Not everyone has access to a quality DSLR camera and a zoom lens. If you do, your action shots will make great cards. But we can still make great cards with photos taken from a phone camera.

There are a few things to understand, that will help you take better photos, and in turn, help us make you better cards.

Cropping

Feel free to crop your photos, but avoid cropping too tightly. Leaving some space around the subject gives us more flexibility during the design process.

Resolution & Quality

Higher resolution is better, but there’s no need for massive file sizes. A minimum of 1500 pixels wide or high is recommended.

Smaller images can be used, but they may not print as clearly.

Avoid using images saved from Facebook, as they are often compressed and reduced in quality.

Taking Photos with a Phone

Phone photos work well for trading cards! Here are some tips to ensure the best results:

Camera Positioning:

Avoid standing at adult height when photographing a young child. This can distort proportions due to the wide-angle lens.

Instead, stand back from the subject and select Portrait Mode on your phone's camera. Keep the camera parallel to the subject at chest height for a natural look.

Framing & Background:

Fill the frame with the subject, but leave some margin around them.

Choose a simple, clean background—avoid walls, club logos, or cluttered areas.

If possible, create space between the subject and the background. Portrait Mode will blur the background, making the subject stand out.

Lighting Matters:

Soft, even lighting is best—such as a cloudy day or shaded area.

Avoid harsh sunlight, as it can create strong shadows on the face.

By following these tips, you’ll get high-quality photos that look fantastic on your custom trading cards!