How to Take a Better Driver's License Photo

When it's time to renew your driver's license
, do you dread the photo session that's sure to follow? Let's face it. Driver's license photos look almost as bad as mug shots. Plus, you're stuck with the awful photo for years to come. The good news is there are some simple things you can do to take a better photo for your driver's license. Here are some tips.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Add some Personality.
   
   Smiling into the camera can help to compensate for a variety of flaws. It shows you're a real person with personality rather than another sour faced image on a driver's license. Think of something pleasant while your photo is being taken.

2. Hold your Head Up.
   
   Be sure to lift your chin and elevate your head slightly when assuming the position for your photo. This helps to minimize facial jowling and reduce the appearance of a double chin. It also tends to give your face a more youthful look.

3. Reduce Facial Shine.
   
   Right before you step in front of the camera, apply a thin layer of facial powder to reduce facial shine. Driver's license photos tend to make your face appear shiny which is probably not the look you want.

4. Wear a Simple Top.
   
   Driver's license photos tend to look best when you're a simple top rather than something fussy or detailed. Keep it simple and your driver's license photo will turn out much better.

5. Go Light on the Makeup.
   
   The lights in the DMV tend to be harsh and will magnify the effects of any makeup you're wearing. A small amount of blush that looks reasonable in your mirror can make you look like a clown in your driver's license photo. Likewise, heavily lined eyes caked with mascara will give you a hard look, similar to what you'd see in a mug shot.

6. Get Plenty of Sleep the Night Before.
   
   If you know you're going to have your driver's license photo taken the next day, make sure you're well rested. Those dark circles from lack of sleep will show up quite clearly in your driver's license photo if you're sleep deprived. Besides, you need to be well rested to tolerate standing in those long lines for your license renewal.

7. If all Else Fails, ask for a Retake.
   
   If you receive your driver's license photo and it's worse than you expected, consider asking for a retake. Some centers will grant you this request while others will either deny you this request or make you pay. Paying a small amount for a better photo might be worthwhile if your eyes are closed and you have a nasty scowl on your face .Remember, you're going to be living with this photo for a while. Do you really want to be embarrassed every time you pull out your wallet?

[sbsingleguy]

on 12/9/2008 Here is a great short film on smiling in your drivers' license photo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbk980jV7Ao