The result of the carving is directly related to the quality of the image!

Image is from a digital camera:

If the image you submit is from a digital camera, try to send us the original file from the camera. That would be the best quality file we can get. If you need it cropped in a certain way, just let us know.

Image is from an email attachment or online photo album:

Most images that come from this source are compressed in order to make the file size smaller for quicker display. The compression will, most of the time, compromise the quality of the file. If that is the only file you have, please feel free to send it to us and we will let you know if it is good enough.

Image is from a print:

Mailing it to us:
You are always welcome to send us the print by mail. Make sure to pack it properly between 2 pieces of cardboard or in a hard cover envelope. We also advice to write on the outside "Do not Fold" or something similar. When sending your order by mail, please print out our order form. If you have already ordered online and are just sending the photo, please make sure to include a print of the email invoice or at least your order number and contact information.
Scanning the photo:
If you are hesitant to mail the photo or have a scanner and prefer to get the image to us faster, you may scan the photo on a flat bed scanner and upload image file to us online.
Different scanners come with different settings and software. In general, what we are looking for in scanned pictures is:
Recommended Scanning settings:
1. Resolution at a minimum of 300dpi (if you are ordering a bigger piece 600dpi would be even better).
2.Color Definition at the highest (1million colors is good).
3. Make sure other filters on your scanning software do not alter the picture. For example, if you have a "sharpen" filter, turn it to "none".
4.When saving the file do NOT compress the file. Save at the highest quality.

General information on quality:

Each picture is defined by pixels. If the resolution is low, the amount of pixels will be too small to properly define the picture. It might seem good when it is small but when enlarged to the size we work with the picture will seem very "choppy".

Sample for Low resolution image
Good Quality Image	Low Resolution Image	Low Resolution image enlarged to workable size

Another typical quality issue is that many times when saving a picture or changing it in an image editing software (photoshop, etc.) the image looses it's quality.

Sample for file compressed while saving
Good Quality Image	Quality image compressed at saving

Images for Night Lights:

Because of the Night Light size we recommend close-up picture and having no more then 2-3 subjects in the picture. Detailed Night Lights may not look nice up-close but will be nice from a foot away and more.