> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.bareface.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Submit Your Reference Photo to Bareface

> Learn how to submit your reference photo to Bareface, what formats and qualities work best, and what to avoid for the clearest portrait result.

Your reference photograph is the foundation of your portrait. It's what your assigned studio artist uses to capture your likeness, expression, and presence — so the quality of the photo you submit has a direct impact on the quality of the portrait you receive. Bareface works with most photographs, but there are a few guidelines that will help your artist do their best work.

## When and How to Submit

You have two options for submitting your reference photograph:

1. **At checkout** — Upload your photo directly during the checkout process before completing your order.
2. **After purchase** — If you don't have your photo ready at the time of purchase, a secure upload link will be sent to you after your order is confirmed. You can use this link at any time to submit your image.

### Supported Upload Methods

When using the secure upload link, you can submit your photo via any of the following methods:

* **From your device** — Upload directly from your computer, phone, or tablet.
* **Via a link** — Share a direct URL to an image hosted online.
* **Camera** — Capture a new photo on your device and upload it on the spot.
* **Dropbox** — Connect your Dropbox account and select a file from your storage.
* **Google Drive** — Submit directly from your Google Drive.

<Note>
  Your reference photograph is reviewed personally by the Bareface team before any work begins. All photos are handled with care and are permanently deleted 30 days after your project is complete.
</Note>

## What Makes a Strong Reference Photo

<Tip>
  The best reference photos are well-lit, front-facing headshots where your face, neck, and shoulders are clearly visible. A photo taken by a professional photographer — or even a careful phone shot in good natural light — will give your artist the most detail to work from and result in the strongest possible portrait.
</Tip>

### What Works Best

* **Headshots and professional photos** — Images where you're looking directly at the camera with your face fully in frame are ideal.
* **Good lighting** — Natural light or even, soft indoor lighting that illuminates your face without harsh shadows produces the clearest reference.
* **Recent photos** — Submit a photo that reflects your current appearance so the portrait accurately represents you.
* **Visible face, neck, and shoulders** — Your artist needs clear visibility of your facial features and the context of how you present yourself.
* **Sharp focus** — A crisp, in-focus image gives your artist the detail needed to capture your likeness accurately.

### What to Avoid

* **Sunglasses or obstructions** — Anything covering your eyes or face makes it difficult to capture an accurate likeness.
* **Poor or uneven lighting** — Harsh shadows, backlighting, and low-light images reduce the level of detail your artist can work from.
* **Very small or blurry images** — Low-resolution or out-of-focus photos limit what your artist can faithfully reproduce.
* **Heavy filters or edits** — Processed photos can distort your natural features, making it harder to capture an authentic likeness.
* **Obscured expressions** — Candid or partially turned shots where your full face isn't visible are less effective than a direct, clear photograph.

## Not Sure If Your Photo Will Work?

If you're uncertain whether your photo is suitable, send it to [submissions@bareface.io](mailto:submissions@bareface.io?subject=Reference%20Photo%20Inquiry) before or after placing your order. The Bareface team will review it and provide guidance on whether it's a strong enough reference or suggest alternatives before work begins.