Preparing well before shooting your ID photo helps you pass on the first try, saving time and avoiding rejected applications. The 15-step checklist below applies to national ID, passport, international visa, and corporate employee badge photos.
The steps are divided into 3 phases: night before, morning of the shoot, and at the studio.
Phase 1 — Night before (6 steps)
- Sleep 7 hours — Dark under-eye circles are the most common issue. Don’t stay up late on your phone.
- Don’t eat salty food — Salt retains water and causes facial swelling the next morning. Limit instant noodles, canned foods.
- Apply a moisturizing face mask — Hydrated skin is smooth and won’t get dry under flash.
- Choose your wardrobe in advance — Iron the shirt or collared top. Avoid items with busy patterns or thin stripes.
- Check your documents — Bring old national ID or old passport for information reference.
- Trim hair if needed — Bangs should not cover eyebrows. Book a haircut 2-3 days ahead so the hair isn’t too freshly cut.
Phase 2 — Morning of the shoot (6 steps)
- Wash your face clean — Use gentle cleanser, don’t scrub hard. Dry gently.
- Shave clean (men) — Or trim neatly if keeping a beard. Remember to keep the same facial hair when applying for your national ID later.
- Eat a full breakfast — Avoid overly strong coffee (yellows teeth instantly) and oily foods (causes shiny skin).
- Light makeup (women) — Cover blemishes, fill brows naturally, neutral lipstick. Don’t use highlighter powder because it reflects under flash.
- Comb hair neatly — Tuck hair behind ears, ears must be visible. Don’t let stray hairs fly onto the forehead.
- Wear the chosen outfit — Navy, gray, black, or moss green shirt is best. Avoid white (matches background).
Phase 3 — At the studio (3 steps)
- Arrive 10 minutes early — Rest, drink water, adjust your mood. Don’t arrive rushed because you’ll breathe heavily during shooting.
- Remove glasses, large earrings — Before sitting in the shoot chair. Studio staff will remind you but you should proactively do it.
- Maintain neutral expression — Mouth closed, eyes looking straight at the lens, brows not furrowed. A slight smile is okay but no teeth showing.
”Quick” checklist — 1 minute before entering the shoot room
- Hair combed neatly, not covering eyebrows
- Ears clearly visible, not covered by hair
- No glasses
- No oversized earrings
- No visible necklace
- Collared shirt, dark solid color
- Mouth closed, neutral expression
- Eyes bright, not tired
Wardrobe do’s and don’ts
Choosing the right wardrobe makes the ID photo look professional and provides good contrast with the white background.
| Do wear | Don’t wear |
|---|---|
| Navy, gray, black shirt | White shirt (matches background) |
| Dark suit | Shirts with thin stripes (cause moiré) |
| Collared shirt | Tank top, off-shoulder top |
| Solid color sweater | Hoodie with hood covering the neck |
| Company uniform (if required) | Sportswear, swimwear |
| Traditional áo dài (graduation ID photo) | Shirt with large text/logo |
Women — Makeup for ID photos
Makeup for ID photos is completely different from event makeup. The goal is even skin tone and covering imperfections — not making you look like a different person.
- Foundation: Color matching skin, no more than 1 tone lighter than real skin
- Concealer: Under-eye circles, acne marks, scars
- Brows: Natural fill, not too dark
- Eyes: Light mascara, no winged eyeliner
- Cheeks: Light blush in terracotta or nude pink tone
- Lips: Natural color, terracotta or earth pink tone
- Avoid: Highlighter powder, heavy contouring, dark red lipstick, filters
Shoot at Gạo Nâu Profile
If this is your first time having a professional ID photo, Gạo Nâu Profile supports:
- Wardrobe consultation via Zalo before you arrive
- Free light makeup for female customers (590,000 VND package)
- Standard compliance check right at the studio
- On-the-spot printing of 4-6 copies + HD digital file
- Free reshoot warranty if the photo doesn’t meet standards
Contact hotline (+84) 775 243 530 or book via website. Open 8 AM — 8 PM all week at 3 branches in Hanoi — HCMC.