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.