You may feel daunted having your passport photograph taken. Don't be! This simple guide should ensure you don't encounter any pitfalls thus enabling a seamless vacation. Different countries have different demands, here are the US State Department's specifications.
The passport photos submitted with your passport application must be the same.
The paper your passport photos are printed on must be of special photo-media quality.
You should have color Passport photos.
Only passport pictures taken within the last 6 months are acceptable.
The passport pictures must be 50mm x 50mm to qualify for a US passport application.
Your picture must be square to the camera with out anything obscuring the face. Clothing should be simple day to day dress without a head covering or polarised glasses in front of a white screen. As you look at the camera ensure your mouth is closed and your posture is natural with eyes that are open. The photos must be clear sharp and not have a grainy image otherwise they will be disallowed.
Your head must be in the middle of the photograph and make up at least fifty percent of the picture. The measurements of your head should be within 1" and 1 3/8" from the top of your crown to the bottom of your chin.
It is possible to wear a hat or headgear on grounds of religious belief as long as your face is not obstructed.
You may wear everyday spectacles in the passport photo, however there should be no glare or reflection that obscures your eyes.
If for medical reasons you wear tinted spectacles then you will be allowed to have them on in your pictures. It is possible however that you will be required to provide written proof from your Dr if asked.
You can have your passport picture taken in uniform if you wear it every day for religious purposes.
It can be difficult to get passport photos of children in which case it is advisable to have them taken professionally. Parents and Grandparents shouldn't be visible in the pictures and any props or posing aids should be totally absent from the final photo.
You may not copy or scan pictures from driving licenses or official ID they will be rejected. Furthermore your pictures should not be photo-shopped, retouched or airbrushed to modify or improve your appearance in any way.
Photographs copied from newspapers and magazines will not comply with the strict regulations. It is also likely that pictures from most vending booths will be rejected. Photos that are a full length body shot of the subject will also be disallowed.
If you have the technical know-how to produce your own passport pictures you can take them on a digital camera. However you must be able to take the passport photos at 1 megapixel resolution or more. When it comes to printing the pictures take them to a commercial processing lab unless you have superior printing facilities the photos will be rejected.
The passport photos submitted with your passport application must be the same.
The paper your passport photos are printed on must be of special photo-media quality.
You should have color Passport photos.
Only passport pictures taken within the last 6 months are acceptable.
The passport pictures must be 50mm x 50mm to qualify for a US passport application.
Your picture must be square to the camera with out anything obscuring the face. Clothing should be simple day to day dress without a head covering or polarised glasses in front of a white screen. As you look at the camera ensure your mouth is closed and your posture is natural with eyes that are open. The photos must be clear sharp and not have a grainy image otherwise they will be disallowed.
Your head must be in the middle of the photograph and make up at least fifty percent of the picture. The measurements of your head should be within 1" and 1 3/8" from the top of your crown to the bottom of your chin.
It is possible to wear a hat or headgear on grounds of religious belief as long as your face is not obstructed.
You may wear everyday spectacles in the passport photo, however there should be no glare or reflection that obscures your eyes.
If for medical reasons you wear tinted spectacles then you will be allowed to have them on in your pictures. It is possible however that you will be required to provide written proof from your Dr if asked.
You can have your passport picture taken in uniform if you wear it every day for religious purposes.
It can be difficult to get passport photos of children in which case it is advisable to have them taken professionally. Parents and Grandparents shouldn't be visible in the pictures and any props or posing aids should be totally absent from the final photo.
You may not copy or scan pictures from driving licenses or official ID they will be rejected. Furthermore your pictures should not be photo-shopped, retouched or airbrushed to modify or improve your appearance in any way.
Photographs copied from newspapers and magazines will not comply with the strict regulations. It is also likely that pictures from most vending booths will be rejected. Photos that are a full length body shot of the subject will also be disallowed.
If you have the technical know-how to produce your own passport pictures you can take them on a digital camera. However you must be able to take the passport photos at 1 megapixel resolution or more. When it comes to printing the pictures take them to a commercial processing lab unless you have superior printing facilities the photos will be rejected.
About the Author:
David runs the family pharmacy in Leeds which has specialised in passport photography for over 20 years. To have your US Passport Photo taken then please visit his site.. Unique version for reprint here: How To Make Sure Your US Passport Photos Pass first Time.
