It may be another job to add to your never-ending pre-holiday to-do list, but getting passport photos is one of the ones that can be crossed off pretty quickly. Simply take the photo and there’s another tick in your ‘task complete’ box. Easy, right?
If you’ve got little ones, it’s not quite as simple as that. Tight regulations mean that no matter the age of the passport holder, the photo has to be perfect.
Firstly, what are the regulations for young ones?
• They should be looking directly at the camera with both ears and eyes clearly visible
• Their expression should be neutral – no smiling (no matter how cute they look when they do)
• The background should be sharp, clear and a light color such as white, cream or pale blue
• There should be nothing obstructing their face, including dummies, parents’ hands and shadows
• The baby passport photo must be in full color.
Here are our top tips for getting the perfect baby passport photo:
- As long as your hands are not visible, there are no rules to say you can’t support the baby’s head. Try some practice snaps beforehand to get the positioning right.
- If you can’t find a way to support your baby’s head and keep your arms out of the photo, a top tip is to cover their car seat or bouncer chair with a white blanket to create the plain background. Ensure the lighting in the room is bright to prevent any shadow from ruining the image.
- Stick to your daily routine. Avoid nap times when the baby will be sleepy or dinner time when the baby will be restless. Remember, a well-slept, well-fed baby is a happy baby!
- You can try all you want, but if the baby isn’t cooperating, the photo isn’t going to happen. Be sure to allow yourself as much time as possible to apply for an infant passport and take lots of photos when you get the chance, in case your initial image does not meet regulations.
