Choosing Jigsaw Photos: How to Pick Jigsaw Puzzle Images

The key to an unforgettable jigsaw puzzle isn't necessarily the number of pieces or complexity — it's the image itself. And what could make for a more memorable experience than selecting your picture? We can guide you through choosing jigsaw photos for a custom photo puzzle.

Choosing Jigsaw Photos

So you've decided to create a custom jigsaw puzzle, and you're trying to determine which photograph will be perfect for it. Well, an excellent jigsaw photo is more than just a pretty picture. Here are some criteria you want to pay attention to to make a great jigsaw puzzle.

Resolution

Image resolution determines clarity, which is crucial for a jigsaw puzzle. It ensures that each piece is crisp and detailed. Aim for at least 100 dots per inch (DPI) to avoid a pixelated puzzle.

Pro Tip: Always check the image's DPI before finalizing it for your puzzle. You can usually find this figure by checking the image's information page. Many smartphones and digital cameras also allow you to adjust the resolution settings if you need to improve them.

Color Contrast

Color contrast brings life to a puzzle. A good mix of light, dark, and varied colors makes solving it visually exciting and more engaging.

Pro Tip: Use photo editing software to enhance the color contrast of your image. Tools like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom can help you improve the colors. Of course, many smartphones already include built-in photo editing tools these days.

Subject Matter

An excellent jigsaw photo should have multiple focal points, like a landscape with varied features or a family photo with different people or pets, making each section enjoyable to solve.

Pro Tip: When choosing a photo with people, ensure their faces are clear and not too small. You want to enjoy the details as you piece the puzzle together.

Complexity

An excellent jigsaw photo should include complexity, such as intricate patterns, detailed textures, or layered elements. This challenges the solver and adds a brain-teaser element, making the puzzle more rewarding.

Pro Tip: If your image is simple, consider making a collage photo puzzle to add a layer of complexity.

Choosing Jigsaw Photos Chart: The 4 Most Important Factors

Custom Jigsaw Photos vs. Stock Jigsaw Pictures 

Making a photo puzzle is superior to using a stock jigsaw picture for one simple reason: you can better connect emotionally to a custom photo.

When you use a custom jigsaw photo, you're not just solving a puzzle but reliving a memory, cherishing a moment, or even creating a new story. Let's dig into why custom jigsaw photo puzzles pack such an emotional punch:

The Memory Lane Effect

Imagine piecing together a puzzle that features your family's last Christmas gathering or your child's first steps. Each piece you place brings back a flood of memories, making the entire process incredibly rewarding. It's like taking a stroll down memory lane, one piece at a time.

The Travel Bug Fix

Custom jigsaw puzzles can serve as a temporary fix for your wanderlust. Choose a photo from your favorite trip and relive the adventure as you complete the puzzle. It's not just a puzzle; it's a passport to your past adventures.

The "Aww" Factor

Pet lovers, this one's for you. There's something incredibly satisfying about completing a puzzle that features your furry (or feathery, or scaly) friend. Each piece you place adds another layer to the portrait of your pet, and the final product is sure to make you go, "Aww!"

The Personal Milestones

From graduations to weddings, custom puzzles allow you to celebrate personal milestones uniquely. Imagine the joy of piecing together your graduation photo or the moment you said, "I do."

The Problem With Stock Jigsaw Puzzles

Stock jigsaw puzzles are like fast food — they're quick and convenient, but they lack depth. While they may feature pretty landscapes or famous works of art, they're generic and mass-produced, lacking the personal touch that makes puzzle-solving truly meaningful.

Tips for Capturing the Perfect Jigsaw Picture

You don't have the perfect jigsaw puzzle image on your computer or your smartphone's camera roll, so you're setting out to take one. Here are the best tried-and-true tips we've uncovered over the years. 

1. Make eye contact: Make eye contact with your subject for an emotionally engaging shot.
2. Use a plain background: Use a simple background to make your subject stand out.
3. Use flash outdoors: A flash can eliminate harsh shadows and add depth, even in bright sunlight.
4. Get close: Move in close to your subject to capture finer details.
5. Try an off-center subject: Place your subject away from the center for a more dynamic composition.
6. Lock the focus: Use focus lock to ensure your subject is sharp, mainly if it's not centered.
7. Know your flash range: Be aware of your flash's effective range to avoid underexposed photos.
8. Watch the light: Be mindful of light sources and how they affect your subject.
9. Try both vertical and horizontal: Don't be afraid to take vertical shots for a different perspective.
10. Be the director: Take control of the scene to enhance the composition and storytelling.

Armed with these tips, you're on your way to capturing the perfect jigsaw picture. Remember, the best photo for your puzzle is one you'll enjoy assembling and admiring. So go ahead, get creative, and start snapping!

"Having the ability to turn one piece of art into another is a wildly unique product offering in eCommerce, truly one of a kind," says the founder of Winning Hunter.

Best Images for Jigsaw Puzzles

Have you ever stared at a puzzle box and thought, "Why this image?" Good question! The best images for jigsaw puzzles balance complexity and visual appeal. You want an eye-catching picture that offers a good level of challenge. So, what types of images fit the bill? Try these:

• Landscapes: Think of rolling hills, sunsets, and ocean views. These offer a variety of colors and textures that make for an engaging puzzle.
• Cityscapes: The intricate details of skyscrapers and bustling streets challenge those looking to up their puzzle game.
• Personal memories: Nothing beats the emotional connection of piecing together a moment close to your heart.
• Artwork and illustrations: From classic paintings to modern digital art, these images have a unique aesthetic and often present challenges.
• Animals and wildlife: Animal pictures offer emotional appeal and complexity, whether close-ups of your pet or majestic lions in the wild.
• Seasonal themes: Snowflakes, autumn leaves, or spring blossoms — seasonal images offer a timely and visually rich puzzle experience.
• Abstract and patterns: These can be mind-bending and offer a different challenge, especially if the pattern is complex.
• Nostalgic and vintage: Old photos or retro themes can evoke a sense of nostalgia, adding an emotional layer to the puzzle-solving experience.
• Culinary delights: Believe it or not, images of food can make for some deliciously challenging puzzles!

Each image type offers something unique—a technical challenge, an emotional connection, or aesthetic beauty. The key is to pick an image that resonates with you and excites you about your puzzle-solving journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose a picture for a puzzle?

Choose a picture with clear, distinct features and vibrant colors to make the puzzle-solving experience enjoyable.

What makes a good jigsaw puzzle image?

A good jigsaw puzzle image has defined edges, contrasting colors, and varied patterns, helping solvers easily distinguish different sections.

How do you choose a jigsaw puzzle?

Choose a jigsaw puzzle based on the number of pieces, your skill level, and the complexity of the image, ensuring it's challenging yet enjoyable.

What photos are best for puzzles?

Photos with high resolution, bold colors, and distinct subject matter, such as landscapes, portraits, or vibrant scenes, make for the best custom puzzles.