When the Photograph Should Do Most of the Talking
Some families want a card where the face comes first. A big, warm photograph of the person, laughing or looking straight at the camera, can say more than any verse. This design gives the portrait nearly half of the page and keeps the words short. It suits a father, a grandfather, a friend or a colleague whose smile everyone remembers.
Photo on the Left, Words on the Right
The card is 600 x 800 pixels in portrait. The left half is a tall black and white photograph of a smiling older man with a white beard, round glasses and a light hat, filling the whole height of the card. The right half is a pale grey panel with centred text. At the bottom, grey roses and smaller flowers, drawn in monochrome, spread across both halves and tie the photo to the writing. The type is PT Serif, in plain black.
The text reads In Loving Memory of, then [NAME HERE] in bold capitals, then the message: Forever in our hearts. May their soul rest in peace and may you find comfort in cherished memories. With deepest sympathy, and finally [Your Name].
Choosing the Photograph
Because the picture is so large, its quality matters. Choose a photograph with a clear face, even lighting and no heavy shadows. A portrait taken from the chest up works best. Click the photo in the editor and choose Replace Image. If your photo is in colour, you can use it as it is, although the card is designed for black and white. Photographs with a plain or blurred background look cleanest.
If you only have a small or old photo, try it on the card before you send it. A faint, grainy image may look better at a smaller size, and you could choose a different design with a smaller photo frame.
Editing the Message
The wording speaks of the soul resting in peace. If that does not suit the family, replace it. You might write “Remembered with love,” or “With love and gratitude for a life well lived.” To keep the card simple, shorten the message to one line and keep the name large.
| Setting | Message idea |
|---|---|
| Family notice | Thank you for your kindness and your prayers |
| Friends | His laughter will stay with us for a long time |
| Colleagues | A wonderful colleague, and a friend to many |
Names, Titles and Nicknames
Type the name exactly as the family uses it. If the person was known as Grandpa Joe, use that in place of the formal name or add it in brackets. There is no date line in this card, so if you want to add one, place a small line of text under the name in the same font.
Digital Sharing and Printing
Share the card as a PNG or JPG by message or email. Because the large photograph is the main feature, send the highest quality version you have. If you want a printed memorial card, a design made for print at A6 or A5 size will suit better, because this one is made for screens.
For a card with a smaller portrait and a floral frame, see the In Loving Memory card with green leaves. For a card with a bold dark design, see the sincere sympathy and healing words card. More are in condolence templates.
