A photograph in an obituary puts a face to a name and makes the tribute feel complete. But choosing the right photo under the pressure of grief can be harder than it sounds. This guide walks you through what to look for, what to avoid, and how to prepare an image for publication.
What Makes a Good Obituary Photo
The best obituary photos show the person looking like themselves — genuinely happy, relaxed, or engaged in something they loved. Candid shots often work better than posed portraits because they capture personality rather than formality. Look for photos where the face is clearly visible, well-lit, and filling a reasonable portion of the frame.
A recent photo is usually preferred, but not always. If your loved one was ill for a long time, a photo from five or ten years ago — one that captures them at their healthiest and most vibrant — may be more fitting than the most recent image. Ask other family members what photo feels most “like them.”
Photo Quality and Resolution
Newspapers and funeral homes typically need images at least 300 dots per inch (DPI) at the intended print size. For most obituary photos, a digital image of at least 1 megapixel will work. Blurry, pixelated, or heavily compressed images will look worse in print and should be avoided if a better option exists.
Phone photos taken in the last several years are usually sufficient quality. Older printed photos can be scanned at high resolution — most libraries and print shops offer this service if you do not have a scanner at home.
Photos That Typically Work Well
Portrait-style photos with a plain or simple background. Outdoor photos with natural light. Milestone photos — a retirement party, a family gathering, a wedding — cropped to focus on the face. Photos showing a beloved hobby, pet, or setting can add personality when a plain portrait feels too formal.
Black and white photos can be used for older images. Many funeral home websites and newspapers convert all photos to black and white automatically, so it is worth confirming with the publication how the image will appear.
What to Avoid
Avoid group photos where the deceased is not clearly identifiable. Avoid photos where the face is obscured by sunglasses, a hat brim, or heavy shadow. Avoid heavily filtered social media photos that may not resemble the person in real life.
If the only available photos are group shots, most photo editing tools can crop and enlarge a single face — but be realistic about quality. A heavily cropped image from a group photo often looks blurry when enlarged.
How to Submit the Photo
Most newspapers accept digital photos submitted by email or through an online obituary form. Confirm the file format they require — JPG is almost universally accepted. If you are submitting a printed photo, ask whether the funeral home can scan it for you, which many do as part of their services.
Submit the highest-resolution version of the image you have. Do not resize or heavily compress the photo before submission — the publication will resize it appropriately. And keep a backup copy of the original file before sending.
Worth remembering: Choose a photo that looks genuinely like the person — clear, well-lit, and showing their personality. Prioritize resolution over recency if older photos are sharper, and confirm format requirements with the newspaper or funeral home before submitting.
Common questions
How many photos can I include in an obituary?
Print newspapers typically allow one photo due to space constraints. Online obituaries on funeral home websites often allow multiple photos or even a photo gallery. Ask the funeral home what options are available.
What if we can’t find a good recent photo?
An older photo that truly captures the person is often more meaningful than a recent one taken during an illness. Ask extended family and friends — sometimes a better photo exists that the immediate family has not seen.
Can I use a photo where the person is with someone else?
Yes, if it can be cropped well without losing quality. Make sure the remaining image clearly shows the deceased’s face and that the crop does not look awkward.
Does the funeral home charge extra for including a photo?
Some newspapers charge an additional fee for photos. Funeral home websites usually include photos at no extra cost. Confirm with your specific provider when submitting the obituary.