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.
You will require two identical pictures that will need to be submitted with your passport application form.
The paper your passport photos are printed on must be of special photo-media quality.
Your Passport pictures must be printed in colour.
Your pictures must be current and up to date within the last six months.
The size of the photos that you submit should be 2" x 2" to be acceptable.
The passport pictures should clearly show a full frontal view of your face. You should be dressed in everyday clothing without headgear or tinted spectacles against a plain white or off-white backdrop. You should adopt a neutral expression with mouth closed and eyes fully open looking straight ahead. If your pictures are blurred then they will be rejected.
Your head should make up about 50% of the total photo area and should measure between 1 -1 3/8" from chin to crown. It should be in the center of the picture level and not looking off to the left of right.
A headdress or head-covering may be worn on religious grounds however it must not conceal, disguise, block or shade any portion of your face.
You may wear everyday spectacles in the passport photo, however there should be no glare or reflection that obscures your eyes.
If you wear sunglasses on medical grounds you will be able to leave them on in your photos. However you may be asked to send supporting evidence from your medical practitioner in the form of a letter.
Wearing a uniform in your passport picture is actively discouraged however you can for religious reasons.
Having passport pictures taken of infants and young children can be difficult. It is advised that you visit a professional photographer. Parents or guardians must not feature in the pictures neither should any mechanical device supporting their pose.
Obtaining a copy of a photo from your driving license is not allowed. Digitally manipulating your photos using computer software will result in them being rejected.
Snaps from glossy magazines are not acceptable, as are photos from the majority of vending booths. Full length photographs are also not allowed.
You may take your own pictures with a digital camera providing it has sufficient resolution. The photographic equipment must have the ability to capture and store images with 1 megapixel or greater. It is however recommended that a professional photography lab prints the digital images as home equipment is very often unable to meet the specific criteria.
You will require two identical pictures that will need to be submitted with your passport application form.
The paper your passport photos are printed on must be of special photo-media quality.
Your Passport pictures must be printed in colour.
Your pictures must be current and up to date within the last six months.
The size of the photos that you submit should be 2" x 2" to be acceptable.
The passport pictures should clearly show a full frontal view of your face. You should be dressed in everyday clothing without headgear or tinted spectacles against a plain white or off-white backdrop. You should adopt a neutral expression with mouth closed and eyes fully open looking straight ahead. If your pictures are blurred then they will be rejected.
Your head should make up about 50% of the total photo area and should measure between 1 -1 3/8" from chin to crown. It should be in the center of the picture level and not looking off to the left of right.
A headdress or head-covering may be worn on religious grounds however it must not conceal, disguise, block or shade any portion of your face.
You may wear everyday spectacles in the passport photo, however there should be no glare or reflection that obscures your eyes.
If you wear sunglasses on medical grounds you will be able to leave them on in your photos. However you may be asked to send supporting evidence from your medical practitioner in the form of a letter.
Wearing a uniform in your passport picture is actively discouraged however you can for religious reasons.
Having passport pictures taken of infants and young children can be difficult. It is advised that you visit a professional photographer. Parents or guardians must not feature in the pictures neither should any mechanical device supporting their pose.
Obtaining a copy of a photo from your driving license is not allowed. Digitally manipulating your photos using computer software will result in them being rejected.
Snaps from glossy magazines are not acceptable, as are photos from the majority of vending booths. Full length photographs are also not allowed.
You may take your own pictures with a digital camera providing it has sufficient resolution. The photographic equipment must have the ability to capture and store images with 1 megapixel or greater. It is however recommended that a professional photography lab prints the digital images as home equipment is very often unable to meet the specific criteria.
About the Author:
David runs the family pharmacy in Leeds which has specialised in passport photography for over 20 years. For information about having you picture taken by Passport Photos Leeds then please visit his site.