Proofs
Family proof approval for memorial portraits
Why a signed proof matters before a portrait is etched, what to show the family, how to handle low-quality photos, and how to keep approvals from slowing the order.
5 min read · Updated November 9, 2026
Etching can't be undone. Once a face is on the stone, a mistake means a new stone or a hard conversation with a grieving family. A signed proof protects both of you. It confirms that the family has seen the exact portrait and accepts it before anything is etched.
Why a signed proof matters
- The stone can't be changed. Approval has to happen before the laser runs, not after.
- Families see faces differently. They will notice a changed smile line you missed.
- Edits can change a face. Heavy retouching and AI edits can both shift a likeness. Approval confirms it still looks like the person.
- Poor photos have limits. A signed note that the family accepts the quality sets expectations. Some wholesale etchers already make clients acknowledge the risk of a poor photo.
- It records the order. Size, shape, stone and edits are all written down in one place.
What to show on the proof
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Photo supplied | So the family can compare against what they gave you |
| Edited portrait | The exact version you will etch |
| Stone preview | How it will look on granite, labeled as a simulation |
| Size and shape | For example, 8×10 oval |
| Stone and method | For example, CO2 laser on black granite |
| Photo quality | Good, or low resolution with a box for the family to accept |
| Edits made | For example, repaired, glasses removed, formal clothing |
| Name, signature, date | The approval itself |
Put the original and the edit side by side, at the same size. That is the comparison that catches a changed face.
Explain the stone preview
Say clearly that the preview is a simulation. A real etch comes out lighter or darker depending on the stone, the machine and the settings. It is grey and white on black, with no color. Families who expect something like a printed photo can be surprised. A preview, or a photo of a past etch, helps set expectations.
The photo-quality note
If the photo has fewer than about 150 pixels per inch at the chosen size, say so on the proof. Offer a smaller size or an upscale first. If the family still wants that size, have them tick a box accepting the quality. That line makes the expectation clear before the stone is etched.
Ask the right person
Several relatives often have opinions about a portrait. Agree up front who has the final say, and get that person's name and signature on the proof. Others can still look at it, but one person approves. If that person lives away, send the proof to them directly rather than through another relative.
Turnaround
Laser time for a portrait is a few hours. The whole order usually takes 60 to 90 days from order to installed stone, with approvals in the middle. Stock stones run about 60 days. Each round of proofs sent by mail or email adds days. One done-for-you design service advertises a proof within 48 hours.
The fastest proof is one you make while the family is still in your office. If they need to think it over, an online link lets them look at it at home, on a phone, and share it with relatives in other towns.
Paper or online
A printed proof signed in person works well and is easy to file. An online proof is faster for families who live away. Whichever you use, keep a record of which version was approved, who approved it, and when.
How Stone Portrait does it
Every portrait in Stone Portrait has a proof with the photo supplied, the edited portrait and the stone preview side by side. It lists the size and shape, the stone and method, the photo-quality note and the edits made, with a line for the family's name, signature and date. You can print it, or send the family an online proof link to approve. The link can't be guessed, but anyone you give it to can open it, so share it only with the family. Start a free trial, or read how to check a face after an AI edit.
Questions
Do I need a signed proof if the family is in a hurry?
Yes. A quick approval on a phone is still an approval. Skipping it is the one shortcut that can cost you a stone.
What if the family wants changes after approving?
If nothing is etched yet, make the change as a new version and get a new approval for it. Keep both records.
Can several relatives see an online proof?
Yes. Anyone with the link can open it, so the approver can share it with family. Agree on who gives the final approval.
Should the proof show the original photo?
Yes. The family needs to compare the edit with the photo they gave you. That comparison is how a changed face gets caught before etching.