Whether you're behind the camera snapping shots or the person in front of the camera, you want to take the best picture possible for your ID badges. For examples, if you're behind the camera, learn the tips and techniques to taking the best photo IDs for employee or student IDs, passports, driver's license, and other forms of identification.
And if you're the one in front of the camera, learn how to present your best possible self for a clear and professional head shot.
Company badges and student IDs have the same goal: present your organization professionally and make your brand recognizable. Here's how you do it.
When you're the subject
Many people don't enjoy having their picture taken and end up with a stiff, awkward photo where they look stern or uncomfortable. On the other hand, you don't want to smile so big that you show all your gums.
Your best bet is the Mona Lisa smile. Just enough of a smile to seem friendly without showing too much teeth.
Another suggestion is to move your neck forward while leaning your body away from the camera. It sounds awkward, but it tightens your jawline and avoids the 10 pounds that cameras put on people.
Most of us have taken selfies, and if you haven't, it's a great way to practice and find your best angle. Selfies help you learn how to smile with slightly squinty eyes. Experts equate slightly squinty eyes with confidence. You can also learn how your hair photographs best.
When you're the photographer
Many responsible for taking employee or student ID photos didn't train as a photographer. That doesn't mean you can't take the best pictures possible that represent your organization well. Here are a few keys to help you take amazing and professional pictures.
Use the same background for each picture. If you can, use a backdrop in a plain, uniform color. Avoid backgrounds with patterns or pictures. For example, use a white or off-white background and have your subjects dress in darker colors like navy blue, black, or dark green to make their picture pop.
Arrange your subject a foot away from the background and use a tripod in the same location for each shot. If you're using lighting, arrange it about 3 feet away from your subject. While you can adjust the tripod to accommodate the height of each subject, tripods help you take steady, consistent shots in the same frame. This helps your ID cards or badges look similar across the board.
Final thoughts
Don't be afraid to take several shots of your subject. Those being photographed will appreciate the effort to show them in the best possible light, and you're more likely to get consistent shots of employees or students to represent your brand best.
The result should look similar to every other employee or student ID photo to help you present your company consistently. The best way to get professional, consistent pictures is to use aphoto ID system tailored for ID cards and printers. While you can use a standard digital camera, it requires too many steps to move the photo from the camera to your laptop or desktop, edit it, and insert it in the right frame.
An ID card camera completes those steps for you and inserts the picture in the exact spot in your software's ID card template. Reduce your time spent sizing and editing photos with a camera customized for ID card software.
Your best bet is to contact an Idesco ID Expert at 212-889-2530 to talk about your needs and your budget. Our ID Experts can help you identify the right photo ID card solution that meets all your needs. And remember, Idesco always offers the lowest price—guaranteed.