A better start

A good photo makes the print easier to judge

You do not need a studio portrait. Give the face enough light and enough space in the frame to see its expression.

Light first

Try an open window or even outdoor shade. Strong light from behind can leave the face dark, while deep shadow can hide the eyes. The preview can help you decide whether a second photo reads better on the shirt.

Adult man photographed against a low sun, his face in dark shadow — Too dark

The same man in even daylight with his face easy to read — Try this

Face the camera

A turn of the head is fine when both eyes and the outline of the face are visible. Sunglasses or a face partly covered by hair give the cutout less to work with. Look at the image at phone size: if you cannot read the expression there, crop closer or choose another frame.

Adult woman in sunglasses with hair across her face, eyes hidden — Eyes hidden

The same woman looking over her shoulder with both eyes visible — Try this

Keep the details
sharp

Check the eyes and mouth at full size before you upload. A blurry picture stays blurry when its background disappears. A clear phone photo is more useful than a distant photo with a dramatic setting.

Out-of-focus portrait of an adult woman smiling — Too blurry

The same portrait in sharp focus, eyes and smile clear — Try this

Groups, pets, and logos

For a group picture, crop toward the face you want to use. If the print layout is meant for several people, check each face separately and then inspect the whole preview. With a pet, wait for the animal to look toward the camera and keep its face clear of shadow. For a company logo, use a file with a transparent background when you have one; it avoids a solid rectangle inside the pattern.