Recently I visited a local CVS to have an updated passport photo taken.
“Keep a neutral face,” the photographer said.
“You can smile a little, right? I’m an automatic smiler,” I said.
“Yes, but not too much.”
He snapped the photo and ran it through the government processing system. It was rejected.
“We need to take your photo again. I don’t think you were smiling too much, but apparently the system does.”
I stood back in place. This time, I gave the slightest smile I could possibly give.
He snapped the 2nd photo and ran it through. It was rejected again.
“I’m so sorry. But we need to try one more time.”
“It wants a mug shot doesn’t it.”
“Maybe.”
I stood back in place. This time, I gave the best non-smiling, almost-frowning, neutral face I was capable of.
He snapped the photo and ran it through for the 3rd time.
Green light.
And should I ever need to take an actual mug shot, I’ll simply shake my head, waive my hand, and say, “No need. It’s already in the system.”
