Passport photos

sionnac · Oct 27, 2021

Anyone made their own passport photos lately? (Guidelines say "no selfies," someone else has to take the photo). Simple guidelines online, I'm sure I can, but we'll see! Looked at my passport last week bc I couldn't remember when it expired and it had expired that DAY. Sure sign it's time to think about where I want to travel when it is safer to do so.

Donald Qualls · Oct 27, 2021

I'd be amazed if the State Department could tell the difference between "someone else has to take the photo" and a correctly set up self-timer shot -- other than the self-timer shot is much more likely to be correctly exposed, focused, and held steady.

However, don't they want digital images now? Will they even accept an optical print?

Moose22 · Oct 27, 2021

Donald Qualls said:
I'd be amazed if the State Department could tell the difference between "someone else has to take the photo" and a correctly set up self-timer shot -- other than the self-timer shot is much more likely to be correctly exposed, focused, and held steady.

However, don't they want digital images now? Will they even accept an optical print?

Hasn't been that long, but I had to send a photograph, not a digital file, with my renewal a couple years back.

Donald Qualls · Oct 27, 2021

K. Good to know. I guess when the local Post Office does them, they print the digital file (since even they can't get peel-apart Polaroid any more).

MattKing · Oct 27, 2021

FWIW, each country will have its own requirements.
Here in Canada the requirements include:

taken in person by a commercial photographer or studio with:
- uniform lighting and with no shadows, glare or flash reflections
- face and shoulders to the camera: straight-on, centered and squared
- a plain white or light-coloured background with a clear difference between your face and the background. Photos must reflect/represent natural skin tones.

I am sure there must be specific US requirements. Here is the full link for Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/photos.html

Sirius Glass · Oct 27, 2021

I have always found it was faster to have passport photo taken at the Auto Club [AAA] or photo places like Costco, ... the photograph meet the State Department standards and it only take a few minutes.

wiltw · Oct 27, 2021

Easy to go to UPS Store for passport photo of photos for visa applications! Easier than correctly sizing the head in the photo printed and printing it yourself! Closer to your than typical Costco.

US Requirements
Photo Basics

Submit a color photo, taken in last 6 months
Use a clear image of your face. Do not use filters commonly used on social media.
Have someone else take your photo. No selfies.
Take off your eyeglasses for your photo.
Use a plain white or off-white background.

Submit a high resolution photo that is not blurry, grainy, or pixelated.
The correct size of a passport photo is:
2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
Head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 - 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper
Do not digitally change the photo
You cannot submit a damaged photo with holes, creases, or smudges
Use our photo tool to see if your photo meets our requirements
- Have a neutral facial expression or a natural smile, with both eyes open.
- Face the camera directly with full face in view.
- You cannot wear glasses. If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor with application.
- Taken in clothing normally worn on a daily basis.
- You cannot wear a uniform, clothing that looks like a uniform, or camouflage attire.
- You cannot wear a hat or head covering. If you wear a hat or head covering for religious purposes, submit a signed statement that verifies that the hat or head covering in your photo is part of traditional religious attire worn continuously in public. If you wear a hat or head covering for medical purposes, submit a signed doctor's statement verifying the hat or head covering in your photo is used daily for medical purposes. Your full face must be visible and your hat or head covering cannot block your hairline or cast shadows on your face
- You cannot wear headphones or wireless hands-free devices.
- You can wear jewelry and keep on your facial piercings as long as they do not hide your face. Permanent tattoos are acceptable for passport purposes as well.

sionnac · Oct 28, 2021

Yes, US still requires prints, not digital files, which would be to easy to alter I guess. The form even has guides for where to staple your photo. I got mine taken at a drugstore years ago, was thinking maybe I'd do it myself this time and print it at the drugstore.

Donald Qualls · Oct 28, 2021

sionnac said:
US still requires prints, not digital files, which would be to easy to alter I guess.

Because the 98-99% of passport photographers don't use digital, so can't possibly alter the image before it's printed...

BrianShaw · Oct 28, 2021

Donald Qualls said:
Because the 98-99% of passport photographers don't use digital, so can't possibly alter the image before it's printed...

They don’t? Most I’ve seen use digital cameras.

Donald Qualls · Oct 28, 2021

Woops, sorry, left the smiley off. Should have had at the end...

Passport photos

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