Creative Ways to Incorporate Photos on Tombstones

A single glance at a familiar face can soften the sharpest grief. That’s why so many South African families now choose to incorporate photos on tombstones and sometimes go even further with a custom statue that feels like their loved one is still standing there, watching over the family.

At Mankweng Tombstones, with our head office in Pretoria and branches nationwide, we make every option beautiful, lasting, and surprisingly affordable.

Why Families Choose Photos (and Statues)

A photo or statue keeps the person not just the name present. Children and grandchildren who never met them can still recognise their smile, their posture, their gentle presence.

Creative Ways to Incorporate Photos on Tombstones

• Laser-etched portraits in granite – Crisp, timeless, and part of the stone forever.
• Hand-etched with delicate shading – Soft and artistic, like a loving sketch.
• Full-colour ceramic or porcelain photos – Vibrant, weather-proof, and fade-resistant even under the strongest African sun.
• Double portraits – Side-by-side for couples or parent and child.
• Childhood + recent photo – Two moments that tell a whole life story.

Taking It Further: Custom Life-Size or Bust Statues

Some families want more than a photo. They choose a hand-carved granite statue a full figure, a gentle bust, or even a seated portrait that invites visitors to “sit a while.” These statues, often combined with an engraved or ceramic photo in the base, feel almost alive.

See real examples and pricing in our post about getting a custom statue to honour your loved one.

Quick Tips for Perfect Results

• Bring the clearest photo you have we can restore faded or damaged ones.
• Black granite gives the deepest laser etchings; colour ceramics keep every shade true.
• Think about sunlight direction when placing photos or statues.

Curious about the engraving process? Have a look at our simple guide on picture engraving for your loved one’s tombstone.

We deliver and install everywhere Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Polokwane, even Botswana and beyond with the same respect and care. Thousands of families already trust us because quality doesn’t have to cost the earth (read more in why Mankweng Tombstones is rated the best and most affordable).

Whether it’s a gentle smile etched in stone or a statue that feels like a warm embrace, we’re here to help you keep their light shining.