ID Photos, the Back-to-School Chore

You're back from vacation, in high spirits. Until the dreaded moment of taking the ID photo arrives, which we inevitably need for the back-to-school season.

And then, panic! Noooo! Please, not the ID photo ordeal!

ID photos can be quite the eyesore

As you know, there are very strict standards for photos used on various IDs. Consequently, the results are generally not great, which can paradoxically trigger a painful identity crisis in any normally composed person. But who is this strange being, hair slicked to the side, ears clearly visible, eyes fixed, almost glassy, mouth closed and tense to prevent a smile? Really, is that me? Enough to shake the sturdiest self-confidence! How can you love yourself when your ID shows such a photo?

Beloved Photobooth!

To get your portrait done quickly and supposedly well (or not), you usually rush into the first photobooth you find! And there, you feel like entering a new dimension.

First, the stool adjustment. You frantically turn it one way and then the other, not knowing if it's going up or down. In short, it's a disaster and you need to mobilize all your composure and neurons to finally succeed in aligning your face at the right height, within the strange green oval that appears on the screen.

The voice (usually female) echoing in the booth informs you that you will have three attempts. Stiff and tense, you try hard to vary your facial expression, all while respecting the rules for ID photos: no smiling, face straight ahead, clear features, preferably without glasses. Your three attempts are far from convincing. And in the end, the choice isn't really one! So, with your spirits at rock bottom, you opt for the least worst... And there you are, equipped with ugly photos for the next 10 years!

Some tips for successful ID photos

To look your best in your ID photos, make sure to take care of your appearance. Gentlemen, shave closely or trim your beard neatly on that day. Get your haircut refreshed before you have your picture taken. Ladies, the same advice applies, except for the beard, with extra attention to your makeup. Opt for a natural (nude) makeup that will enhance your features.

In your ID photos, you're not allowed to sport a wide smile. So don't hesitate to cheat a little and smile with your eyes. Yes, with your eyes. Practice in front of your mirror. You'll see that simply thinking "smile with my eyes" will bring a more radiant, friendlier touch to your face. A bit of gentleness too, to counter the depressed and desperate expression we usually have on our ID photos.

Take heart, this year you're going to love yourself, even in your ID photos!