【Job Hunting on a Budget】How to Get High-Quality ID Photos Affordably

Trivia about ID photos for recruit Concerns about Job Hunting #Job-Hunting ID Photo #ID Photo #Photo Studio #Cost #Job Hunting

October 28, 2026October 28, 2026 Chiharu

Chiharu

Job hunting costs a surprising amount of money with transportation expenses, printing fees, and more. On top of that, writing Entry Sheets (ES) and doing industry research take up a lot of time, so many of you have probably cut back on your part-time work shifts, resulting in a smaller paycheck… This time, we would like to share some recommended methods for those who want to get satisfactory ID photos as affordably as possible.

If Quality Matters Most, a Studio Is Recommended!
Express Yourself with Self-Done Hair, Makeup, and Suit
Get Discounts via Friend Referrals!
Summary

If Quality Matters Most, a Studio Is Recommended!

For those who say "I want an ID photo with a beautiful finish," taking photos at a photo studio is definitely recommended. The handling of equipment and retouching techniques are unique advantages that only a studio can offer.

Another key point is the presence of a third-party staff member. They can spot disarranged clothing or poor posture—things that are easy to miss on your own—and point them out before the shooting.

It is surprisingly common to notice messy hair or untidy clothes only after taking a photo in an automated photo booth. Even if you managed to take it cheaply, having to retake it means paying double the cost.

In fact, some customers come to our studio because they tried to save money by using a photo booth, but were dissatisfied with the result, and still couldn't get a satisfactory outcome even after trying a second booth. We often hear them say, "I should have just gone to a studio from the start…"

Submitting an ID photo you aren't confident in to a company is not recommended. If you want a clean and professional photo, it is safest to shoot at a studio right from the beginning.

Express Yourself with Self-Done Hair, Makeup, and Suit

To get photos taken affordably at a studio, choosing a simple plan as much as possible is recommended.

An example of a "simple plan" is "Shooting + Digital Data or Print Delivery." This is a plan without options for hair and makeup or suit rentals.

In actual job interviews and internships, you do your own hair and makeup and wear the suit you prepared yourself, right?
By taking your ID photo with the makeup, hairstyle, and outfit that represent your true self, just like you would for actual interviews, you can minimize the gap between your photo and your real appearance. It allows you to get an ID photo at a great price while also showcasing your authentic self.

Get Discounts via Friend Referrals!

We also recommend the "Referral Discount," which makes it even more affordable.

In job hunting, getting information is crucial above all. While researching on your own is important, cooperating and sharing information with friends and seminar classmates is also vital.

A great first step to making job-hunting peers is using the "Referral Discount"! There are so many ID photo studios out there that many people struggle to decide which one to choose.

By sharing studio information with your friends, you both can receive a discount, which is a great deal. Using the topic of ID photos as an icebreaker might also make it easier to discuss job hunting together afterward.

Also, we recommend shooting on the same day with your friends using the referral discount. Shooting alongside a close friend can help you relax and capture your most natural expression. It is very reassuring even for those who don't like having their picture taken.

Summary

This time, we introduced methods to get high-quality ID photos affordably.
If you don't want to compromise on either quality or price for your ID photos, definitely give these tips a try!
At 19 Studio, we are running a campaign where reprints are free when you refer a friend.
Please feel free to consult with our staff!

Chiharu: Loves writing articles and is studying copywritingI love writing and I'm currently studying copywriting. I turn the questions our guests often ask and the things I notice in the studio into easy-to-read articles about job-hunting and ID photos, so that even first-timers can understand them.