The idea of being turned into a miniature version of yourself raises all sorts of reasonable questions. How does it work? Is it safe? What if I’m pregnant, or bringing a very young child, or simply not sure what to wear? 10 of the most common questions about custom figurines are answered here, covering the practical, the personal and everything in between.
1. Is the photo session safe for pregnant women?
Yes, completely. The 360 photo session at 3D-ME uses standard digital cameras arranged around the subject, capturing still images in a brief, simultaneous burst. There is no radiation, no ultrasound equipment, no physical contact and nothing that differs from having a conventional photograph taken. Many expectant mothers have their figurines made specifically to commemorate their pregnancy, making this one of the more popular occasions for a session.
2. Can the whole family take part together, including young children?
Yes, and group sessions are a popular choice. Parents can hold infants, children can stand alongside adults, even pets can join in, and the cameras capture everyone in the frame at once. Because the images are taken simultaneously in a single burst, there is no need for young children to hold still for any extended period. The result is a figurine that reflects the group exactly as they were on the day, which makes it a particularly meaningful record of a specific moment in family life.
3. How accurate is the likeness on a finished figurine?
The level of detail depends on the quality of the source material, whether that’s a 360 photo session or a set of submitted photographs. A dedicated session with controlled lighting and cameras positioned at every angle tends to yield the most precise result. Existing photos can work very well too, particularly when a variety of clear, well-lit images are provided. Fine details such as facial features, clothing texture and accessories are all captured and reproduced in the finished piece.
4. Does the person being photographed need to do anything specific to prepare?
Very little. Wearing fitted clothing in solid, muted colours tends to produce the clearest results, as very fine patterns or highly reflective fabrics can be trickier to capture in detail. Glasses, hats and accessories are all fine to include. The main preparation is simply arriving as you’d like to be remembered, because the session captures exactly what you’re wearing and how you present on the day.
5. How long does the photo session take?
The session itself is over in minutes. Subjects stand in position, the cameras capture simultaneously and the technical part is done. The overall visit, including any time spent settling in, adjusting clothing or deciding on a pose, typically takes no more than 30 minutes. This makes it manageable for children, practical for people with limited mobility and easy to fit into a broader day out without it becoming the main event.
6. What size options are available for a custom figurine?
Custom figurines are available in a range of sizes, with the most common options sitting between approximately 9cm and 18cm in height. Smaller figurines are compact enough to sit on a desk or shelf without taking up much space, while larger versions offer more visible detail and tend to work well as a centrepiece or display item. The right size often comes down to where the figurine will live once it’s been gifted or placed, so it’s worth having a spot in mind before ordering.
7. What if I’d prefer to use existing photos rather than attend a session?
This is a fully supported option. If attending a session is not feasible or convenient, whether due to distance, health, mobility or simply wanting to keep the whole thing as a surprise, a figurine can be created from a selection of existing photographs. Clear images taken from multiple angles produce the best results. This route is especially useful for gifting purposes, as it allows the entire process to be completed without the recipient’s knowledge.
8. Is the figurine itself safe to handle and display?
Yes. Figurines are produced using full-colour 3D printing with materials that are safe for handling in a home environment. They are designed for display rather than play, so they are not intended as toys for very young children. For older children and adults, however, handling is perfectly safe.
9. Are the photos taken during the session stored or shared?
The images captured during the photo session are used solely to produce the figurine. They are processed as part of the production workflow and handled in accordance with standard data privacy practices. If you have specific questions about how your images are managed, or would like clarification before your visit, the team at 3D-ME is happy to discuss this directly.
10. Can the figurine be made to include a pet?
Yes. Pets can be included in a photo session alongside their owner, provided they are comfortable in an unfamiliar environment and can be kept reasonably still for a brief moment. Dogs and cats are the most common addition, though the main practical consideration is temperament rather than species. Alternatively, if attending a session isn’t feasible, a figurine of a pet alone or with their owner can also be created from existing photographs, following the same process as any photo-based order.
A Safe, Considered and Straightforward Process
Most hesitation around something new comes down to not yet having the right information. Once the questions are answered, what seemed unfamiliar usually turns out to be entirely reasonable. A photo session that takes minutes, materials that are safe for the home, and a process that can accommodate almost anyone—the reassurance was always there. It just needed to be said plainly. We hope that this article has given you the clarity to make the decision a little easier!
Ready to take the next step? At 3D-ME, the photo session is safe for all ages and circumstances, from newborns and expectant mothers to families bringing along the family pet. Whether you prefer to visit us in person or create your figurine entirely from existing photos, the experience is designed to be comfortable, quick and entirely worth it. Start creating yours today. Simply reach out to us here, and we’ll make sure the process is as smooth as the result.