleheads usually work best with two photos: one clear face photo, and one full-body or outfit and pose photo. Uploading just one full-body photo is also fine, as long as a photo is uploaded.
What makes a good photo
- Unclear or blurry. Fine details like the eyes, eyebrows and mouth are hard to work from in a soft or shaky shot. A sharper photo that's slightly less flattering usually beats a blurry one you love.
- Obstructed. Hands, masks or anything else covering part of the face hides information.
- A side profile. A face looking fairly straight at the camera is much easier to read.
- Cropped at the top. If the upper half of the head isn't in the picture, the hair can't be seen.
If the hairstyle in your photo isn't the one you want
Perhaps your partner's best photo was taken last summer, but they've had a haircut since. You don't have to give up the photo. Leave a separate note when you order, or send us a photo of the hairstyle you want.
Glasses and sunglasses
Glasses and sunglasses can be made, including sunglasses with solid-color lenses. Because bobbleheads are made of clay, there's one limit: transparent, semi-transparent and gradient lenses can't be made. Only frames or solid-color lenses are possible.
If the person wears clear glasses, expect frames rather than see-through lenses. If their sunglasses have gradient lenses, a solid-color lens is the option to choose.
Choose a photo that matches the person's age
Pick a photo that looks like the person as they are now. If you're making a gift, that's usually what the recipient expects to see.
You can use an older photo if you want a nostalgic look, such as a wedding-day version or a college-era favorite. Just keep in mind that a photo of someone when they were younger may not produce their current appearance. If you want the figure to look like the person today, use a recent photo.
Template body or full-body custom?
The two types ask different things of your photo, so here is what to know for each.
Template bodies: changing the outfit and adding extras
The template body usually won't be made according to the clothes in the picture. If the person is wearing something in the photo that you'd like changed, leave a note when you place the order or send us an email.
Bases, text and accessories are optional extras, and you'll find them on every product page. Add whichever ones suit the person you're making the figure for.
Full-body custom: make sure everything shows
For a full-body custom bobblehead, the uploaded photo or photos should show every part you want made, including pants and shoes. If you don't have a photo that shows everything, leave a message in the note section when you order. Otherwise, we may need to ask you for clarification before we can start making it.
A few "if…" situations
A quick checklist before you order
- You know who the figure is of, and which version of their look you want.
- Your photo is clear, the face is unobstructed and front-facing, and the top of the head is in frame.
- The photo reflects the person's age and look as you want it shown.
- For glasses, you know that frames and solid lenses are possible, but transparent, semi-transparent or gradient lenses are not.
- For full-body custom, everything you want made is visible, including pants and shoes, or you've left a note.
- Any outfit changes or hairstyle notes are in your order note or email, and you've chosen any optional base, text or accessories on the product page.