Chances are if you don’t already have a work ID card, you’re going to have one in the near future. In former times reserved for airport workers and CIA agents, photo ID cards are becoming more and more popular in “normal” businesses, with even small businesses using them for their security, access-restriction and punch-in/out benefits. What this means for you is that you’ll be wearing your face around all day, either clipped to your pocket or on a snazzy lanyard around your neck.

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And if you’re going to be wearing your face all day, you want to know that it’s a good picture, right?How awful would it be if the camera caught you, dimly lit, making a face like you’re about to sneeze, as the flash picks up red eyes on you like some demon alien. That wouldn’t be pretty. So with that in mind, in order to make sure you put your best face forward, here’s how to take the best possible photo for your work ID card.

First off, if you have any say in the kind of ID system your business gets, make sure it’s one with a good camera and printing quality – when you’re looking for security products for your office you have to do some research and decide what system is best, as there might be ones out there that are grainy and unflattering. Some of the top companies for quality to look out for are Javelin, Datacard, Polaroid and Fargo.

Next, making sure that your hair is out of your face, and that your makeup (if you wear makeup) is matte, as you don’t want the lights picking up any shiny hotspots on your face. If you don’t wear makeup, just be sure to blot your face with a tissue or paper towel before having the photo taken –especially in warmer offices, sweat can make for a real picture-wrecker.

Along those same lines, it’s important that the lighting be right – you don’t want the source to be too direct or “hot”. If possible, diffuse the light with a softbox or bounce, or if you’re using a flash you can have it directed at the ceiling, that way the light spreads and casts more evenly on your face. This can really make all the difference in a photo. Also, you want the background to be a uniform colour – if it isn’t, or if there are ripples in the background, take a moment to sort them out.

Lastly, take a moment to relax. Tension shows up big time on a face, whether it’s the slight pursing of lips, the uneasy furrowing of your brow, or the wide-eyed, deer-in-the-headlights look. Taking a second to breathe and act normally will pay off immensely – it’s the difference between looking at your ID card every day and seeing calm, cool and collected person, or a panicking.Follow these tips, and you’ll be proud to show off your work ID card!

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