Whether you are going to get your passport photo taken, your driver's license, or your photo ID card for your work badge, you want your picture to turn out well. After all, the picture is going to be with you for a while, and the last thing you want is a photo that doesn't show you at your best. Here are some tips for ensuring the photographer captures you at your best.

Choose The Right Shirt

You don't want to pick a top that has a bold pattern; this can eventually date the photo. Choose a simple, solid v-neck or t-shirt. These are timeless styles. Avoid beige, tan, taupe, and nude colors. These will make you look washed out. White is another color that usually doesn't turn out flattering, especially if the backdrop is white. Muted colors, as well as dark green, blue, or red, are best.

A good trick for finding your best color is to look at the veins on your wrist. They will appear either purple, blue, or green. Choosing a shade that matches your veins may seem strange, but it works! You may be tempted to choose basic black, but it tends to make people look too severe. Universal colors that tend to look good on anyone regardless of skin tone are light shades or turquoise or teal, periwinkle or cornflower blue, gray, a soft white or off-white, and a warm pink or violet.

Style Your Hair

Picture day is not the day to have your locks shoved up in a messy bun with a hairclip or your tresses in a tangled mess. After shampooing your hair, use a leave-in conditioner. This will help prevent annoying flyways and static once it is dry. A conditioner will also help tame frizzy hair in humid conditions. After your hair is styled just right, spray lightly with hair spray to hold it in place. Men, make sure you shave or that your facial hair is neatly groomed and your hair combed.

Practice

Just about everyone has a smart phone, so practice smiling by taking some selfies. You don't want a big toothy grin in your photo ID card. Smile naturally, but with you lips closed or slightly parted over your teeth. Think happy thoughts, and the snapshot will capture the real you.

Stand Properly

Don't slouch. Stand up straight, and pull your shoulders back. Tilt you head slightly forward, taking care to make sure your chin isn't jutting out, but isn't tucked in, either. Make sure you look directly at the camera, blink on one, and you will end up with a great picture.