How to get a good shot of your photo ID

[GiaVille]

I've now been waiting weeks to get on MFC because each and every photo ID I send gets rejected. The first few times were my fault. I then tried with my passport. That didn't work. The past 5 times I've sent my drivers license. THAT didn't work. I keep sending my best photo but each time I'm told "resend a clearer photo." I CAN'T GET a clearer photo!!!! I feel my face, DOB, even address and other information (that isn't even required and I wish I didn't have to give) is clear "enough". You can read it, in my opinion. Yet, again today I was told I need to resend it.

Sooooooooo .... do you have any tips/tricks for how I can get a good photo? My expensive camera will absolutely *not* focus in that close. It just blurs it even more. The only thing that works in my cell phone camera, but it will not make it crystal clear. As a side note, I get a lot of "attitude" from MFC whenever I ask a question - even with questions that aren't related to the ID. Never a "dear member" or "have a good day." Its very CURT.

Thanks for any help!

~G

 

[Nordling]

Strange. MFC didn't ask for anything in particular to give me membership. Any idea why you were flagged for special attention? Just guessing but that may be the key to break out of your cycle of curt, unhelpful attention.

 

[ElaySmith]

Does your camera have a macro setting? Set it to that and it will let you focus when closer to your photo ID

 

[GiaVille]

I have no idea what the problem is. I thought the last photo I took of my drivers license was good enough. Yes, it was not crystal clear but I thought you could still make out my DOB, name, face, etc. Yet I keep being told it needs to be clearer. I did try to send them my passport first - not wanting to give the information from my drivers license but they asked for another form of ID. So, reluctantly, I sent my drivers license. I've sent it FOUR times now and keep getting the same reply.

Maybe they just don't want my business? I'm not a 20 something so perhaps they're hoping I'll go away? :?

 

[GiaVille]

Elay .... what is a macro setting? I rarely take photos with my regular camera and just do "point and click" with my cell phone camera.

Thanks

 

[Nordling]

I have no idea what the problem is. I thought the last photo I took of my drivers license was good enough. Yes, it was not crystal clear but I thought you could still make out my DOB, name, face, etc. Yet I keep being told it needs to be clearer. I did try to send them my passport first - not wanting to give the information from my drivers license but they asked for another form of ID. So, reluctantly, I sent my drivers license. I've sent it FOUR times now and keep getting the same reply.

Maybe they just don't want my business? I'm not a 20 something so perhaps they're hoping I'll go away? :?

Only other idea I'd consider is going to a library, service bureau (print shop) or somewhere that has a high quality photo copier and scanning your driver's license.

 

[AmberCutie]

Replies from support at MFC are always like that. Very short and to the point, no pleasantries really. Don't take that personally.

Also Nord, I get the feeling that Gia is trying to get model approval, not just member approval. I could be wrong.

Good luck, Gia!

 

[Megaclit]

If you can't get to a library and scan it, and your good cameras don't work, what about just holding it up in front of your webcam and taking a shot like that? That's what I did for mine, because one of the pics (for another site) had to be my face and the ID next to it. Everything was in focus.

 

[Nordling]

Replies from support at MFC are always like that. Very short and to the point, no pleasantries really. Don't take that personally.

Also Nord, I get the feeling that Gia is trying to get model approval, not just member approval. I could be wrong.

Good luck, Gia!

Oops! Thanks, I honestly didn't even think of that.

 

[Evvie]

Try taking a photo with your webcam. Set your resolution to be as high as possible. Take several well-lit photos at a time. Make sure there isn't a glare on your ID.

The photo you send in should be at least 1000x1000 pixels close-up on your ID and face (not a lot of background).

The image should be clearly readable on your screen. You shouldn't have to squint, zoom in or read it more than once. All information should be as clear as a crisp photocopy.

 

[GingerOwnsChris]

I regularly take copies of my documents for archival purposes, and it is challenging to photograph something as small and shiny as a driver license. The trick is to get plenty of bright diffuse light. Artificial lighting is never good enough, the camera flash ruins everything, but indirect sunlight outdoors or next to a large window works fine. I doubt that a webcam will make a crisp enough picture, but a cell phone cam might work, given enough light.

 

[AllisonWilder]

I took a picture with my webcam, held it up close and it came out clear. I also took a picture of the back and one of me clearly visible while holding the ID.

Scans work just as well, too. :thumbleft: