The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the individual, location-independent design of pictures, cards and similar items, especially postcards. In contrast to conventional methods, systems and appliances for creating cards, photos and similar items, the invention creates the possibility of viewing and selecting the virtually finished product created individually by the user; only after this is the payment and output function activated. The method according to the invention is furthermore characterized by the integrated method for portrait recording by means of a video stream.