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How to Use Your Own Photograph on Stamps from the USPS

You can add a dash of creativity to your mail by turning personal photographs into U.S. Postal Service-approved stamps. The Postal Service has developed partnerships with several companies that will, for a fee, transform your pictures into a batch of stamps. Each of the companies offers online tools that make it easy for you to send in your photo and place an order for customized stamps.

Instructions

- 1
  Take photographs with a digital camera of people or scenes you want to use on your customized postage stamp. Plug in the cable that connects your camera and computer, if needed, and import the selected photographs into your computer's hard drive. If you are using older prints, scan the images into your computer.
- 2
  Create a new folder on your computer's desktop to deposit your selected photos into so you can find them easily.
- 3
  Go to the "Customized Postage" page on the U.S. Postal Service's website. Review the information, and click on the links for each of the listed companies. Examine each company's services, costs and products. Decide which company you prefer.
- 4
  Complete the selection process and ordering process by uploading the specific photo or photos you want to turn into postage stamps. Review the available options to choose a size for your new stamps and to decide how many cents of postage each stamp should cover. Add text to your customized stamp if you want. Arrange payment and delivery. After your customized stamps are mailed to you, place them on envelopes as you would for any other postage stamp.

Stamp Collecting