Turn Your Photo Into a Pencil Portrait

Getting a great pencil portrait from a photo

A pencil portrait is the classic use of a sketch: one face, drawn with care. It suits a framed print for your own wall, a gift for a parent or partner, or an image that stands out from ordinary photos.

Portraits live or die on the face. Light, focus and expression matter far more than the background, the outfit or the location.

Choosing the photo

• Soft light from one side

  A window to one side of the face gives gentle shading that shows the shape of the cheekbones and nose. Overhead light casts shadows under the eyes.

• Focus on the eyes

  Make the eyes the sharpest part of the photo. Most phones do this automatically in portrait mode.

• Head and shoulders is ideal

  Filling the frame with the face gives the most detail. Full-body shots shrink the face to a few hundred pixels.

• Catch a real expression

  A relaxed, genuine expression translates better than a forced smile. Take a few shots and pick the most natural one.

Styles that suit it

• Pencil Sketch. A traditional graphite portrait with careful hatching, and the style of the first example above.
• Charcoal Sketch. High contrast and drama. Striking with strong side lighting.
• Figure sketch. Loose, lively lines on warm paper. Feels like an artist's life drawing.

Questions people ask

Can I use a portrait sketch as a profile picture?

Yes. The free 1K version is plenty for a profile picture, though it carries a small watermark. A paid pack removes it.

Does it keep the person's likeness?

It is built to preserve the subject's features and expression. Likeness is strongest when the face is large, sharp and evenly lit in the photo.