One decision you will make is whether you are getting a basic “Portrait” done or wanting a “Choice” model. Here is the difference: A “Portrait” requires a single subject in a simple pose (hands and arms against the body) with simple clothes and will only be printed in smaller sizes, up to 1/12th scale. With “Choice” you can have more than one person in the shot and they can be in more elaborate poses and costumes and can be printed up to 1/5th scale – also pets. The difference is the amount of time a human modeler has to spend to make it look just right after the computer is done.
One thing that we want to be able to guarantee all of our customers is that we will save your digital files for the foreseeable future. 3D Printing technology is improving – capabilities will be far greater in the future. We will be able to reprint those valued models in increasingly vibrant and detailed fashion as things change. The opportunity to scan what exists today may not always be there though.
One more thought about the cost: Many people spend this or more on traditional 2-D photography portraits. The alternative is commissioning an artist to create a sculpture – much more expensive. Some people collect expensive figurines – collecting loved ones is better!