【Job Hunting】To Those Whose ID Photos Don't Turn Out Well: "Tips to Look Better in Photos" Taught by Professionals

August 21, 2026 August 21, 2026

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ID photos are required when submitting entry sheets (ES) or resumes for job hunting. Have you ever felt that "I look worse than in real life" or "My face looks flat"?

This is because when taking photos with self-service photo booths, the camera and lighting positions are fixed. The standardized lighting erases facial features and loses dimensional depth. Additionally, without advice on expression or posture, tension can cause your expression to look stiff or your face to look tilted, which are the main reasons why photos end up looking unfavorable.

However, with a few simple tweaks and preparations, anyone can get a "great-looking ID photo"! In this article, we will explain tips on how to give the best possible impression while strictly adhering to identification photo requirements.

Points for Natural Makeup with Photo Clarity in Mind
Posture and Expression Tips to Look Better During Shooting
Retouching to Improve Impression Without Changing Facial Features
Summary | Get a Photo You Can Submit with Confidence

Points for Natural Makeup with Photo Clarity in Mind

What you need to be careful with in ID photos is excessive makeup or edits that make you look vastly different from your actual appearance. Aim for a natural tone-up with an emphasis on a sense of cleanliness and a healthy complexion.

Lack of Dimensionality in the Face

Apply highlighter sparingly on the T-zone and under the eyes. Keep shading to an absolute minimum as well.

Tired-Looking Eyes

Naturally cover dark circles and dullness with concealer. Applying a light color that blends well with your skin broadly around the eye area brightens the surrounding region, creating a healthy and gentle impression.

Unhealthy Complexion

Use a blush color that blends well with your skin tone and makes your complexion look vibrant, applying it very lightly at the highest point of the cheekbones. Keep lip products to a level that simply adds moisture and a touch of color.

Faint Eyebrows

Do not drastically change their usual shape; simply trim stray hairs that stick out beyond the outline and fill in thin areas slightly.
Drawing them with a color close to your hair color that isn't too light will define your features and enhance cleanliness.

【Caution】 Avoid using glitter or large sparkle flakes.
Depending on the industry, pearl eyeshadows might also be discouraged, so using matte products is much safer!

Posture and Expression Tips to Look Better During Shooting

Once your makeup is ready, next is your posture and expression for the shoot.

① Posture: Make your neck look long and straighten your back

Straighten your back and relax your shoulders. To prevent your neck from collapsing, sit with the image of being pulled from the top of your head, which naturally tightens your chin.
Tucking your chin in too much can cause a double chin or an upturned gaze, so being conscious of "dropping the tip of your chin slightly" often stabilizes the outcome.

② Expression: Raise the corners of your mouth without showing teeth

Smiling with your teeth showing is often not allowed under ID photo guidelines (excluding candidates applying for announcer, airline, or apparel roles).

Keep your mouth closed and be conscious of slightly raising the corners of your mouth.

Just doing this creates a much more approachable and bright impression compared to an expressionless face. It is also effective to smile gently with your eyes as well. At 19Studio, our photographers check your facial balance and appearance, helping you adjust your posture and angles in detail. Without feeling tense, entrust yourself to the instructions of our professionals, and you won't miss your best shot.

Retouching to Improve Impression Without Changing Facial Features

19Studio’s professional retouching solves photo appearance issues caused by cameras and lighting, as well as areas that self-care cannot fully address.

Skin Tone & Texture Adjustment: Naturally corrects rough skin, acne, dark circles, and shine. Retouching is strictly meant for refining skin texture and basically does not alter facial features themselves.
Improving Cleanliness: Corrects details such as stray or messy hair and suit wrinkles to ensure a neat, clean impression.
Fine Adjustments to Left-Right Balance: Adjusts the height of the corners of your mouth, facial tilt, shoulder height, suit collar, and tie to be symmetrical to a natural extent.

At 19Studio, under the motto of "a single photo that conveys your true self without a gap from your everyday look," we maximize the quality of your photo. We highlight your charm while meeting the ID photo requirements essential for corporate recruitment processes, such as cleanliness and trustworthiness.

Recommended to Shoot at a Studio

To prepare a good-impression ID photo, shooting at a studio is recommended! At 19Studio in Shinjuku, same-day reservations are also possible.

During the shoot, we utilize professional lighting techniques to make your complexion look bright and healthy, finishing with a clean, natural impression. In addition, we perform natural retouching so that the impression does not drastically differ from an actual interview, bringing out your charm.

We offer full services popular among job seekers, such as a suit synthesis option (+1,500 yen) so you can visit in casual clothes without worry, dark hair correction, retakes until you are satisfied, and same-day delivery of photo data. It is a photo studio specializing in job hunting that responds to your wish of "I want to take photos right now!"

Click here for details!

Summary | Get a Photo You Can Submit with Confidence

An ID photo is an important tool that conveys your personality and cleanliness. By combining advance makeup and posture preparation with 19Studio's professional touch, you can get a photo that "gives a great impression while following all regulations."

Get a satisfying ID photo at 19Studio and move on to the next step with confidence!