Send the original image whenever possible.
Screenshots, social-media downloads, and compressed text-message files can look fine on a phone but break down when printed large.
Use the original camera roll file when you can.
Avoid screenshots from Instagram, Hudl, or team galleries.
If a photo looks blurry before upload, it will not improve at banner scale.
Choose a photo with a clear athlete silhouette.
A strong outline gives the design more options. Full-body or waist-up photos usually work better than tight face crops for sports banners.
Leave room around the head, shoulders, arms, and equipment.
Avoid cropping off hands, feet, helmets, or the ball when they matter.
Pick one confident pose instead of a busy action shot if readability matters.
Even lighting beats dramatic shadows.
Bright, even light helps skin tones, uniforms, and cutouts print more predictably. Harsh shadows and low-light gym photos can make the final banner feel muddy.
Outdoor shade or bright overcast light usually works well.
Avoid strong backlighting behind the athlete.
Make sure the face and jersey number are visible.
Simple backgrounds are easier to design around.
The background does not need to be perfect, but clutter behind the athlete can make cutouts and layout decisions harder.
Use a wall, field, court, or open space when possible.
Keep other players and spectators out of the frame.
If the background is busy, choose the sharpest athlete photo you have.