How to take a digital photograph for submission via APPLES?

Step 1: Choosing a Digital camera

• Select digital cameras with resolution of at least 2.0 megapixel. This is to ensure good quality picture suitable for passport printing.
• If you are a beginner, choose a digital camera with automatic mode for auto setting on focus, exposure and white-balance. A close-up or macro setting is optional.

Step 2: Set-Up

The first step to a successful photograph begins with a careful setup.

You should ensure that you:

• Select a plain white wall or drop screen as a background.

• Position subject and lighting such that there are no distracting shadows on the face or background
• Position the camera at subject’s eye level and approximately 0.5 to 2 meters away from the subject. (This specification may vary depending on the focus length of the camera)
• Avoid directing the camera’s flash onto the face to eliminate the “red-eye” effect and the tendency of “half-closed” eyes.

Step 3: Taking the Picture

A successful photograph should also present the subject accurately.

As such, you should ensure that:

• Subject is framed full face, front view with eyes open. (Use the zoom or macro feature zoom in on the subject if necessary.)

• Make sure that the photo presents the full head from top of hair to bottom of chin and center the head within the frame.
• Ensure that facial features are clearly evident in the photo
• No alternation, removal, amendment or enhancement of the photo image is performed. This includes removal or addition of birth marks, moles or tattoos.
• Headgear worn in accordance with religious or racial custom is acceptable as long as it does not hide the facial features

		Other notes:  ·         Brightness and contrast should be adjusted to present the subject and background accurately ·         Photos without proper contrast or colour may obscure unique facial features ·         Spectacles should be worn if normally used by the subject ·         The glare on spectacles can be avoided with a slight upward or downward tilt of the head ·         The photographs should not have discernible pixels or dot patterns