diff --git a/lib/shape/shape_person.go b/lib/shape/shape_person.go
index e92ddab53..e177135c8 100644
--- a/lib/shape/shape_person.go
+++ b/lib/shape/shape_person.go
@@ -72,6 +72,13 @@ func (s shapePerson) GetDimensionsToFit(width, height, paddingX, paddingY float6
 	shoulderWidth := totalWidth * personShoulderWidthFactor / (1 - 2*personShoulderWidthFactor)
 	totalWidth += 2 * shoulderWidth
 	totalHeight := height + paddingY
+
+	// prevent the shape's aspect ratio from becoming too extreme
+	if totalWidth > 1.5*totalHeight {
+		totalHeight = totalWidth / 1.5
+	} else if totalHeight > 1.5*totalWidth {
+		totalWidth = totalHeight / 1.5
+	}
 	return totalWidth, totalHeight
 }