MVP Banners Help Center
Photo Guidelines
Great banners begin with great photos. Use these guidelines to choose the strongest image for your athlete and help us create the clearest, most professional finished design.
Not sure if your photo will work? Click Free Photo Review, attach your original image to the email, and we'll let you know if it is suitable before you place your order.
Choosing the Right Athlete Photo
Original, high-resolution photos give us the most flexibility when removing backgrounds, enlarging the athlete, and placing the image into your selected design. A clear phone photo can work very well when it is the original file and the athlete is properly lit.
We Recommend
- The original photo from your phone or camera
- Original files from a professional photographer
- High-resolution JPG, JPEG, PNG, or HEIC files
- Sharp focus with the athlete clearly visible
- Bright, even lighting without heavy shadows
- The athlete filling a good portion of the frame
- The uniform, equipment, and important details clearly visible
- Full-body or three-quarter photos whenever possible
- Headshots for designs specifically suited to head-and-shoulder images
Please Avoid
- Screenshots of photos
- Images downloaded from Facebook, Instagram, or other social media
- TikTok, Snapchat, or video screenshots
- Photos copied from school or team websites
- Blurry, dark, or heavily filtered images
- Images that have been repeatedly texted or compressed
- Photos cropped tightly around the athlete's head, hands, feet, or equipment
- Small images that look pixelated when enlarged
- Photos with large objects covering important parts of the athlete
What We Include With Your Design
Every athlete photo is reviewed and prepared for placement within the selected banner design. Standard photo preparation is included with our custom-designed products.
Background Removal
We carefully remove the original background so the athlete can be placed cleanly into the selected design.
Color & Lighting
When appropriate, we adjust brightness, contrast, and color to improve the photo's overall presentation.
Design Placement
The athlete is sized and positioned to create a balanced, professional layout that works with the selected design.
Quality Review
If we believe the photo may not print clearly at the ordered size, we will contact you before production.
Not Sure If Your Photo Will Work?
Request a Free Photo Review
Before placing your order, we can review your image and let you know whether it appears suitable for the product and size you plan to purchase. Include the details below so we can give you the most helpful answer.
Simply attach your original photo to the email along with a few details about your project. We'll review the image and let you know if it is suitable for the product and size you are considering.
Photo Questions
These answers cover the most common questions we receive about athlete photos and image quality.
Can I use a photo taken with an iPhone or Android phone?
Yes. Original photos from modern phones often work very well. Send the original file directly from the device whenever possible rather than using a screenshot or social media download.
Can I use a professional photographer's image?
Yes, provided you have permission to use and print the image. Please request the original high-resolution file from the photographer instead of sending a screenshot of an online gallery.
What if I only have a headshot?
Many designs work well with headshots or upper-body photos. The best option depends on the design you select, the photo's resolution, and how closely the athlete has been cropped.
Can I send more than one photo?
Yes. When placing your order, you may provide multiple options if you are unsure which image is strongest. Clearly identify the athlete and keep the original filenames whenever possible.
Do you accept HEIC images?
Yes. We can generally work with original HEIC images from Apple devices, along with high-resolution JPG, JPEG, and PNG files.
What happens if my photo is too small or low quality?
If we believe the image may not print well at the ordered size, we will contact you and request a better file whenever possible. Design and production may be delayed until a suitable replacement is received.
When should I upload my athlete photos?
Most customers should upload their photos while placing the order. This keeps each image matched with the correct product, athlete information, and order number.
Use the free photo review option only when you need us to check image quality before you order.
Can I send additional photos after placing my order?
Yes, when needed. Please follow the upload instructions in your order confirmation, proof email, or direct message from MVP Banners so the additional files are connected to the correct order.
Will photo editing fix every image?
No. Editing can improve color, lighting, background removal, and overall presentation, but it cannot fully restore missing detail in a very small, blurry, pixelated, or heavily compressed photo.
Ready to Choose Your Design?
Browse our sports and design collections, select your product and size, and upload the athlete photo while placing your order. Need help first? Contact us or request a free photo quality review.
You may also email us at jp@mvpbanners.com