Military Full-Length Photography Best Practices

Article 1 min
Use these tips to take an official full-length photo. Check your service-specific regulations to ensure your photo is set up in accordance with those guidelines.

Follow these tips to take a professional full-length photo of your subject:

  • Set up the shot to frame the subject from at least 2 inches above the top of the head to below the feet, with enough room to crop the image to various sizes.
  • Place subject at a 45 degree angle in a natural pose at the position of attention and have the subject turn their head to face the camera.
  • Select the background governed by your service’s regulations. In some cases this may be the American flag, a service or unit flag or a light-colored background.
  • Set the camera height to be level with the subject’s waist to prevent distortion.
  • Set the camera aperture to at least f/8 to ensure proper depth of field.

When in the studio, use the infographic below as a quick reference.

Imagery of placing subject in natural pose, a light-colored background, an f/8 aperture setting, framing from at least 2 inches above the top of the head to below the feet, and camera positioning at the subjects waist.
Review the recommendations on posing, background, frame, aperture setting and camera position for a full-length portrait. Be sure to check with your service-specific regulations.
Photo by: DINFOS PAVILION
VIRIN: 200728-D-ZW071-0003

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