Tips for Choosing an Obituary Photo

Obituary Photo

You may want to consider the era of the deceased before selecting an obituary photo. While a recent family photo may be appropriate, you can choose an older one to display the dead’s most memorable moments. Your loved one’s end-of-life instructions can help you decide which photo is appropriate. An obituary may have enough space for both a current and past photo.

Avoid group photos

When choosing an obituary photo, consider the purpose of the photograph. Unlike a family photo, an obituary photo should show the face of the deceased person, not a group of people. Because of this, avoid group photos. This type of image will not do your loved one justice. It also may be distorted or cropped unintentionally. For this reason, it is advisable to avoid group photos in obituaries, just like in Minneapolis Star tribune obituaries.

While group photos are lovely, they will make the reader confused. Instead, choose an individual portrait. It will be much easier for readers to identify the deceased person if the photo shows the person’s personality. If possible, select an image that shows the person smiling or laughing. A picture of the dead with a gun is also inappropriate. The photo should not disturb the family’s grieving process.

If the deceased had a large family, the photograph focuses on the dead. While a group photo with the entire family may be the best choice for a memorial, it is not suitable for an obituary photo. Instead, try cropping the image to show only the deceased. Otherwise, the picture may appear distorted and out of focus. In either case, make sure to use the dead’s photo in the obituary.

Avoid using a recent photo.

It’s best to avoid using a recent photo in the obituary because it may not be identifiable to readers. People scan obituaries each morning, and some even plan to attend a funeral service in Manchester, NJ. Therefore, using a high-resolution headshot is essential so that readers can quickly identify the deceased. Also, avoid using group photographs. The group photo may not be well-known to readers, and it might be hard for them to recognize the dead from it.

Another option is to use a picture from the deceased’s archive. You might be able to find a photo in an old album, or you might have plenty of time to spend looking for a photo. You may want to scour your phone’s camera roll and recently downloaded pictures, or you can dig through old albums to find a suitable photograph for the obituary.

A recent photo is not always suitable for an obituary, either. The publication might prefer a more traditional image, but a current picture is also acceptable. A recent photo can show personality, but most people choose a shot from the last few years. Also, a recent photo is not the most flattering option, especially if it was taken recently. Finally, a recent photograph can make a family member feel awkward and embarrassed.

Avoid using a photo that shows off a loved one’s personality.

When selecting a photograph for your obituary, choose a photo that best represents your loved one. Using an image highlighting your loved one’s personality will make your readers laugh and remember you fondly. When choosing a photo, read the publication’s guidelines, so you don’t get an image-free announcement.

If your loved one’s favorite hobby is shown in the photo, try to find a more neutral picture to use. You’ll likely have to compromise on the quality of a photo taken during your loved one’s life, but it will be a lasting memory. In addition, it will help show the person’s personality-less dramatically, making the reading of your obituary more meaningful.

When choosing an obituary photo, make sure the image focuses on the deceased person, not the people around them. For example, while an old family photo might look good, it doesn’t show the person’s personality well. So instead, select an image that shows the deceased person alone. Alternatively, crop the photo so that the person’s face is the only focus of the picture.