How to Choose the Best Photo ID Camera

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PHOTO ID CAMERA FOR YOUR NEEDS

Cameras can be just as important as ID printers in creating quality photo identification. While evaluating your organization’s needs, consider the following:

Image Quality
Which type of ID card printer do you have? High-definition printers like the Fargo HDP5000 or the Evolis Avansia can print a better image than what a standard web camera can take. VALCam cameras offer superior image quality.

If you chose your printer because you wanted the highest image quality for your ID cards, make sure you’re getting the best output.

Mobility
When selecting a camera, you have to determine whether you’ll be taking ID photos at a permanent location or if you need to go to multiple locations to take the pictures. If you are using a web cameras, it needs to be connected to a computer; this can be a major limitation if people cannot come to you.

If you need to be mobile, the Canon Rebel T5 is your best choice. This high-quality camera is ideal for beginners or those new to digital SLR photography who want to capture crisp, professional-looking pictures.

Lighting
If your lighting source is less than optimal, you may need a camera with a flash like the Credential Cam Pro. This camera is compact, offers high-resolution images, and has a synchronized USB-powered LED flash.

Without a flash, you can create major shadowing and drastically lower the definition (and ultimately the quality) of the image.

How to Take Great Photos for ID Badges

Does your driver’s license photo make you cringe? Fortunately, you can bury your license in your wallet. ID cards, on the Taking photos for an ID cardother hand, will be worn every day for all to see. If you’re responsible for taking your organization’s ID photos and want to know how to take great ID badge photos, these simple tips will help ensure fantastic results!

Put Your Subject at Ease
Many people are uncomfortable about having their photo taken. If possible give the person advance notice about the photo session. Chat with the person for a few minutes before snapping the picture. Finally, allow the person to preview their photo before printing the ID card.

Remember: Location, Location, Location
Set up the camera in a private area with good lighting, preferably natural sunlight. If possible, avoid fluorescent lighting as it can wash people out and result in photos with a bluish tint.

Use a Tripod A tripod not only keeps the camera steady to avoid blurry pictures, it also keeps the photographer’s hands-free. By using a tripod, you can focus on the person, and hopefully get him/her to smile!

Invest in a Good Photo ID Camera A high-quality camera = great images. If the photo is a prominent and important element of the ID card, it’s important to use a quality camera that will produce colorful, life-like photos for easy identification.

Why are Photo Backdrops Important?

An important (and often forgotten) element of an ID badge photo is the background. A photo backdrop system is a quick Photo ID Backdropsway to set up a make-shift “photo studio” and ensure consistent and professional-looking ID photos.

We’ve all seen it: the student standing in the office waiting for a photo to be taken for his school ID…or the employee standing in front a non-descript wall knowing the glare from the flash on the wall will stand out more than the photo itself.

So how can you overcome this all-too-familiar scenario? How can you make a 1-inch or 2-inch square photo more interesting and more reflective of what the person actually looks like in real life? How can you give ID photos a softer, cleaner look with dimension?

A properly chosen photo ID backdrop will provide the answer to these questions. Photo backdrops come in a variety of materials, sizes, and colors which provides the options you need to create your desired outcome. Backdrops are also available in a variety of styles including:

• wall-mounted
• free-standing (stand-alone)
• pull-down

For example, check our Photo ID Backdrop System; it includes a full-size backdrop and an adjustable stand for varying heights. Available in a variety of popular colors, it’s made of wrinkle-resistant nylon microsuede material for adding a smooth, professional look to photos. It easily attaches to the included stand with velcro to ensure a tight fit. The metal stand adjusts from 28” to 78” high to accommodate sitting or standing poses.