There are 3 ways to convert an image from the form of a photo to an ART file, and 2 out of 3 of them use the Bernina Designer Plus software.

1.  The first way would be a thing called Photosnap.  The image is processed by the software to form a sewing file.  The design is in all satin stitches and it is monochromic (only using one color of thread).  The kind of picture that works the best is a high-contrast image...in otherwords a picture with a lot of light and dark features.  These designs sew out best if you use a light colored fabric and a dark colored thread, and the finished result is similar to a black and white photo.  A great example of this technique can be found at:

http://drusdesigns.com/Catalog.php

It's about 3/4 of the way down the page in a group called "Cat Craze". 

2.  The second way is using Bernina's Designer Plus cross stitch program.  I captures the major colors of your photo and autodigitizes it into a cross-stitched design that almost looks like the photo.

3.  The third way...is to leave it up to the hand-digitizing artists like myself.  I take photos, blow them up, and hand digitize the design over the surface of the photo.  This results in a great embroidery design...for numerous examples of this technique, please see most of the designs in the link provided in #1.

Hope this helps!

Best wishes,

Dru