Equipment:

Use a digital camera or the back camera of your smartphone to take high-quality photos.

Background:

Take the photo in front of a plain background such as a white wall or screen. Make sure that there are no other objects in the background.

Lighting:

Make sure there are no shadows on your face or on the background. Adjust the distance to the wall to remove shadows on the background. Face the light source such as a window to remove shadows on the face. You can use an additional light source to get even lighting on the face.

Facial features:

Have a neutral facial expression. Look straight at the camera. Shown full face. Eyebrows should not be covered by hair. Eyes open. Mouth closed. A slight smile is acceptable.

Position

the camera at the same height as the head.

Distance

to the camera about 40 cm from your face

Shoulders should be visible

and there should be enough space around the head for cropping the photo.