RU Russian Fan card (Fan ID) Application: Photo Guidelines (Step-by-Step)

Requirements

• File format: JPEG (.jpg) with minimal compression and no embedded metadata
• File size: between 50 KB and 500 KB to ensure fast upload and proper quality
• Image dimensions: square aspect ratio (1:1), minimum 600 × 600 px, maximum 1200 × 1200 px at 300 DPI
• Background: plain white or light-gray, evenly lit with no patterns, shadows, or objects visible
• Framing & head size: subject’s head (from crown to chin) must occupy 70–80% of frame, centered horizontally and vertically
• Pose & expression: full-face view, neutral expression with mouth closed, eyes open, direct gaze at the camera, no head tilt
• Lighting: uniform, frontal lighting with no shadows on face or background, no red-eye, natural skin tones
• Glasses & eyewear: no sunglasses or tinted lenses; clear prescription glasses allowed if frames do not cover eyes and no glare is present
• Head coverings: prohibited except for religious purposes, provided they do not obscure facial features or cast shadows
• Photo age: taken within the last six months to reflect current appearance
• Retouching & alterations: no filters, digital enhancements, or retouching that alter natural skin texture or facial features

Step-by-Step Process

• Review official photo specifications: obtain the latest Fan ID photo requirements from the official FIFA/Russian organizing committee website to confirm size (35 × 45 mm), head height (32–36 mm from chin to crown), background (plain light gray or off-white), color profile (24-bit RGB), and file format (JPEG).
• Set up your shoot environment and equipment: choose a neutral, non-textured backdrop illuminated by two diffuse light sources at 45° angles to eliminate shadows; mount a DSLR or high-resolution mirrorless camera on a tripod at eye level; set ISO 100–200, aperture f/6–f/8, shutter 1/125 s for sharp, evenly lit images.
• Position and pose the subject: have the applicant stand 5–2 m from the background, face the camera squarely with head centered, maintain a neutral expression and closed mouth, keep eyes open and visible, ensure shoulders are relaxed and level, remove hats, hair accessories, and dark-framed glasses (if prescription glasses are worn, use frameless lenses and eliminate reflections).
• Capture and review multiple shots: take at least 5–10 exposures, zoom in on each to check focus on the eyes, verify head size meets the 32–36 mm measurement by using your camera’s live-view overlay or an on-screen ruler; discard any image with red-eye, shadows, glare, uneven lighting, blinks or facial distortions.
• Crop and format the final image: using professional imaging software, crop to exactly 35 × 45 mm at 300 dpi without borders, position the head so that chin sits 3 mm above the bottom edge and top of the hair is 2 mm below the top edge; confirm head height measures 32–36 mm in the crop tool.
• Adjust color and file settings: perform minimal color correction to maintain natural skin tones (no filters or heavy retouching), ensure background is uniform light gray or off-white (RGB values between 230–255); save as high-quality JPEG, file size 50–200 KB, using baseline encoding and no metadata.
• Validate against the online preview tool: upload your JPEG to the official Fan ID portal preview function, check alignment boxes for head positioning and background uniformity, confirm the portal accepts the file without warnings.
• Submit and retain originals: attach the validated JPEG to your online Fan ID application form, keep the original high-resolution image and printed 35 × 45 mm photo (if required) for your records and any in-person verification during pick-up.

Tips and Best Practices

• File format & size: upload a JPEG/PNG between 200 KB–500 KB at minimum 600×600 px—most portals reject oversized or low-res files, so meeting specs avoids automatic rejection
• Background & lighting: use a plain white or light-grey backdrop with even, shadow-free illumination—uneven lighting or busy backgrounds can trigger manual review delays
• Head position & crop: center your face, ensure head fills about 70–80% of the frame without cutting off hair or chin—incorrect framing often leads to reshoots and processing holdups
• Expression & attire: maintain a neutral expression, remove hats, scarves, and tinted glasses—smiles, headwear, or reflections obscure key features and fail facial recognition checks
• Hair & glasses management: pin back long hair, use non-reflective glasses or remove them—stray locks and glare over eyes frequently result in Fan ID photo refusals

Conclusion

Ensuring your RU Russian Fan card (Fan ID) application photo meets official guidelines is vital to avoid delays or rejection. By following these key requirements exactly, you guarantee a smooth approval process and uninterrupted access to events.

• Photo size: 35 × 45 mm
• Head proportion: face height 70–80% of photo, centered vertically and horizontally
• Background: uniform light gray or white, free of shadows and patterns
• Expression: neutral, mouth closed, eyes open, direct gaze
• Lighting: even, no glare or harsh shadows, natural skin tone preserved
• Accessories: no hats, head coverings (except for religious reasons), sunglasses, or headphones
• Image quality: high resolution, sharp focus, true color, no overexposure or underexposure
• Recent capture: taken within the last 6 months to reflect current appearance

Adhering to these guidelines ensures your Fan ID photo is accepted on the first submission, keeping your registration process fast and hassle-free.