1. A method of capturing an image of a person's iris, comprising the steps of: providing a flash element that provides a flash of light when activated; integrating said flash of light in a refection chamber, wherein said flash of light exits said reflection chamber through an exit aperture; filtering said flash of light to produce filtered light having primary wavelengths over 720 nm; directing said filtered light toward a predetermined target zone; providing a camera that is directed toward said target zone wherein said camera is positioned offset from said flash element by at least twelve degrees as measured from said target zone; activating said flash element when a person is in said target zone, wherein said filtered light illuminates at least one iris; and recording an image of at least one iris with said camera.