AGC - Yearbook Portrait Photo Submission Guide

📸 Say Cheese!

Because online students are not able to join the school’s on-campus yearbook photoshoot, you’ll submit your own portrait photo to be included in the school yearbook. This guide explains exactly what to submit and how to take a great photo - no professional equipment required.

✅ What You Need to Submit

Submit one (1) portrait photo that meets the requirements below.

• File type: JPG or PNG

• File name:

  CODE

  LastName_FirstName_Grade.jpg

  Example: Yamamoto_Taro_11.jpg

• Orientation: Vertical (portrait), not landscape

📷 Photo Requirements (Very Important)

Your photo must meet all of the following or it may not be usable in the yearbook.

1. Framing & Pose

• Head-and-shoulders portrait (like a school ID photo)

• Face clearly visible, centered in the frame

• Looking directly at the camera

• Neutral or natural smile (no exaggerated expressions or funny faces)

• No selfies at arm’s length if possible (see tips below)

2. Background

• Plain, uncluttered background
  ✅ White or light-colored wall
  ❌ Busy rooms, posters, beds, kitchens, outdoor scenery

• No virtual or blurred backgrounds

3. Lighting

• Face evenly lit and clearly visible

• Natural light is best (near a window)

• Light should be in front of you, not behind you

• ❌ No harsh shadows, dark photos, or bright lights behind your head

4. Clothing & Appearance

• Wear school-appropriate clothing

• Solid colors work best

• Avoid:

  • Busy patterns

  • Logos or large text

  • Hats, sunglasses, or costumes

• Hair neat and face unobstructed

• Light makeup is fine; filters are not

• Glasses with corrective lenses are OK

5. Photo Quality

• In focus (not blurry)

• High resolution (not pixelated)

• No filters, beauty modes, or heavy editing

• No screenshots from video calls

Example

Here is an example of a well proportioned photo taken at the proper angle in good lighting.

📱 How to Take a Good Photo (Easy Method)

You do not need a professional camera. A phone is totally fine.

Recommended setup:

1. Stand about 1–2 meters from a plain wall

2. Face a window for natural light

3. Ask someone else to take the photo if possible
   (If not, prop your phone up - or use a tripod/stand - and use a timer)

4. Hold the camera “straight on” at eye level (not looking up or down)

5. Take several photos and choose the best one

🚫 Photos That Will Be Rejected

To avoid resubmission, do not submit:

• Group photos

• Cropped photos where part of your head is cut off

• Selfies with visible arms or phone reflections

• Photos with filters (Snapchat, Instagram, etc.)

• Dark, grainy, or low-resolution images

• Photos taken in bed, cars, or bathrooms

🧠 Helpful Tip

This photo will represent you in the official school yearbook for years to come. Aim for clear, simple, and timeless.

If you’re unsure whether your photo works, ask:

“Would this look normal next to a traditional school portrait?”

If yes - you’re good 👍

❓ Questions or Problems?

If you’re experiencing taking your photo, submitting, or just a have a question, please email marketing@aobajapan.jp for assistance.