Portrait Tattoos: Tips for Great Reference Photos (Kansas City, MO)

Portrait tattoos live and die by the reference. If you want a portrait tattoo in Kansas City, MO, here are a few simple things you can do to make sure we start with the best possible photo.

Choose clear lighting

Soft natural light is ideal. Avoid harsh overhead lighting and heavy filters.

Go for sharp focus

If the eyes are blurry in the photo, they’ll be hard to translate cleanly into a tattoo.

Send more than one option

I love having a few choices so we can pick the one that reads best at the size and placement you want.

Where I’m working

I’m based in Kansas City, MO and relocating to Evolve Tattoo (Union Hill) on August 14, 2026. If you’re planning ahead for fall appointments, now is a great time to reach out.

Ready to start? Send your references through my contact form and tell me the approximate size and placement you’re thinking.