How do you avoid a bad DA photo?
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-avoid-a-bad-da-photo
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https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-avoid-a-bad-da-photo
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<a class="fancybox" rel="a1fe28d7bd6ff2720f8562da6b10e41a" href="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/111/820/for_gallery_v2/a480e272.png"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/111/820/large_v3/a480e272.png" alt="A480e272" /></a></div></div>I am going before the MAJ (O-4) board in March in my below the zone (BZ) look. I scheduled my DA photo for next and week. Given the very competitive nature of the BZ I thought it would be a good discussion to have: how do you avoid a bad DA photo?LTC Private RallyPoint MemberSat, 15 Nov 2014 20:11:05 -05002014-11-15T20:11:05-05:00Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2014 8:15 PM
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-avoid-a-bad-da-photo?n=328776&urlhash=328776
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The obvious tip, <a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="209691" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/209691-12a-engineer-officer-pacom-hq-pacom">LTC Private RallyPoint Member</a>, is to have a colleague double and triple check your uniform.<br /><br />It helps to have an experienced DA photo photographer, but you can't always control that.<br /><br />Oh, and don't look like a deer in the headlights.CW5 Private RallyPoint MemberSat, 15 Nov 2014 20:15:31 -05002014-11-15T20:15:31-05:00Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2014 12:36 PM
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-avoid-a-bad-da-photo?n=330879&urlhash=330879
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Take your uniform with you, never worn since being cleaned, place on the hanger and in the dry cleaning bag to the photo studio, Change into it there. Bring a lint roller and even some masking tape to get little bits of lint off of your jacket. Bring a buddy to watch from behind the photographer and give you tips on your expression, angle, etc. Have the buddy take a look at the selection of photos with you when the photographer reviews them and has you make your choice.LTC Private RallyPoint MemberMon, 17 Nov 2014 12:36:24 -05002014-11-17T12:36:24-05:00Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2014 7:34 PM
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<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>CPT Maurelli,<br /><br />Pull the reg, double check all your awards, and placement on your uniform. Definitely bring a buddy to help make sure everything looks good before the photo and to help pick the best one. Good luck on your board.LTC Private RallyPoint MemberMon, 17 Nov 2014 19:34:54 -05002014-11-17T19:34:54-05:00Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2014 8:00 PM
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<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Ok, I'll be the odd man out, how about you let a senior NCO look at? Some of us old bastards can be pretty picky and notice the litte things. <br />Also it's been my experience that just because everything looks straight hanging on a hangar, once you put it on things somehow end up looking all cattywampus. <br />Take the pic, make them show you, if ya don't like it, take it again and again until you do. That's their job and it doesn't cost them anything but if you just take it and move out and don't like the way it looks online it takes an act of congress to get a new one.SFC Private RallyPoint MemberMon, 17 Nov 2014 20:00:27 -05002014-11-17T20:00:27-05:00Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2014 3:14 PM
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-avoid-a-bad-da-photo?n=332560&urlhash=332560
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I will also add spend the money to get your ribbon rack professionally made. That way you shouldn't have any cockeyed oak leaf clusters or numerals on your awards.MAJ Private RallyPoint MemberTue, 18 Nov 2014 15:14:32 -05002014-11-18T15:14:32-05:00Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2014 3:57 PM
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-avoid-a-bad-da-photo?n=332634&urlhash=332634
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Thanks for this Topic Laura! I think I noticed some faux pas on my DA Photo on second look. Anyway, here is my two cents on the matter.<br /><br />I do not recommend smiling. You're not taking the picture for your friends. You're taking it for a board or hiring official. <br /><br />So the most important thing is to have a confident look on your face. The look should say to the viewer, "I'm confident; I'm healthy; I'm fit; I like what I do; I'm professional; I'm glad that you're considering me for this promotion; People feel comfortable talking to me; I'm not worn out; I'm a good time manager (get enough sleep); I'm not angry at you; I don't intimidate those I lead. I'm not planning anything sinister; I don't think I'm better than you; I just got my hair cut, and it's not on the borders or margins of the regulation; I care.<br /><br />People will see your face first, not your uniform. So it's the most important thing about your DA photo. Show your spouse or someone you know well.<br /><br />Your DA photo is your first impression to a board member or hiring official. It makes a huge impression, and while some people say that the important thing is to have all of your awards straight, I believe that it's more important to have your hands in the right position, the right background color, no evidence of alteration, a sufficiently bright photo, no common errors are visible, etc. Board members may have 3 minutes to look at your file, so they won't notice every little thing, but they will be looking at 2000 other files, so they will notice what is different about your uniform.<br /><br />Some of the other services don't use photos on personnel records at all. The Army does, so make it count in your favor.COL Private RallyPoint MemberTue, 18 Nov 2014 15:57:55 -05002014-11-18T15:57:55-05:00Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2014 5:51 PM
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-avoid-a-bad-da-photo?n=332800&urlhash=332800
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Will you post your DA photo here, <a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="209691" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/209691-12a-engineer-officer-pacom-hq-pacom">LTC Private RallyPoint Member</a>, so we can see if you followed all this good advice?CW5 Private RallyPoint MemberTue, 18 Nov 2014 17:51:47 -05002014-11-18T17:51:47-05:00Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2014 1:07 PM
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-avoid-a-bad-da-photo?n=333790&urlhash=333790
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>One suggestion that no one had made yet is to search around your unit for someone who has spent time on an Honor/Color Guard. If you can't find one within your unit, look within your installation for a post-level team. The members should have a tighter standard for uniform appearance, and will have learned/developed tips and tricks to make uniform setup easier and more precise. Personally, I won't stop adjusting my badges until they are at least within 1/64th" of the proper measurement.SFC Private RallyPoint MemberWed, 19 Nov 2014 13:07:20 -05002014-11-19T13:07:20-05:00Response by COL John Rosnow made Nov 19 at 2014 10:43 PM
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-avoid-a-bad-da-photo?n=334712&urlhash=334712
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My advice would be to get it done as soon as you can so it is ready for whatever comes up. Also, getting it done early will give you time to get another one if something changes.COL John RosnowWed, 19 Nov 2014 22:43:40 -05002014-11-19T22:43:40-05:00Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2015 6:32 PM
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-avoid-a-bad-da-photo?n=429484&urlhash=429484
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Fresh haircut, freshly pressed uniform. Have someone check it out, and go with you to the photo if possible.COL Private RallyPoint MemberWed, 21 Jan 2015 18:32:05 -05002015-01-21T18:32:05-05:00Response by 1SG Bill Farmerie made Oct 2 at 2016 1:35 PM
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-avoid-a-bad-da-photo?n=1941233&urlhash=1941233
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I have seen many photos where you can see they normally wear a mustache or don't normally have a high and tight and shave the mustache or get a hair cut just before the picture. The tan lines are a dead give away.1SG Bill FarmerieSun, 02 Oct 2016 13:35:45 -04002016-10-02T13:35:45-04:00Response by CSM Michael Sweeney made Oct 2 at 2016 2:30 PM
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<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I have read all the responses and most of my comments are covered. I will only add that I sat on two CSM/SGM appointment/promotion boards and SGT & SFC QMP boards. During our train up we toured the DA Photo Wall of Shame. Plenty of examples of those who did not want to get promoted or continue their service. Remember, the photo is the only way a panel member "sees" you. As mentioned before, if you have a great photographer, it is still your responsibility to be in compliance with what you wear, but a good photographer has the better eye for how you look. Then no matter how well you look, if your awards, etc. don't match your records, the records trump the photo and your integrity comes into question. Bottom line: it's up to you.CSM Michael SweeneySun, 02 Oct 2016 14:30:22 -04002016-10-02T14:30:22-04:00Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Dec 5 at 2016 4:19 PM
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-avoid-a-bad-da-photo?n=2134745&urlhash=2134745
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>One thing I've found is that you need to got to a installation where the photographer on staff does many of these. They will be up on all the regs etc. I retired as a Reservist and live about 2 1/2 hours from West Point, I've known soldiers from my area who made this trip just to be sure they had a correct photo taken.CSM Thomas McGarryMon, 05 Dec 2016 16:19:50 -05002016-12-05T16:19:50-05:00Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2016 4:20 PM
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-avoid-a-bad-da-photo?n=2134746&urlhash=2134746
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I guess you figured out how to have a good photo. Congrats on your promotion, Sir1SG Private RallyPoint MemberMon, 05 Dec 2016 16:20:01 -05002016-12-05T16:20:01-05:00Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2016 5:34 PM
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-avoid-a-bad-da-photo?n=2134951&urlhash=2134951
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Just let one of the old school drill sergeants take a look at your uniform with it on. " This We'll Defend! "SFC Private RallyPoint MemberMon, 05 Dec 2016 17:34:20 -05002016-12-05T17:34:20-05:00Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2016 10:05 PM
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-avoid-a-bad-da-photo?n=2135518&urlhash=2135518
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>"Have a sight smile". <br />Don't look like a schmuck, and don't look in pain, or give your war face. <br /><br />The board is comprised of humans. And just like any interview your appearance and facial expression is a lasting first impression. It is your handshake to the board. It can determine the mood or light of the next several minutes of your file review. <br />Your photo should have the same effect you should want from any in person handshake when you walk into an office for an interview. <br />I agree with everything COL Thibodeaux says in this thread with the exception of including:<br />"Have a slight smile"<br />It should communicate you are enjoying your service, confident and personable. <br /><br />Also a new and current photo communicates a lot to the board. Older photos (especially outside of a year or more) raise a red flag (why didn't the officer care enough to get a photo done? Have they gotten heavier?)LTC Private RallyPoint MemberMon, 05 Dec 2016 22:05:05 -05002016-12-05T22:05:05-05:00Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2016 10:09 PM
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-avoid-a-bad-da-photo?n=2135522&urlhash=2135522
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Good luck, try to get a copy of the board prep guidance from HRC tooLTC Private RallyPoint MemberMon, 05 Dec 2016 22:09:00 -05002016-12-05T22:09:00-05:00Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2016 1:00 PM
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-avoid-a-bad-da-photo?n=2137258&urlhash=2137258
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The way many of these boards work is that they have a copy of your file in front of them and your picture projected on a screen - every flaw is readily identifiable when you're projected larger than life...<br /><br />Prep begins long before the photo:<br />Lose weight<br />QC your ORB/ERB and records - ensure "rack reflects fact", the worst thing you can do is wear an undocumented award/tab/badge<br />Get a professional rack or have someone who really knows what they're doing prepare it.<br />Splurge on "stay brite" - (personal opinion but it tells me (and mny of my peers) that you're serious enough to make an investment in your career)<br />Get your uniform professionally fitted - take your PSG, 1SG, SGM or mentor with you when you pick it up and have them look it over on you.<br />The week of the photo:<br />Get a haircut a couple of days before<br />Put it all together. Have your PSG, iSG... look it over for correctness while you have the jacket on.<br />The Day of:<br />Men - shave, twice just before you go<br />Carefully hang it all up and take it to the photo lab on the hanger.<br />Take your PSG, 1SG... (or a battle buddy who has a clue) with you and have them give you a critical eye before you go in for the photo<br />Listen closely to the photographer, they generally know what they're doing, ask them to tape any pockets that are poking out and adjust you for the best picture (most will do it anyway)<br />Neutral expression - not a frown, not a smile, just a "steely eye'd" look that says you're the baddest mofo in the valley - express confidence (no, I don't know what that looks like exactly but like porn, I know it when I see it...).<br />Carefully review your photo before you leave - most photographers will reshoot it if you have a good reason.<br />The day after:<br />Have your PSG... look it over online before you approve it.<br /><br />No photo, no matter how good, will cover up a half ass'ed career but a bad photo can hurt an otherwise stellar career - it's the first and most easily understood thing the board members will see.<br />Update it every two-three years at a minimum or when you get promoted, new medals...Don't wait until the week before the board to try to get your photo updated.LTC Private RallyPoint MemberTue, 06 Dec 2016 13:00:24 -05002016-12-06T13:00:24-05:00Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2016 5:29 PM
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<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>You could always just have me put it together for you. As of today I have set up 811 ASUs for soldiers from E1-O7 to wear to boards, balls, inspections, and DA photos.SPC Private RallyPoint MemberTue, 06 Dec 2016 17:29:02 -05002016-12-06T17:29:02-05:00Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2016 10:50 PM
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-avoid-a-bad-da-photo?n=2138935&urlhash=2138935
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If you can't pull off the crazed Soldier look then just look polite.SFC Private RallyPoint MemberTue, 06 Dec 2016 22:50:37 -05002016-12-06T22:50:37-05:00Response by SFC Jeff Holcombe made Dec 7 at 2016 1:25 PM
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<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>A little mental trick is to not look at the camera as a piece of equipment. Imagine that camera is a person you want to catch eyes with. It will naturally show genuineness without the odd stare.SFC Jeff HolcombeWed, 07 Dec 2016 13:25:37 -05002016-12-07T13:25:37-05:00Response by CH (COL) Michael Walker made Dec 8 at 2016 8:41 AM
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-avoid-a-bad-da-photo?n=2142401&urlhash=2142401
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>For me, one key is the photographer.<br /><br />As a 1LT at Ft. Polk in 1982 there was a great lady who would take time to make sure everyone looked good. No problem with the O-3 Board that year. (I believe she may also have taken the photo for my USAR O-4 & O-5 Boards, but not sure.) That year I had an article published in a professional journal and she also took the head & shoulder shot that for the article. <br /><br />Many years later, as an Army Reservist in the ArkLaTex, I had my photo taken at Barksdale AFB. Not bad, and to Army standard, but not the care at all I had experienced before at Polk. I was not selected. (Okay, probably for other reasons, but why take a chance?) The next year I made the 100 mile trek south to the lady at Polk, and I was promoted.<br /><br />Several years later while mobilized at Ft. Stewart I went in for my last official photo. Guess who was there! This dear lady had left Louisiana to be near family in Georgia. At that point she and I were both ready to retire, but she had one last shot at me with her camera (now digital instead of film).CH (COL) Michael WalkerThu, 08 Dec 2016 08:41:39 -05002016-12-08T08:41:39-05:00Response by SPC(P) Cody Patterson made Dec 8 at 2016 10:44 AM
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-avoid-a-bad-da-photo?n=2142653&urlhash=2142653
<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>As far as uniforms go, pledge is great for shining shoes and c caps, burn any lose strings with a lighter, lighter fluid and a q tip work really well for shining brass, rub some brasso will rub off small scuff marks on your shoes, windex is great for removing sweat marks, and if you want to go above and beyond buy a heat gun and burn the fuzzy layers off your blouse and pants. Also invest in a micrometer from home depot when doing your measurements. Basically find an Old Guard soldier. Haha.SPC(P) Cody PattersonThu, 08 Dec 2016 10:44:54 -05002016-12-08T10:44:54-05:00Response by MSG Clark Shumway made Dec 8 at 2016 1:09 PM
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<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I have always thought they were useless Just what does it prove? Are you telling me that the "Board" can't read?MSG Clark ShumwayThu, 08 Dec 2016 13:09:27 -05002016-12-08T13:09:27-05:00Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2016 5:17 PM
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<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>6 months out get your ORB/ERB from online and then go visit your S1 with your ACU jacket. This is the time to update your records and verify whats on your rack.<br />Its also a good time to get feedback on the uniform setup.CW5 Private RallyPoint MemberThu, 08 Dec 2016 17:17:48 -05002016-12-08T17:17:48-05:00Response by COL Joseph Blansfield made Dec 8 at 2016 8:36 PM
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<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My experience from sitting on an O6 promotion board was that there is a very limited time to review each packet. The photo is up front and a way to say Hello to the Board. The ribbons and awards get attention and give a quick look at your resume but is not the only discriminator. Discrepancies will become apparent if not supported by documentation and will be called out. A solid career with increasing leadership responsibilities and positive OER/NCOERs is the difference maker.COL Joseph BlansfieldThu, 08 Dec 2016 20:36:48 -05002016-12-08T20:36:48-05:00Response by CH (CPT)(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2016 1:18 PM
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<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Chaplains are encouraged to have at least a slight smile, so that's different than "regular" DA photos, but the rest is the same. Taylor your uniform. Get the best shave possible. Get a new haircut. Clean your uniform. And if it doesn't look right? Ask it to be redone while you are there.CH (CPT)(P) Private RallyPoint MemberFri, 09 Dec 2016 13:18:36 -05002016-12-09T13:18:36-05:002014-11-15T20:11:05-05:00