Executive Summary
The photograph accompanying an obituary is often the most emotionally significant element families encounter. A well-chosen, properly prepared image enhances the obituary's impact, increases viewer engagement, and helps achieve better search visibility. This guide covers photograph selection criteria, technical specifications, and optimization for maximum effectiveness across digital and print platforms.
Key Finding: Obituaries with professional-quality photographs receive 2.8x more views than those without images, according to Legacy.com data. Additionally, high-quality photographs increase family satisfaction scores by 31% and correlate with higher funeral service attendance.
Photograph Selection Criteria
Choose Recent But Representative Images
The best obituary photographs are typically 5-15 years old, depending on the deceased's age. Images should show the person as families and the community remember them—vibrant, dignified, and recognizable.
Select Professional-Quality Images
Avoid casual snapshots, group photos, or pictures where the deceased is partially obscured. Professional portraits, formal event photos, or well-composed personal photos work best.
Consider Context and Appropriateness
- Professional Context: A photo showing them at work or in their professional role
- Military Service: Uniform photo if applicable (particularly honored)
- Active Engagement: Photo showing them involved in a passion or hobby
- Traditional Portrait: Professional headshot or formal portrait
Technical Specifications for Digital Publication
Image Resolution
- Minimum: 400x400 pixels (acceptable but basic)
- Recommended: 600x800 pixels (ideal for most platforms)
- High Resolution: 1200x1600 pixels (best for newspapers and large displays)
File Format
- JPG/JPEG: Standard format, smaller file size, universal compatibility
- PNG: Better quality, supports transparency, slightly larger files
- Avoid: BMP, TIFF (incompatible with most web platforms)
File Size
- Ideal: 500KB-2MB for web use
- Maximum: 5MB (larger files slow page loading)
- Use compression tools: TinyPNG, ImageOptim to reduce size without quality loss
Image Aspect Ratio Considerations
| Aspect Ratio | Best For | Example Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| 1:1 (Square) | Social media, Legacy.com thumbnails | 600x600px |
| 4:5 (Portrait) | Website display, digital platform primary | 600x750px |
| 3:4 (Standard) | Newspaper print, formal settings | 750x1000px |
Preparing Photographs for Publication
Basic Editing Steps
- Crop appropriately: Focus on the person, remove distracting backgrounds
- Adjust brightness/contrast: Ensure the face is clearly visible and well-lit
- Correct color balance: Ensure skin tones appear natural
- Minor blemish correction: Remove obvious dust/scratches, but maintain authenticity
- Sharpen slightly: Enhance facial features without overdoing
- Resize for web: Scale to appropriate dimensions for publication platform
Professional Enhancement Options
Many funeral homes offer professional photo enhancement services:
- Colorization: Convert black and white photos to color ($50-150)
- Restoration: Repair damaged or aged photographs ($75-200)
- Professional Retouching: Significant enhancement/modernization ($100-300)
- Background Replacement: Replace distracting backgrounds ($50-150)
Pro Tip: Consider offering photo enhancement as a premium service to families. Many appreciate the opportunity to present their loved one in the best possible light, and the service generates additional revenue while increasing family satisfaction.
Mobile Optimization
Since most obituary viewing happens on mobile devices, ensure photographs display well on small screens:
- Use portrait-oriented images (taller than wide)
- Ensure sufficient contrast for small screen viewing
- Avoid very wide images that become too small on phones
- Test on mobile devices before publishing
Special Photography Scenarios
No Current Photograph Available
If families don't have a suitable photo, consider these alternatives:
- Professional headshot taken before the funeral service
- Restoration of an older photograph
- Authorization to use a published photo (yearbook, professional photo)
- A tasteful memorial graphic if no photo is available
Military Service Photographs
Military portraits deserve special consideration:
- Official service portrait (if available)
- Uniform photo from active service
- Combination image showing both civilian and military life
Multiple Photographs
Some platforms allow photo galleries:
- Primary: One professional-quality image
- Secondary: 3-5 additional images showing life stages or activities
- Family groups (if displaying multiple family members)
Copyright and Photo Rights
Ensure you have the right to publish photographs:
- Family-provided photos: Generally have implicit permission
- Professional portraits: Verify family owns rights
- Old photographs: Ensure no copyright conflicts
- Professional photographer images: Obtain written permission or license
Archiving and Record-Keeping
- Store high-resolution original files separately
- Create web-optimized versions for publication
- Document photo selection decisions in case file
- Maintain family correspondence regarding photo approval
Sacred Grounds includes photo management tools that optimize images for all publication platforms, suggest aspect ratios, and provide guidance on image quality. Ensure every obituary photograph makes the best possible impression.
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