Lockets are timeless keepsakes, allowing you to carry cherished memories close to your heart. But finding the right size photo for your locket can be tricky. This guide answers the question “Where Can I Print Locket Photos?” and provides a step-by-step process for creating perfect locket pictures, from selecting the right image to fitting it perfectly into your pendant.
Heart Shaped Locket Photos
Choosing the Perfect Photo for Your Locket
The photo inside your locket should be meaningful and visually appealing, even at a small scale. Consider these factors when selecting your image:
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Simplicity: Opt for a photo that isn’t overly busy or detailed. Small details will be lost in a miniature print. A clear, close-up portrait of a loved one, pet, or special place usually works best.
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Lighting: Choose a well-lit photo. Dark images may appear muddy or indistinct when miniaturized.
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Composition: Consider how the locket’s shape will affect the photo. A heart-shaped locket will crop the image differently than a round or oval one. Ensure the main subject remains centrally positioned after cropping.
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Image Quality: Use the highest resolution image possible. While most smartphones capture adequate resolution, ensure the image is clear and sharp for optimal printing results. Avoid using blurry or pixelated images.
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Subject Placement: Keep important elements away from the photo’s edges to prevent them from being trimmed during the sizing process. Headshots with some background are excellent choices. For two people, ensure their heads are close together. Avoid large group photos.
Photo for locket
Measuring Your Locket for Accurate Photo Sizing
Lockets come in various shapes and sizes, so there’s no standard photo size. Accurate measurement is crucial:
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Use the Provided Template: If your locket came with a paper template, measure its widest and highest points in millimeters using a ruler.
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Create Your Own Template: If no template is provided, carefully measure the locket’s photo area (the space where the picture will sit) in millimeters. Add half the width of the locket’s rim to each dimension to account for the area the photo will tuck under. Trace the shape onto graph paper and cut it out for precise trimming later. You’ll need tracing paper, a pencil, graph paper, and sharp scissors for this.
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Typical Locket Photo Size: Most locket photos range from 15mm to 25mm square (1.5cm to 2.5cm). However, always measure to confirm.
Heart shaped locket measurements
Printing Locket Photos: Online Services and Tiling
Many online photo printing services specialize in locket photos, allowing you to upload your image and specify the exact dimensions.
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Inputting Dimensions: Enter your measured width and height (in millimeters) into the online service.
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Tiling: Utilize the “tiling” feature, which prints multiple copies of your cropped image on a single print. This provides several attempts for trimming and fitting. Choose between color or black and white and a matte or gloss finish (matte often works best for lockets).
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Cropping: The online service will allow you to crop your photo within the specified dimensions. Preview the cropped image to ensure the subject is correctly framed.
Enter locket photo measurements into PostSnap
Trimming and Inserting Your Locket Photo
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Tracing and Trimming: Place your template over one of the tiled photos and carefully trace around it with a pencil. Use sharp, curved scissors (like nail scissors or embroidery scissors) to trim along the traced line. Trim small amounts at a time to avoid cutting off too much.
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Inserting the Photo: Carefully insert the trimmed photo into the locket’s photo well. Use tweezers to gently nudge the photo into place under the rim. If necessary, use a tiny dot of photo-safe glue to secure the picture.
locket photo template
Finding the perfect photo for your locket and ensuring a precise fit requires careful planning and execution. By following these steps, you can create a treasured keepsake you’ll cherish for years to come.
