The quality of your final iris artwork begins with one crucial element: the photo. While professional studios use specialized equipment, you can capture a surprisingly detailed photo at home with your smartphone. Follow these five tips to provide the best possible image for our artists to work with.

1. Light is Everything
Good lighting is the most important factor. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight and never use your phone’s flash, as both will create glare and wash out the delicate details.

• Do: Stand near a window on an overcast day or in a well-lit room with soft, indirect light. The goal is bright but diffused light.
• Don’t: Stand under a direct overhead light, which can cast shadows.

2. Get Steady
Macro photography is very sensitive to movement. A blurry photo can’t be fixed.

• Do: Rest your elbow on a table to stabilize your arm. Ask a friend to take the photo if possible.
• Don’t: Try to take the photo with your arm fully extended.

3. Focus on the Iris
Your phone’s camera needs to know exactly what to focus on.

• Do: Get as close to the eye as your camera will allow while still being able to focus. Tap your phone screen directly on the colored part of the iris to set the focus point.
• Don’t: Let the camera focus on the eyelashes or reflections in the pupil.

4. Open Wide and Look Straight
To capture the full beauty of the iris, we need to see as much of it as possible.

• Do: Open your eye as wide as you comfortably can. Use your fingers to gently hold your upper and lower eyelids if needed. Look straight ahead into the camera lens.
• Don’t: Squint or look away from the camera.

5. Take Multiple Shots
Don’t rely on just one picture. Your eye can water and your hand can move slightly.

• Do: Take 5-10 photos. Afterwards, zoom in on each one to check for sharpness. Choose the absolute clearest, most detailed image to send to us.

By following these simple steps, you provide the perfect canvas for us to create your unique piece of iris art.