Want to add a cutout to your event this summer? Whether you’re planning a birthday surprise, a hen or stag do, a wedding or a promotional display, the photo you choose makes a big difference to the finished result.
At The Cardboard Cutout Company, we turn your photos into high-quality, life-sized cardboard cutouts. You send us a picture of a loved one, celebrity, pet, colleague or even a product, and we create a sturdy, free-standing cutout that’s ready to make an impact.
We use quality materials, state-of-the-art printers and careful cutting techniques to produce cutouts that look sharp, stand up properly and feel special.
One of the questions we’re often asked is: “What kind of photo works best?” The good news is that you don’t need to be a professional photographer. A clear, well-lit image is usually enough. Still, there are a few simple things to look out for if you want the best possible result.
Pick a Clear, High-Quality Photo
The better the photo, the better the cardboard cutout will be. A sharp, clear image gives us more detail to work with, which helps us create a cleaner, more realistic final product.
Try to avoid images that are blurry, pixelated or taken from too far away. Photos saved from social media can sometimes be lower quality than the original image, so it’s always best to send us the highest-resolution version you have.
If the photo looks fuzzy on your phone or computer screen, it may also look that way (or worse!) when enlarged to life size.
That said, we understand that not every special photo is perfect. Sometimes the image you want to use is the only one you have, especially for cutouts at memorials, old family photos or funny party surprises.
If you’re unsure whether your photo will work, simply get in touch. We’re always happy to advise before you order.
Use a Full-Body Photo for a Life-Sized Cutout
For a traditional life-sized cardboard cutout, a full-body photo usually works best. This means the person or pet should be visible from head to toe, without any important parts cropped out.
If the feet, legs, hands or top of the head are missing from the image, they won’t appear on the final cutout unless extra design work is possible. A cropped photo can still be used for certain styles, such as a half-body cutout or display board, but for a realistic standing figure, full length is ideal.
For people, photos taken while standing tend to work especially well. For pets, a picture where they are sitting, standing or lying in a clear pose can create a brilliant and often very funny result.
Make Sure the Subject Is Well Lit
Lighting plays a big part in the quality of a personalised cardboard cutout. A bright, evenly lit photo will usually print better than one taken in a dark room or under harsh shadows.
Natural daylight is often the best option. A photo taken outdoors or near a window can work very well, as long as the subject is not too dark or overexposed. Try to avoid images where the face is hidden in shadow, where bright light washes out the details, or where flash has created harsh reflections.
This is particularly important for faces. A life-sized cardboard cutout should capture the person’s expression clearly, whether it’s a big smile, a funny pose or a meaningful moment.
Pick a Photo With a More Basic Background
The background of your photo does not have to be perfect, since we cut around the subject. However, a simple background can help us produce a cleaner and more accurate cutout.
Plainer walls, gardens, pavements and uncluttered rooms often work well. Busy backgrounds can make it harder to separate the person, pet or object from everything around them, especially if the colours are too similar.
For example, a dark-haired person standing in front of a dark background may be harder to cut out cleanly than someone standing in front of a light wall. A dog sitting on a patterned rug may need more care than a dog sitting on plain grass.
At The Cardboard Cutout Company, we take accuracy seriously. Unlike some companies, we don’t simply leave a rough white border around the image. We cut along the actual outline of your picture, including detailed areas where possible. A good background helps us do that even better.
Think About Hands, Hair and Finer Details
The little details often make a cardboard cutout feel more lifelike. Hair, hands, fingers, clothing edges and accessories can all affect the finished result.
If someone’s fingers are spread out, for example, we’ll aim to cut around them properly rather than leaving awkward white gaps. If the photo includes curly hair, a flowing dress, a hat, a bouquet or a musical instrument, we’ll take the time to make the cutout look as accurate as possible.
This attention to detail is one of the things we’re proud of. The only corners we cut are made of cardboard. We want your cutout to stand out for the right reasons, whether it’s being used at a party, a wedding, a memorial or a business event.
Avoid Group Photos Where Possible
Group photos can be used, but they’re not always the easiest option if you only want one person turned into a cutout. If the person you want is partly hidden behind someone else, has an arm across them or is standing very close to another person, the final shape may be affected.
A single-person photo is usually better. If you want a cutout of more than one person, that can also work well, as long as everyone is clearly visible and not too tightly overlapped.
For surprise gifts, it can be tempting to use a funny photo from a night out or holiday. These can make fantastic cutouts, but check that the whole person is visible and the image is sharp enough before sending it over.
Choose a Pose That Suits the Occasion
The best photo also depends on how the cutout will be used. A funny pose might be perfect for a stag do, hen party or birthday. A smart, professional pose might be better for a business meeting, exhibition, trade show or product launch. A warm, natural photo may be best for a memorial or anniversary.
For weddings, people often choose cutouts of loved ones who cannot be there, pets who are part of the family, or a fun celebrity guest for the dance floor. For corporate events, we can create professional cutouts and promotional stands designed to attract attention and support your brand.
Whatever the occasion, the photo should match the mood. If you want people to laugh, choose a photo with character. If you want something respectful, choose a picture that feels calm, clear and meaningful.
Don’t Worry If You Need Something Unusual
Not every order is straightforward, and that’s fine. You might want a custom message added to your cutout. You might need something for a shop display, a product launch, a themed party or a promotional campaign. You might want a pet cutout, a celebrity-style display or something completely out of the ordinary.
At The Cardboard Cutout Company, we’ve spent many years producing professional cutouts, promotional stands and cardboard displays. With over 30 years’ experience in the cardboard display industry, we know how to deliver a product that looks good, stands well and arrives when we say it will.
We keep the process simple. You send us your photo, we produce your cutout using high-end materials and precise printing and cutting methods, and we keep you informed throughout the order. We’re a family company, and we believe in dealing with customers efficiently, fairly and honestly.
Always Ask Us If You’re Not Sure!
Choosing the right photo can feel tricky, especially if the cutout is for an important occasion. But you don’t have to guess. If you’re unsure whether your image is suitable, we’re happy to help.
A good photo for a personalised cardboard cutout is usually clear, bright, high quality and shows the full subject. A simple background helps, as does a pose that suits the event. But even if your photo isn’t perfect, send it to us and we’ll let you know what’s possible.
Our promise is simple: quality cutouts, great customer service and competitive prices. Whether you’re ordering one life-sized cardboard cutout for a party or professional promotional displays for a business event, we’ll put the same care into getting it right.
Ready to Create Your Personalised Cardboard Cutout?
A unique cardboard cutout is a brilliant way to make people smile, bring someone into the room, promote a brand or create a memorable display. The right photo helps us create a cutout that looks sharp, accurate and full of personality.
Send us a photo of a loved one, celebrity, pet, colleague or character, and we’ll turn it into a high-quality, free-standing cardboard cutout with no unnecessary white border. It’s simple, personal and always memorable.