A photograph, made of a poem
A poem is already a kind of portrait. Lettera makes it a visible one, composing a photograph from its lines so the poem forms the picture of the person it's about.
Your own poem works best, even a simple one. If you'd prefer a classic, choose one that's in the public domain, such as many works by Shakespeare, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Emily Dickinson's early-published poems, or Robert Burns. Newer poems are usually under copyright and need permission.
How it works
- Choose a photograph. The person or people the poem is for.
- Add the words. Your poem, or a public-domain poem you love.
- See it first. Preview the portrait before choosing an edition.
- Choose an edition. The Digital Edition ($24) or the Master Edition ($39, recommended), both delivered the moment you purchase. A framed edition is coming soon.
Questions
Which classic poems can I use?
Works whose copyright has expired, generally poems published before 1931 in the US. Shakespeare's Sonnet 116 and Browning's 'How do I love thee?' are popular choices. Translations are often copyrighted separately, so check the translator, not just the poet.
Can I write my own if I'm not a poet?
Yes. Try four short lines that don't need to rhyme, each starting with the same word, like 'You are…'. Repetition reads beautifully in a portrait.
Will short poems work?
Yes. Short texts repeat to fill the image, which gives a rhythmic, even look.
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