Here at ID Edge we firmly believe that the visual appearance of an ID card is absolutely vital for security. With the widespread adoption of magnetic stripes and smart chips, some organizations have shifted too much of their attention away from visual identification, to the point of neglecting best photo ID practices.
This is somewhat worrisome, because proper visual identification of the card holder is imperative for keeping organizations secure – it’s not just about the tamper-proof smart chips and well-selected pin numbers.
In this educational installment, we take a look at some of the common reasons why ID card photos can look terrible sometimes, and how to fix these problems.
If you have any questions about the quality of your card photos and need any assistance, please give us a call at 800-798-3343, or send us a message through the Contact Form.
Smart Card technology is not a Faster Horse
When the Wright brothers successfully flew their airplane for the first time in the early 1900’s, it was a groundbreaking step in the world of transportation. Even if most people didn’t realize it at the time, the invention of the airplane wouldn’t just change the speed of travel, but eventually change how we see the world (and more recently, how we see the universe).
In this way, the invention of the airplane wasn’t just an improvement in speed, compared to old modes of transportation like the horse and buggy, but a fundamentally different way of approaching life. It opened up a new world of possibilities that were simply unfathomable before.
When considering ID cards, it’s important to understand that new security features aren’t always meant to completely replace older features. In many cases, they are meant to enhance an additional aspect of the security process. So just because your ID card has a magnetically-encoded stripe, a security chip, or built-in RFID technology, that doesn’t mean that the visual aspect of the card should fall by the wayside.
Visual identification may not be as high-tech as a smart chip, but it’s absolutely essential that security personnel can visually match the photo on the card to the card holder. Therefore, it’s vital to remember that advanced technological features do not replace visual identification – they merely complement it.
Together, the visual and technological aspects of the ID card create a synergy that enhances the security of your organization in a way that no one feature can accomplish on its own. It is a case of 2+2=5, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
As such, ensuring that the photo of the ID card holder is of high quality is an indispensable part of your organization’s security.
Common ID Card Photo Problems
Some of the most common reasons for bad ID card photos include:
- No Backdrop: A backdrop is a very important aspect of taking ID card photos. It allows the photo to have a simple, monotone background, so that the focus is placed solely on the individual’s face, with no distractions in the background. Further, the lack of objects in the background makes it easier to distinguish the outline of the card holder’s face. It’s important to note that these aspects are not purely cosmetic. A clear image with a simple background means your security personnel have to do less mental work to discern the individual’s face on the photo, which in turn reduces identification errors.
- Bad Lighting: This is probably one of the most common issues with bad ID card photos. It happens because the lighting in most setting is simply inadequate for pictures. Some organizations will take the photo in a hallway, or simply turn on as many lights as possible in the room. But the lighting is either too dim for the camera to capture the nuanced features of a person’s face, or casts shadows that distort the final image. To address this issue, use good lighting and position it in a way that doesn’t create distortive shadows.
- Cheap Camera: Another common issue in bad ID card photos is the use of a substandard camera. An ID picture camera is one piece of equipment you can’t skimp on, especially for large organizations. Remember, a photo is simply a way to capture the reflection of photons that bounce off a person’s face. If the camera isn’t equipped to capture this reflection in fine detail, the picture will come out grainy and will be difficult to discern.
- Complex Software: One of the least-discussed reasons for poor quality ID photos is software that is simply too complicated and has intricate settings. This happens often with organizations that upgrade their photo ID system after many years, or are using an ID system for the first time. The lack of training on the software will often lead to the wrong settings being selected, causing color balance and lighting issues. This is one of the reasons we provide free phone support to all of our customers and encourage them to call us with questions, because just a few clicks of the mouse can mean the difference between a fantastic photo and a blurry one.
Get some Help
If you’re having issues with your ID card photos, give us a call. Phone support is always free at ID Edge. We’re here to help you learn the best ways to use your equipment and are glad to share our three decades of experience with you!
Give us a call at 800-798-3343, or send us an email thru the Contact Form!