Guidelines for imaging a subject’s profile
Photo Name: Profile
Subject Positioning: Have the subject stand facing parallel to a wall
Room Lighting: Use a room that has a medium flat or semi-gloss paint in a tone such as blue, green, or grey.
Distance Camera to Subject: 2 feet
Photographer Tips: Frame the profile from mid-shoulder to above the top of the head. Focus on the ear. Remember this frame so that you can repeat it with the next camera.
Reasoning: This is useful for assessing the skin, hair, and variable topography of the face, such as the ear.
Flash Settings: We recommend setting to “Auto”, as this is what most users would find easiest. It is important to note if the camera flashes in this normal environment, and if so, does it appropriately illuminate the subject? How does this affect the color? You can also do comparison photos with Flash On (forced flash) and Flash Off.
Macro Settings: “Off” or “Auto Macro”, if available
Sample Images – Profile
This is a photograph of a profile taken with two different cameras set to similar settings under identical lighting conditions, one picture taken after the other. Profile A shows excellent color and detail, while Profile B shows poor color and detail. The differences are more noticeable when the images are zoomed to at least 50%.