Blog Layout

4 Tips for Choosing the Best Photo for a Headstone

McGee Monument Co., Inc • November 29, 2022

Headstones have come a long way over the years. Today, modern technologies allow for elaborate memorials that can help pay tribute to your loved ones. While adding a quote and a short description of their lives is recommended, pictures can personalize a headstone and leave a lasting memory of those who passed. To help you choose the best picture, consider the following tips. 

How to Select a Photograph for a Headstone

1. Choose Etching or Engraving

There are several ways you can add photos to memorials. Two of the most popular options are etching and engraving. Etching involves digging into the stone or granite using either a laser or a diamond-etching machine. Engraving also involves cutting into the surface. As technology has improved, both options have produced great results. You can also add a porcelain image to your headstone if you want to include colors or more details.

2. Pick a High-Resolution Photo

Using high-resolution pictures is an absolute must when you get something etched or engraved on a headstone. This will help make sure that the details are captured and the image is replicated properly. Avoid photos that have been downloaded from social media, as this often decreases their quality and can make it difficult to process them into a clear image.

3. Avoid Cropped Pictures

The picture that you choose for your headstone needs to be exactly what you want to be displayed. This means anything that is cropped may not come out well, as it can be difficult, if not impossible, to fill in the missing parts. The best option is to find an alternative photo that hasn't been altered in the past. This will give you the best results for memorials.

4. Double Check the Background 

Finally, always double-check the background of your pictures before choosing them for memorials. You should try to use pictures that have clear backgrounds without any added clutter. Too much going on can detract from the main image and create more of a muddled appearance. You can always ask about the quality of your picture and the background before getting it engraved. 

If you need help choosing the right picture for your memorials, turn to the professionals at McGee Monument. With six locations in Arkansas, including Russellville, Clinton, Atkins, Dardanelle, Danville, and Conway, they're available to help you find the perfect headstone and details for your loved one. They also carry a large selection of grave markers and can help you create a tastefully designed monument that pays tribute to your loved one. Their family-owned company has been serving communities since 1901 and is committed to delivering high-quality headstones that last for years. To learn more about their offerings, visit their website or call (800) 750-0177 to get started today.

isolated granite tombstone with flowers | McGee Monument | Mountain View, AR
March 25, 2025
Discover how custom headstones in Mountain View, AR, provide a meaningful and lasting tribute. Let McGee Monument help you honor your loved ones with care.
February 24, 2025
Explore the art of crafting customized headstones in Jacksonville AR and discover how these personalized memorials can help you honor your loved ones. Contact us today for more information!
3 Factors of Well-Designed Headstones for Graves - McGee Monument Co., Inc
By McGee Monument Co., Inc February 10, 2023
Headstones for graves give friends and relatives a physical place to visit and pay respect to a deceased loved one. Headstones are permanent memorials, so designing the perfect monument can be challenging. As you plan the memorial for your loved one, you should include personalized features that respectfully and accurately memorialize the life that was lost. If you are responsible for designing a headstone, keep these factors in mind.
How to Clean a Headstone - McGee Monument Co., Inc
By McGee Monument Co., Inc January 12, 2023
Maintaining a headstone is a thoughtful way of honoring your loved one. By keeping the structure free of dirt and debris, you’re showing respect for the memory of the deceased. You’ll even enjoy some peace of mind knowing that you’re doing something important for the person, even in their passing. Here are some suggestions to ensure that the monument is as clean as possible.
4 FAQ About Mausoleums - McGee Monument Co., Inc
By McGee Monument Co., Inc December 20, 2022
One of the numerous decisions involved with funeral pre-planning is determining the final resting place. Some individuals and families opt for mausoleums, or above-ground structures for the entombment of remains, including cremated remains. If you are thinking about having one of these structures built, here's what you should know.
Why You Should Have a Traditional Burial - McGee Monument Co., Inc
By McGee Monument Co., Inc November 11, 2022
When a person passes away, there are many burial types to choose from and just as many ways to honor and remember them. Memorials can look like anything from a traditional headstone to a piece of jewelry, and the best option usually depends on the deceased's wishes. If you're considering traditional burial after your passing, here are just a few benefits of the process.
A Brief Guide to Cremation - McGee Monument Co., Inc
By McGee Monument Co., Inc October 1, 2022
There are many options available for burials these days, from traditional burial to decomposition services and more. But for those who wish to make a memorial to those they’ve lost, cremation remains one of the most popular options. Here are answers to a few common questions about the process.
3 Types of Headstones - McGee Monument Co., Inc
By McGee Monument Co., Inc September 17, 2022
There are many ways to commemorate a loved one after they’ve passed away, but one of the most popular options is honoring their final resting place with a headstone. These can be personalized in any manner to ensure the perfect tribute to the deceased. However, with a variety of styles to choose from, it can be difficult deciding which is the best fit for your needs. Here are a few of the most commonly used types.
3 Meaningful Ways to Remember a Pet - McGee Monument Co., Inc
By McGee Monument Co., Inc September 9, 2022
Pets are members of the family, and losing one can be devastating. You want to commemorate their life and memorialize them, and there are many ways to preserve their memory. From small personal effects to pet headstones, here are several options to consider after your beloved pet passes.
A Guide to Cleaning Bronze Grave Markers - McGee Monument Co., Inc
By McGee Monument Co., Inc August 30, 2022
While cemeteries go above and beyond when it comes to maintenance, they might not be able to address every issue in time. Accordingly, some families take on the responsibility of cleaning bronze markers if they become soiled by dirt and debris. It's important to approach the process carefully to keep the monument intact, so here are a few things to keep in mind.
More Posts
Share by: