What photo makes the best portrait?

The portrait is only ever as good as the photo it's traced from. The good news: you almost certainly already have a photo that works. Here's how to spot it.

Good light beats a good camera

A phone photo in soft, even light will always trace better than a sharp photo with harsh shadows. Window light, overcast days, and golden hour are your friends. Avoid strong backlighting that turns faces into silhouettes.

Faces visible, not hidden

We keep pose, hair and outfit, but the face needs to be readable to render it well — even in the faceless style, where the head shape still matters. Front-facing or a slight three-quarter angle is ideal. Sunglasses, deep shadow, or a hand across the face make it harder.

Frame for the crop you want

Leave a little room around the subject. You'll crop to portrait, landscape or square later, so a photo with some breathing space gives you options. A tightly cropped photo locks you in.

A quick checklist

• Clear, in-focus subject
• Soft, even lighting
• Faces visible and not heavily covered
• A little space around the edges
• Resolution high enough that it isn't blurry up close

It works for people and pets

The same rules apply whether it's a couple, the whole family, or your pet. Eye-level shots of pets, taken in daylight, trace beautifully.

When in doubt, upload it and look — the free preview tells you in about 30 seconds whether the photo sings. If it doesn't, try another and compare.