DIY FR France ID card 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Photos: Equipment and Setup

Requirements

• Camera: use a digital camera (minimum 8 MP) or high‐res smartphone with manual mode to ensure sharp, detailed images
• Lens: equip a 50 mm (or equivalent) prime lens to minimize distortion and keep facial proportions natural
• Tripod: mount the camera on a sturdy, height-adjustable tripod to maintain consistent framing and eliminate blur
• Background screen: set up a plain, matte white or light‐gray backdrop free of creases or patterns for uniform contrast
• Lighting: position two diffused daylight‐balanced light sources at 45° angles to the subject to avoid shadows and hotspots
• White balance: place a neutral gray card in frame and custom-set white balance in‐camera to ensure accurate skin tones
• Subject distance: keep the camera 5–2 m from the subject so the head occupies 70–80% of the vertical frame without distortion
• Head positioning guide: enable the in-viewfinder or on-screen grid overlay and align the eyes along the upper third line
• Remote release or timer: use a wired/wireless remote or 2-sec timer to prevent camera shake during capture
• Crop and resolution setup: configure capture/output at 300 dpi and crop to 35×45 mm in-camera or with software to meet ID-card specs

Step-by-Step Process

Content about DIY FR France ID card 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Photos: Equipment and Setup - process

Tips and Best Practices

• Tripod Stabilization: Use a sturdy tripod at eye level to avoid tilt and blur, because off-angle or shaky photos are a common rejection reason.
• High-Resolution Camera Choice: Opt for a DSLR or smartphone ≥8 MP with filters off to capture crisp facial details and avoid graininess that French authorities reject.
• Even Soft Lighting Setup: Employ two diffused light sources at 45° angles to eliminate shadows on face and background, since uneven lighting often leads to disqualification.
• Neutral Plain Background: Position the subject against a smooth white or light grey background free of texture or shadows to comply with the 35×45 mm requirement and avoid backdrop-related rejections.
• Precise Framing & Distance: Maintain about 1–5 m distance and use camera gridlines to center head within the 35×45 mm frame, because incorrect cropping or proportions will cause automatic rejection.

Conclusion

Conclusion: A successful DIY France ID-card photo hinges on using the right gear, setting it up precisely, and rigorously following the 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm) specifications.

Key equipment and setup tips:

• Camera: minimum 5 MP sensor with a 50 mm (or 85 mm full-frame equivalent) lens to avoid distortion
• Tripod: sturdy, height-adjustable to align the lens with the subject’s eye level
• Lighting: two softboxes or LED panels at 45° angles for even, shadow-free illumination
• Background: seamless white or light gray backdrop extending from floor to ceiling
• Measuring tools: a metal ruler or printed template to verify 35×45 mm dimensions and 32–36 mm head height

Setup best practices:

• Subject distance: at least 5 m from background to eliminate shadows
• Camera settings: manual mode, ISO 100, f/6, shutter speed 1/125 s for crisp, noise-free images
• Framing: head centered, eyes 15–20 mm below top edge, shoulder line visible
• Expression: neutral face, closed mouth, eyes open and looking straight into the lens
• Validation: use grid and measurement overlays in live view to confirm compliance

Final validation and print:

• Review digital preview against official France ID-card templates
• Print on high-quality, matte photo paper at 300 dpi, ensuring exact 35×45 mm output
• Conduct a final dimension and head-placement check before submission to guarantee acceptance