How to Light ID Photos: A Guide Combining Professional Techniques with Internet Hotspots
Among the hot topics on the Internet in the past 10 days, the discussion about ID photo shooting has remained high, especially the issue of how to improve the quality of ID photos through lighting. This article will combine the latest hot topics to provide you with a detailed analysis of the core skills of document lighting, and attach structured data for reference.
1. Basic principles of document lighting

1.Uniform lighting: Avoid obvious shadows on the face and ensure soft and even light.
2.avoid reflection: Control the angle of the light source to prevent oily reflection from glasses or face.
3.Highlight the three-dimensional effect: Use the combination of main light and fill light to shape facial contours.
| Lighting type | light source position | Applicable scenarios | Effectiveness score (1-5 points) |
|---|---|---|---|
| butterfly light | 45 degrees above the front | Standard ID photo | 4.5 |
| ring light | Circular arrangement around the lens | No shading required | 4.0 |
| Three point lighting | Key light + fill light + contour light | High-end image photos | 5.0 |
2. Recent lighting trends for popular ID photos (data from the past 10 days)
According to topic monitoring across the entire network, the following lighting methods for ID photos are the most discussed:
| Ranking | lighting method | Search volume (10,000) | Popular platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Natural light simulation lighting | 32.5 | Xiaohongshu/Station B |
| 2 | LED ring light lighting | 28.7 | Douyin/Kuaishou |
| 3 | Mobile phone flash DIY lighting | 19.3 | Zhihu/Weibo |
3. Step-by-step lighting practical guide
Step 1: Key light setup
• Use a softbox or umbrella
• Height slightly higher than subject’s eye position
• Angle 30-45 degrees to the subject
Step 2: Fill light supplement
• The brightness is 1/2-1/3 of the main light
• Place in a symmetrical position with the main light
• Used to fill in shaded areas
Step 3: Background light processing
• Separate light source illuminates the background
• Ensure separation from subject
• Typically less powerful than key light
| Equipment type | Recommended brands | price range | Suitable for the crowd |
|---|---|---|---|
| Always on LED light | Aputure/Nanguang | 500-2000 yuan | professional photographer |
| Ring fill light | Shenniu/Youbasket | 200-800 yuan | Photography enthusiast |
| mobile phone fill light | ulanzi/smog | 50-300 yuan | Ordinary user |
4. Solutions to common problems
1.Glasses reflection problem: Adjust the main light angle to below 30 degrees, or ask the subject to lower their head slightly.
2.Facial shine problem: Use a polarizing filter, or reduce the highlights during post-processing.
3.Too much shadow problem: Increase the brightness of the fill light, or use a reflector to fill in the light.
5. Innovation Trends in Document Photo Lighting in 2023
According to the latest industry trends, the following innovative technologies are changing ID lighting:
• AI intelligent fill light system
• Adjustable color temperature integrated lamps
• Portable magnetic fill light equipment
Through the above professional lighting techniques and latest trend analysis, you will be able to take perfect ID photos that meet various requirements. Remember, good lighting not only improves the quality of your photos, but also saves a lot of time in post-processing.
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