Most people don’t like their ID photo. And they can be understood: for some reasons, we all turn out terribly in the photo on the documents.
The answer is simple – because the human face is not symmetrical. The ears are uneven in height, one eye is larger than the other, the eyebrows are of different shapes, the nose looks more to the left or to the right. Yes, these differences are barely noticeable, but add the wrong angle here and you will get an answer to the question why you are a top model in a mirror or a selfie, but you may not recognize yourself in a passport photo.
If you already have a great photo, use the service to create passport photos online. Well, if you’re just going to be photographed, there are a few guidelines that will greatly improve how you can turn out in a photo.
Pick the right outfit
The passport photo is taken close-up, so there only be your head and a bit of shoulders. In case you pick a white top, then only you’ll see only your head, floating on a white background. Therefore, it is better to give preference to something colored.
And in general, don’t wear too colorful clothes. It is better to refuse shirts with a pattern or frills. They cannot be retouched in Photoshop. Best colors for photos are blue, gray, pastel shades – for example, pistachio or peach.
Get a good haircut
Your hair should lie as usual. If the hairstyle or hair color is very different, at passport control, for example, they may think that this is not your photo.
If you have long hair, remember that it should not completely cover your clothes so that it doesn’t look like you are not wearing it. Hair should also not cover your face, especially eyes or eyebrows.
A little styling gel or mousse can help hold your hair in place. This way you will look neater.
Make natural, but a little brighter than usual, make-up
To go with makeup or not is up to you. But some tricks can correct facial features and skin. By the way, the recommendations are equivalent for both women and men.
Mask redness, bruises, vascular network, pimples with a light concealer. Even out your skin tone with a foundation that matches your skin tone.
You can make a bright look with the help of emphasized eyebrows and matte shadows on the upper eyelid. And don’t use colored shadows – most often they look ridiculous.
Do you want to visually reduce the cheeks? Smile and apply the contouring product right under the apples and blend it well. Do you use powder? For photography, use only matte. Powder with a shine effect will create unnecessary highlights.
Tilt your head forward to get the jawline
The jawline can play a key role in your final photo. By tilting your head slightly forward, you will remove the double chin, and create a sharp yet beneficial shadow using the above light. So the face will become thinner and more expressive.
Don’t goggle and lift your lower eyelids
Some try not to look tired, concentrating on keeping their eyes open as much as possible.
However, it doesn’t look very nice in the photos. While making your eyes pop out of their sockets, you also reflexively raise your eyebrows, which makes you look terrified or surprised.
Professional photographers often suggest models to squint. Lightly closed eyelids may be highly beautiful since they are a natural component of smiling. Smile with your eyes!
Avoid portraiture by smiling slightly
The photo for official documents requires a neutral expression. But neutral doesn’t mean exhausted or angry! Remember, a slight smile works great.
Do a light workout before the photoshoot
We often take passport photos right after work, but this is probably the time when we look the worst.
A good gimmick is to take a passport photo 10 minutes after a light workout. You will be fresh and radiate energy even in the photo.
A couple of last tips
- To avoid dark circles under your eyes, you need to get a good night’s sleep the night before your shoot.
- Follow the instructions and ask for advice. Photographers in the studio will help you look the part.
- Ask to take another photo if you don’t like the first option.
- Don’t wear anything on your head, such as a hat or sunglasses.
- Straighten your back. In the photo you should look beautiful and confident. Drop your shoulders down and back. Don’t tilt your head back.
- Take a close-up selfie. This way you will see your mistakes. The face, which seemed to be petrified, and frightened eyes are the result of overexertion during the shooting. Try to make the face look as natural as possible in the photo. Practice your facial expressions in front of a mirror. See how you better hold your chin, head, take the right facial expression that suits you.