Submitting Photos & Memorial Prints

Start with the clearest source available

A sharp, high-resolution image gives the personalization artist the best material to work with. Use good, even lighting and fill the camera frame without cutting off any part of the photo, print, handwriting, or drawing. Take several photographs and review them at full size before choosing the clearest one.

Fingerprints, handprints and footprints

A clear existing print from a document or keepsake can be used. To create a new ink print, use black ink and plain white paper. Lightly touch the inked surface, then press straight down using a gentle tapping motion rather than rolling. Make several prints so the clearest, most complete impression can be selected.

Photograph the selected print in sharp focus, or scan it flat at 600 dpi and save it as a JPG file. The full print should be visible and free of blur, shadows, and smudges.

Paw prints and nose prints

Submit a sharply focused, high-resolution photograph of the clearest available paw or nose print. Fill the screen without cropping the edges or getting so close that the image becomes blurry. If you need to create a new impression rather than photograph an existing print, contact NCIS before ordering so we can confirm the appropriate capture method for the selected product.

Handwriting, signatures and line drawings

Place the original on a flat surface in good light. Photograph or scan it without cutting off any part of the writing or drawing. A 600 dpi JPG scan is preferred when available.

Photos for engraving or printing

Use the original image whenever possible. Choose a well-lit, sharply focused photo with enough space around the subject for the artist to fit it to the selected memorial. Avoid screenshots, tiny images, heavy filters, and photographs of another screen.

Sending files with the order

Use the upload field when one appears during personalization. Otherwise, complete the order and reply to the NCIS order-confirmation email with the files attached. Include the order number, and clearly name or number multiple files so each one can be matched to its intended placement.