Tips on How to Take a Good ID Card Photo

Many people hate getting their photo taken, especially if it is for an ID card. There is something about the fluorescent light and photographer telling you to smile when you don't want to that gets on your nerves and ensures you hate the entire process.

There are a few ways to take pictures that will be acceptable even to you; remember that 'photogenic' simply means that the person poses well. Consciously or unconsciously they know what angle makes them look the best, exactly how to smile, how to relax their features, and more.

Here is a list of tips that will help you take a picture for your ID Card that even you may end up liking:

Relax your face when you smile for your ID card picture. This one is probably the most important tip I can give-if your face is tense, you'll look tense, especially around the mouth and eye areas. This causes the 'pursed lips' effect that is unflattering on everybody, and that is seen many times on ID cards.

Figure out the angle your face looks best at. Think about the shape of your face and highlight your best features. Practice in a mirror or with a digital camera until you find the angle that looks best on you, and use that angle for your ID Card photo no matter what the photographer says.

In general, most people don't look the best straight on; tip your head at the angle that works best for you. And never tip your head up-this widens the face and adds weight. A better choice is to tilt your head slightly down.

For women, wear makeup that works best with the lighting. For dim lighting, heavier make-up is ok, but for fluorescent lights, subtle is best. Take into account your hair, and whether or not it looks best up or down, and wear it accordingly for your ID card photo.

Stay away from bright colors, big patterns and anything taupe, bright white, or nude. Stick with colors like black, navy or dark blues or greens, soft white, soft blues, greens, purples, etc. Bright, harsh colors and patterns are unflattering on almost everyone, especially in fluorescent light. If you do wear patterns, go subtle and small.

Don't smile too big or too small; find a happy medium. Break out the camera again and practice subtle half smiles. They can make you look more natural and relaxed. If you don't want to smile, it is still important to relax your face so you avoid looking tense and stressed out.