Photo got rejected - tips for taking a good ID photo?
Yeah, I've been there too. Honestly, nothing worse than getting that rejection email after you thought you had a solid photo. Usually they come back with "lighting too harsh" or "shadows on face" – that's exactly what happens when your light source is off to the side. I wasted a couple of good shots before I figured out the setup.
So for troubleshooting, first check where your main light's coming from. If you're using a window, don't have it at a 90-degree angle or you'll get that half-lit, half-shadow look that scanners pick up instantly. Even a slight angle can cast a shadow along your nose or under your chin. Also watch for overhead room lights – they can create unflattering shadows too. Turn off any direct lamps that aren't behind the camera.
The fix that worked for me is exactly what you said: face the window straight on. But here's the extra detail – make sure the window isn't directly in front of you either, because that can blow out the highlights on your face. You kind of want the light coming from slightly above and even with your face, not from below. I usually sit about three feet back from the window so the light wraps around evenly. If it's a sunny day, pull a sheer curtain or even a thin white t-shirt over the window to diffuse it – direct sunlight creates harsh contrast that can get the photo rejected too.
For the background, a white bedsheet is solid advice. But make sure it's wrinkle-free and large enough to cover the frame edge to edge. Gray walls tend to look dirty or uneven in photos, especially if the ambient light varies. Even a light-colored wall can have a tint that throws off the white balance. So if you don't have a clean white sheet, a piece of white foam board from a craft store works perfectly and doesn't wrinkle. Tape it to a wall or chair behind you.
Prevention wise, once you get a good setup, I'd take multiple shots at different exposures if your camera lets you. Check the photo on a computer screen before submitting – zoom in to make sure no shadows are creeping in around your ears or neck. And keep the same setup for future renewals or other IDs; just swap out the bedsheet if it gets dusty. Honestly, good lighting is 90% of the battle for a clean rejection-free photo.