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License ID's are likened to "stamps of existence" here in America. Without an ID, you are either an "undocumented alien" or a "ghost." So each American or anyone who is documented to legally stay in America must have a license ID (although one can get also a non-drivers license ID).
But I hear a lot of Americans wailing that they can't just simply look good in license ID photos. I believe that because I saw some photos that hardly resemble their beautiful faces in personal. They look horrible in pics but in personal they do not. Eye bags are intensified, frown lines and crow's feet seem to be enlarged even sans the use of zooming, totally washed out faces, and sullen "I have such a bad life" looks. My husband and friends were struck in awe when they saw my license ID photo. They said I look great.
(I cropped all the other details of my ID for protection. DMVCT means Department of Motor Vehicles Connecticut)
I'm flattered. At least I look beautiful in photos. Either I am photogenic or I possess the mojo to look pretty good at least in pictures. Though I grew up poor, my father had a Pentax camera as a gift from a friend. Suddenly his passion for the camera became a hobby, and it was a blessing for him to have another friend who had a home developing lab where he developed photos for free. Since I was the oldest, I was my father's model. At first, the flashes bothered me that I would cry and scream. But as I grew up, I learned to love the camera and also learned how to pose and find my best angle.
In locales that do not have the sophisticated lights and studio paraphernalia, having a photo there could be a nightmare. The lights are harsh, the camera is not as great as the ones used by pros, and only one shot is taken. The shot that was photographed is your "photographic identity" for the whole duration of the license until it expires again. That could be scary being stuck with a zombie-like photo that you need to show to anyone who asks for it for several years.
I have found some great tips online but I won't post them here because that would be just like a duplicate of their content. I am going to share my own personal tips instead which I know works for me and will also work for you.
First- Find your best angle. Practice it facing the mirror or your own digicam while facing the mirror. Lower your chin, raise your chin, slightly (just so slightly) turn your face sideward, tilt your head on one side, etc. Experiment with many angles.
Second- Then for the ladies, learn how to use make-up to enhance your best features to look good even with the most decrepit photography tools. Use foundation. But don't forget the concealer. Dab concealer on spots or on uneven tone. Always line your eyes. Experts say that if you have small eyes, don't line them with eyeliner because it will make them smaller than they actually are. But I like to line my eyes with liner to make it look bigger. It really does. My eyes become more expressive with eyeliner. Put on triple coats of mascara. Put on a bright lipstick, not necessarily, but something of a bright color. Do not go for nude lipsticks or earth tones. They will make you look like a spirit in horror movies.
For men, I recommend using anti-shine or mattifying powders on the forehead, nose and cheeks if your skin tends to be oily. If your skin is dry, just a little bit of moisturizing lotion before your shot is taken will do the trick.
Third- Wear something simple but not a T-shirt. Something with a collar and comes in a bright color. Do not wear white. The background of most DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) where the pics are shot is white. You do not want to look like your head is floating right off that white background.
Fourth- Wear your hair simply. If you must blow out your hair, don't overdose with too much products. Just little globs of volume and shine serums are fine. But be careful not to look like you're competing for Miss USA.
For men, if you are not the comb-y person, please just comb your hair this time. Trim hair from your nostrils and stray hair on your face. In other words, be clean-shaven.
Fifth- As you stand there, waiting for your cue, think of happy thoughts. Even just for that single moment. Smile. Don't smile too big nor grin like you were being forced to. A simple sincere smile makes anyone beautiful.
So, there are those tips that I wish you could make use of next time you go to that dreaded ID photo. If you have some tricks, share them here.
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yes you do look good in that id photo. sa akin, all the time pangit :)
Posted by: shiela | February 03, 2009 at 05:45 PM
Hi Shiela, that is why I'm sharing these tips. Follow these tips...I'm sure you gonna look much prettier than you are.
Posted by: bingkee | February 03, 2009 at 05:49 PM
Hi Binkee, I love your picture and your smile, a picture of a very confident and happy lady. I am sure many will find this post helpful.
Posted by: betchai | February 03, 2009 at 07:58 PM
Ang ganda mo, sis!! :) You are a great beauty advisor since then pa naman. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: May | February 03, 2009 at 08:22 PM
Hey Bingkee i agree you look very beautiful in this pic. I have found the all of your posts are very informative and interesting to read.
Posted by: Bill | February 03, 2009 at 08:23 PM
Oh Bingkee, you do look beautiful!
Cool tips. I really like this one..."Do not go for nude lipsticks or earth tones. They will make you look like a spirit in horror movies...
I like your posts, they're always fun, or entertaining, or something! God bless!
Posted by: Lori Laws | February 03, 2009 at 09:35 PM
May---My love for make-up wouldn't be put to good use if I look "ugly" on photos. It really shows I am such a sucker for make-up.
Bill--thanks for the compliments. :-)
Lori---yea wearing nude lipstick in those harsh lights could make you look like a ghost. Hahaha!
Posted by: bingkee | February 03, 2009 at 09:54 PM
hi Bing! this is super useful. thanks for sharing. i don't have a DL yet. and i haven't gotten a state id as well. when i decide to get one, i'll definitely try your tips.
happy thoughts... happy thoughts! i got my company id and had happy thoughts.
btw, i agree with everyone, you sure are very beautiful on the picture.
Posted by: simplyjacy | February 03, 2009 at 11:29 PM
Yes, you look marvelous in your ID photo. Having practice posing with your late father has sure prepared you for photo sessions anywhere else. Your tips are excellent and they can come in handy during the actual photo session. Thanks for the excellent post. God bless you always.
Posted by: Mel Alarilla | February 03, 2009 at 11:48 PM
you do look amazing in your license photo! i'm getting a new passport and a driver's license sometime in the next few months so i'll use your tips. my fave is the 5th one. =) here's another tip. say to yourself over & over that you're beautiful at least before the shot is taken. even in self-portraits & group pictures, i find that i look better when i do that & think happy thoughts at the same time :)
Posted by: Imee | February 04, 2009 at 12:46 AM
I like the fifth one. Though photos taken here in the Philippines especially with LTO can be quite challenging. =)
Posted by: Badet | February 04, 2009 at 12:52 AM
Hi Bing! YOu look gorgeous in your license,indeed. ".....horror movies and that competing for Miss USA are my favorites!" You really are funny, darling! =)
Posted by: i devour fashion | February 04, 2009 at 02:31 AM
Hi Binkgee,
You are very pretty, you have a great smile and you made a great picture. Also, you write well. This is a very good post.
Posted by: Oscar | February 04, 2009 at 03:05 AM
Wow these are great and doable tips we all could use. You also look va-va-voom in that driver's license photo!!! I'm actually a big fan of mascara and if you do get the right one for you, it could really open up and do wonders to your eyes no matter how tired they look. Thanks so much for sharing Bingkee.
Much Love,
Bing (",)
Posted by: PinkLady | February 04, 2009 at 03:17 AM
hi bing. i should have read this before i had my license renewed last july 2008. i looked 20 yrs older in my license photo. now i have to agonize for 3 long yrs before i can again renew my license & apply these tips, tho i'll keep these all in mind bing. next time, i want to be as pretty as you in my license. thanks a lot!
Posted by: joann veluz-lucero | February 04, 2009 at 03:48 AM
Hi bingkee, u look very beautiful.
By sharing advice to make everyone look better..I believe you have a beautiful soul too. Thank you for your advice,I shall apply what I learn here today the next time I am going to be in a photograph :)
Posted by: T T Tan | February 04, 2009 at 05:09 AM
Simply Jacy--thanks for the compliment.
Mel--My father, when he died, he had his own lab and about 4 professional cameras.
Imee--I think that works too...it's all in the mind.
Badet & I Devour Fashion---thanks so much.
Oscar--thanks for the compliments..pls. do come back again.
Pink Lady --my favorite mascara is CoverGirl Lash Blast and Lancome Definicils. They really do wonders to make your eyes look awake.
Joann- Next time, I'm sure you'll gonna look 10 years younger
TTan-Thanks so much for your compliment. I'm sure you'll gonna look great the next time you have your pic taken.
Posted by: bingkee | February 04, 2009 at 09:37 AM
You look gorgeous bingkee... thanks for the tips Ill keep those in mind the next time I have a photo ID taken.
Posted by: Ria | February 04, 2009 at 03:00 PM
Hi Bhing, you really look great in this post :) I agree with your tips. I am also practicing by best smile in the mirror lolz!
Another thing, I always ask the photographer to say ready then at least count 1..2..3 before clicking so I will be ready and expect the shot. The common reason of bad shots is that sometimes, while the photographer is calculating the angle, we're out of focus and impatient and when he click the cam, we are not ready :)
Juliet
Posted by: Pinaykeypoint | February 04, 2009 at 03:48 PM
Hi Ria C---thanks for the compliment and you're welcome...remember the tips.
Hi Juliet---yea ur right. Sometimes the timing is not perfect so your tip is great---telling the photographer to count.
Posted by: bingkee | February 04, 2009 at 04:08 PM
beautiful photo.. you really shine and fantastic tips on how to look good in them :)
Posted by: Miz Helena | February 04, 2009 at 11:56 PM
hey viv...very helpful tips indeed...and a nice proof to go with it...
Posted by: cynthia | February 05, 2009 at 12:33 AM
hi bingkee thanks for the update. thanks for sharing i need since i am going to renew my passport. =)
you have a pretty picture. stay beautiful
Posted by: eva | February 05, 2009 at 02:32 PM
Hey Bingkee,
I couldn't comment on your Jealous Reader Post so dito ko na lang lagay. Those are very helpful tips ako rin pang picture lang ata ang beauty ko.
That's what I think atleast pero ang totoo if you are a beautiful person - it would show also in person.
Wag mo na pansinin yang jealous reader mo na yan. Ugly yan sigurado ;)
Posted by: Jade | February 05, 2009 at 11:35 PM
Can't find a way to drop a comment on your "Jealous Reader?" post...Take a moment, think of happy thoughts is my advice. Hehehe. Maybe she's baiting you and your readers to visit her blog. Lonely person yun tao siguro and needs some friction to add spark to an uneventful life. Ay sus, nag speculate pa ano? When the simplest thing to do is to investigate this reader. Ayoko nga - as you said, poor grammar, mixed up tenses. Baka ma-resurrect pa pagiging grammar nazi ko e matagal ko ng nailibing iyon. Hehehe.
You're so you, Bingkee. Authentic. Forthright. And unpredictable. :)
Posted by: jan | February 06, 2009 at 02:39 AM
hey bingkee, i can't comment on that jealous reader post as well,one thing's for sure.they're all jealous...pinay tayo eh.hahaha...haters,they can all kiss our ass!!ai,gwapa ka day!!! right on!!! :) cheer up!!! u want red horse beer?lol...
Posted by: FrozenMargarita | February 06, 2009 at 05:05 AM
Hi Ms. Bingkee,
I was smiling when I read your post regarding your jealous reader. Just forget her and ignore her. Keep your calm and besides beauty is on the eye of the beholder.
Btw, I agree on your post about your jealous reader. Carry on and more power to your blog :D
Posted by: Vlad | February 06, 2009 at 10:12 AM
Miz Helena---thanks for the compliment.
Cynthia---for proof to be credible...hehehee!
Posted by: bingkee | February 06, 2009 at 12:47 PM
Eva---thanks ..and don't forget my tips.
Jade---I am sure....I keep my mouth shut na lang. :-)
Jan---You did not fail to make me laugh...Nazi ? Nailibing na nga. Oh you're the only one who said I'm unpredictable, but I like it.
Frozen Margarita--Thanks for the Red Horse...like your style.
Vlad---you cheered me up...thanks so much.
Posted by: bingkee | February 06, 2009 at 12:52 PM