The right passport picture is essential to making sure that your passport application has the best possible chance of acceptance. If your picture does not meet the stringent criteria, your application will be sent back to you, which will delay the whole process.
So where can you get your photo taken?
Take it yourself
Recently, the passport office has begun accepting photographs taken from smartphones, as a result of camera technology improving to the point that they can provide the level of clarity necessary for proper identification. So you don’t even have to leave the house if you don’t want to, it’s that convenient. Read if you take a passport photo using iPhone.
There are a number of different online services to help you with this. One of the best is Paspic, which will quickly and easily guide you through the process of taking the photograph yourself. Once it’s done, you’ll have the ability to order hard copies to send with your application.
Photo Booths
Photo booths can be found in a variety of different locations such as on the high street, in shopping centers, in supermarkets, and occasionally in train stations. They offer you simplicity, affordability, and a degree of convenience too. However, you still have to know how to pose properly.
The process is simple, you go inside the booth and follow the on-screen instructions. They’re commonly used for official photos so there’s likely going to be a specific guide to make sure you take the right photo. Once you have taken the photo, they will be printed immediately.
Photography stores
Though they are growing a little harder to find, most towns and cities still have photography stores or studios which will offer a dedicated passport photography service for a fee. The fee may be higher than it costs to take the photo yourself or at a booth, but there are benefits.
The photographer will know the requirements for an acceptable passport photo and will be able to guide you through the session. That means when you collect your photographs you won’t be in any doubt as to whether or not the passport photo is right.