Authentication methods for recognition of a candidate person. During authentication, a previously stored enrollment image is presented on a display to a candidate person. The candidate person is instructed to present a reproduced image of the same scene and/or object to a camera while holding the camera (mobile camera for example) unsupported in free space with respect to the viewed scene or object. Alternatively the candidate person can hold the object unsupported in free space with respect the camera. Using the camera, a candidate image of the viewed scene or object is captured and presented with the previously stored enrollment image. The candidate person aligns the candidate image with the previously stored enrollment image. Upon alignment, the candidate image is verified as an authentic image of the user and the candidate person is authenticated as the user previously enrolled.