How to choose the best photos to make custom photo magnets
Choosing the right photos is at the heart of creating something truly meaningful. Whether you’re building a set for your fridge, gifting someone special, or preparing for an event, the images you select shape the story you’re telling.
At Memoria Magnet Co., we believe in making your memories stick in a way that feels both thoughtful and lasting. Here’s a simple guide to help you choose photos that will look beautiful as individual custom photo magnets and sets.
Start With What Matters Most
Before scrolling through your camera roll, take a moment to think about the purpose of your magnets. Are you celebrating a milestone? Creating a gift? Capturing everyday moments with your family?
The best photo magnets aren’t always the most “perfect” images - they’re the ones that hold meaning. A slightly blurry photo of a genuine laugh can feel far more powerful than a posed, polished shot.
Choose Clear, High-Quality Images
For the best results, select photos that are:
- In focus
- Well-lit (natural light works beautifully)
- High resolution (avoid screenshots or heavily zoomed images)
This ensures your magnets feel crisp, clean, and refined once printed. If a photo looks sharp on your phone, it will usually translate well into print.
Look for Simple, Strong Composition
Custom photo magnets are small by nature, so simplicity is key. Photos that work especially well tend to have:
- A clear subject (a person, pet, or moment)
- Minimal background clutter
- Balanced spacing around the subject
Close-up shots or images with a clear focal point often feel more impactful than wide, busy scenes.
Mix Close-Ups and Storytelling Moments
A beautiful set of magnets often includes a mix of perspectives. You might include:
- Close-up portraits (faces, details, expressions)
- Candid moments (laughter, movement, interaction)
- Scene-setting images (places, landscapes, travel moments)
This creates a collection that feels layered and personal - like a small, curated story.
Consider Colour and Tone
When your magnets sit together, they naturally form a collection.
Choosing photos with complementary tones can help everything feel cohesive. This doesn’t mean everything needs to match perfectly - but a soft, consistent feel (light and airy, warm and earthy, or rich and moody) can elevate the final result.
Black and white images can also add a timeless touch when mixed thoughtfully with colour.
This is absolutely not a hard and fast thing you need to follow though - it's more important that the photos have meaning for you than the aesthetic of the set!
Think About Cropping
Since magnets are 5x5cm in size, some cropping will happen.
Keep in mind:
- Avoid placing important details too close to the edges
- Centre your subject where possible
- Leave a little breathing room around faces and key elements
Include the Everyday
It’s easy to focus only on big milestones - but often, it’s the everyday moments that become the most treasured over time. A quiet coffee, a walk with your dog, a messy kitchen full of life - these are the memories that make a set feel deeply personal.
Modern memory keeping is about holding onto what matters most, not just what looks the most polished.
Keep Your Set Balanced
If you’re creating a full set of magnets, aim for a gentle balance. For example:
- A mix of people and places
- A blend of posed and candid moments
- A variety of tones and compositions
This helps your magnets feel considered and complete, without feeling repetitive.
A Final Note
There’s no single “right” way to choose your photos. If an image makes you pause, smile, or feel something, that’s usually the one worth including.
Each set is handcrafted in our studio with care, and it’s always a privilege to help turn your moments into something you can see and hold every day. If you need a second opinion or a little guidance, please reach out, we’re always happy to help.