Good vs Bad ID Photos — Tips and Common Mistakes

Your ID photo creates an instant first impression — on passport officers, HR managers, and government agencies alike. Yet many people take their photo without thinking, ending up with a dark, unflattering result.

This guide compares good and bad ID photos side by side with clear checklists, so you can see exactly what to do and what to avoid.

Good vs Bad: Side-by-Side Comparison

Same person, same outfit — yet the impression is completely different. The difference comes down to how the photo was taken.

✓ Good ID Photo Checklist

Follow every point below to get a photo that passes on the first try.

Expression

• Keep your face neutral and relaxed — Don't force it. A gentle, closed-mouth smile is ideal
• Look directly at the camera lens — Not at the screen, but at the actual lens (the small hole on the rear camera)

Lighting

• Shoot in a bright environment — Natural window light is best. Indoor lighting alone is often not enough
• Keep lighting even across your face — Stand directly in front of the light source so neither side of your face has shadows

Posture

• Keep your back and head upright — No slouching. Sit or stand tall
• Keep your shoulders square — Both shoulders at the same height, facing the camera evenly
• Tuck your chin slightly — Raising it too high gives a "looking down at you" impression

Camera Settings

• Use the rear camera — It has better image quality and less distortion than the front camera
• Use portrait mode — The background blur makes your face stand out (the background will be removed automatically anyway)
• Smartphone filters are OK — Subtle adjustments to brightness and skin tone can help create an even finish

✗ Common Mistakes in Bad ID Photos

Most bad ID photos share one root cause: they were taken as a selfie. Using the front camera creates several problems at once.

Problems Caused by Selfies

• Eyes look downward — When you check your face on screen while shooting, you look at the display instead of the lens, causing a downward gaze
• Chin goes up (high chin) — Holding the phone above face level tilts your chin upward, creating an unflattering angle
• Face leans forward — Being too close to the phone forces your face into an unnatural forward pose
• Expression becomes unnatural — Watching yourself on screen makes you unconsciously tense up or grimace

Other Common Mistakes

• Shadows on the face — Light coming from the side or behind creates dark shadows on one side of your face
• Not enough light — A dark room makes the entire photo look gloomy and uninviting
• Hair covering your face — Bangs over your eyes or eyebrows prevent clear facial identification
• Wearing a hat or headband — Anything that hides the outline of your head will be rejected

Don't Worry About the Background

You don't need a white wall. mynaphoto.jp automatically removes your background and replaces it with a regulation-compliant white backdrop. Both example photos above were taken at home. What matters is your expression, lighting, and posture.