The reason you can't smile...

[Mark_88]

Today I received a letter from Service Ontario stating that the picture for my new license was not acceptable and I needed to go have it taken again.

I go to the local office and find it nearly empty so no long wait times. I show the letter to the girl and she says "No problem, we can take that now".


So I assume the position and wait while she tries to capture all my 60 year old beauty...she takes a shot and I was smiling a bit...


"NO SMILING" she scolds me, and proceeds to take another shot...the flash nearly blinding me this time.


Another customer, an older dude, comments "I'm not sure what the problem is with smiling".


The girl trying to take my picture says "If you must know, it is for the police when they identify you if you've been killed in an accident...not too many people are smiling in that state".

This starts to sink in as I think about it more. And it strikes me as being a terrible reason for not being able to smile on our Driver's License that had me wondering all those years. As this is running through my mind another thought hits me...and I simply have to ask her...



"In that case" I say, "should I actually close my eyes for this picture"?

It took her a few minutes to stop laughing before we could continue...

Not sure if this is true or whether she made it up because it was Friday and she was in a very good mood...

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I laughed too.
But, AFAIK, eyes are not naturally closed in death.

 

[RonD]

Actually the requirement is a Neutral expression, no smiling or frowning, eyes open.

IDing dead body would be a stretch but still funny in this story.

Now-a-days it is required for facial recognition software, full front, neutral expression, eyes open baseline photo is easiest to match to same face with neutral or non-neutral expression and side views.

So your smiling photo as a starting point is harder for the software to match to a neutral or frowning photo, or side photo


Also when you are pulled over by the police you are rarely smiling

 

[Mark_88]

I laughed too.
But, AFAIK, eyes are not naturally closed in death.

I've only met a few dead people over the years...and their eyes were closed...but that could have been the cosmetics of the funeral home choosing...I can't imagine them dressing up the dead with their eyes open...it would probably creep most people out thinking their relative wasn't "resting in peace".

Actually the requirement is a Neutral expression, no smiling or frowning, eyes open.

IDing dead body would be a stretch but still funny in this story.

Now-a-days it is required for facial recognition software, full front, neutral expression, eyes open baseline photo is easiest to match to same face with neutral or non-neutral expression and side views.

So your smiling photo as a starting point is harder for the software to match to a neutral or frowning photo, or side photo


Also when you are pulled over by the police you are rarely smiling

Good to know...I figured it had something to do with that (recently) and the thought did cross my mind that I rarely smile when pulled over...although I've done that a few times...

Like the night I was stopped in a very long line for a "R.I.D.E" program...when the officer asked me "Any alcohol tonight sir"?

I replied "No, thank you, I'm driving..." and he laughed and waved me through...

I thought it was original at the time...

 

[Andy D]

My License story was that having my picture taken since they started photo IDs, The lady requested me to remove my specs. A half century of Four eyes ! and now I get my picture taken going commando.

Lots of people wear contacts or have eye surgery was the reason.
I lead, or used to anyway, too active a life to wear contacts. I have worn glasses since 8 yrs. old.

 

[naford]

Should have titled your head to one side, closed your eyes, and stuck out your tongue.

 

[Mark_88]

My License story was that having my picture taken since they started photo IDs, The lady requested me to remove my specs. A half century of Four eyes ! and now I get my picture taken going commando.

Lots of people wear contacts or have eye surgery was the reason.
I lead, or used to anyway, too active a life to wear contacts. I have worn glasses since 8 yrs. old.

At least we can keep our clothes on...for now...

Should have titled your head to one side, closed your eyes, and stuck out your tongue.

I was thinking of doing something like that after I left the office...I usually have these inspiring thoughts a bit late...