DIY RU Russian Fan card (Fan ID) Photos: Equipment and Setup

Requirements

• Camera equipment: use a digital camera or smartphone with at least 8 MP resolution, autofocus, manual exposure and white-balance controls
• Stable support: mount the camera on a sturdy tripod with bubble level and remote shutter release (or 2-second timer) to eliminate motion blur
• Lens choice: select a 35 mm–50 mm prime lens (full-frame equivalent) or standard smartphone lens to avoid distortion of facial features
• Background setup: install a wrinkle-free, non-textured light-grey or off-white backdrop (minimum 2 m wide) on a stand, ensuring no visible edges or patterns
• Lighting arrangement: position two identical softbox or LED panels (5 000–5 500 K) at 45° angles to subject, at eye level, to create even illumination without shadows
• Background–subject distance: keep the subject at least 5 m from the backdrop to minimize background shadow and color spill
• Exposure check: use a handheld light meter or camera histogram to verify even exposure across the face and backdrop, aiming for mid-tones around 18 % grey
• Floor and tripod markers: mark camera placement and subject’s feet position with tape on the floor to maintain consistent framing and distance
• Framing guide: enable live-view grid or attach a transparent 35 × 45 mm overlay on the monitor to align the top of the head and chin within the required margins
• White-balance calibration: include a gray card shot before the session to set accurate white balance in post-processing and ensure true skin tones

Step-by-Step Process

• Equipment: Gather all required gear before you start—use a digital camera (DSLR or mirrorless) or a high-resolution smartphone (minimum 8 MP) mounted on a stable tripod with a level head, a plain light-colored backdrop (white or light gray, wrinkle-free), two softbox lights or LED panels (5500 K daylight balanced), a reflector or white foam board, and a ruler or measuring tape for precise head-height verification.
• Setup: Position your backdrop at least 5 m from any wall to avoid shadows, set your camera 5–2 m from the subject at eye level using the tripod, arrange the two lights at 45° angles about 1 m from the subject at head height for even, shadow-free illumination, place the reflector directly under the chin to soften shadows, dial in manual mode (ISO 100–200, f/4–f/6, shutter 1/125 s), and use a ruler to mark the spot on the floor where the subject’s head will align with camera frame guidelines.

Tips and Best Practices

• Stable tripod setup: using a tripod keeps the camera perfectly still for sharp images—handheld shots often blur and lead to rejections
• Soft, diffused lighting: position two lamps with softboxes or white umbrellas to eliminate harsh shadows—direct flash creates glare and uneven skin tones
• Neutral background selection: choose a plain light gray or white backdrop free of wrinkles or textures—busy or colored backgrounds can trigger auto-rejection
• Proper lens choice: use a 50–85 mm prime lens or smartphone portrait mode to avoid facial distortion—wide-angle lenses make noses look oversized
• Correct camera-to-subject distance: stand 5–2 meters from the subject to capture the required head size and proportions—getting too close skews perspective

Conclusion

In summary, a successful DIY RU Russian Fan card photo hinges on having the right gear and following a precise setup:

• Camera: a DSLR or high-resolution mirrorless with 12MP+ sensor for sharp details
• Tripod: stable, height-adjustable to align the lens with the subject’s eyes
• Background: plain white or light gray, wrinkle-free backdrop or wall
• Lighting: two softbox lights or diffused lamps at 45° angles to eliminate shadows
• Accessories: remote shutter or self-timer, level or spirit bubble for framing

Key setup steps to ensure compliance:

• Position the subject ~5m from the background to avoid spill shadows
• Adjust tripod so the lens is at the subject’s eye level, framed head-to-shoulders
• Set camera to neutral white balance, aperture f/6–f/8, ISO 100–200 for clarity
• Angle lights at 45° from the subject, 1–5m distance, diffuser in place to soften highlights
• Capture a test shot, verify head size (70–80% frame height), no shadows, even skin tone

By equipping yourself properly and following these steps, you’ll create a compliant, high-quality Fan ID photo ready for submission.