Month: April 2016

Everyone knows that when traveling abroad your passport is an important, essential item. It is the document recognized by foreign governments allowing you to cross borders and travel freely.

Deciding where and when you want to travel are the first two things you do when planning a trip abroad, but the third thing you do is begin the process of getting a passport. It is not a difficult procedure but it does take some time. In the United States, the application is available online, many post office locations can process your application and multiple businesses will take your passport picture.

Read all instructions carefully as you fill out the passport paperwork. The passport photograph has particular requirements and previous posts here will help you easily meet those requirements. You will generally receive two to four passport photos at the time of purchase. One photo will accompany your passport application but tuck one of those extra photos into a safe place in your luggage as it could be the photo that saves the day.

As careful and security conscious as we may try to be while traveling, losing a passport or having it stolen, can and does happen. If this should happen to you here is a packing strategy that will ease your mind and get your passport replaced quickly.

You have tucked that extra passport photo where it won’t be damaged. In another bag, one you don’t carry around with you every day but perhaps stays in in the hotel, tuck a color photocopy of your passport. Forget they are there and hopefully you won’t see them again until you are home and unpacking your clothes along with fond memories of your trip.

Should disaster strike and your passport is lost or stolen, don’t panic because you are prepared! Immediately contact the US Embassy or consulate and ask to speak to the American Citizens Services unit of the Consular Section. You will be required to visit and fill out another application but because you have a color copy of your passport and a picture, the process of identification and renewal will be swift.

A common question many individuals have when first taking a passport photograph is whether or not they are allowed to have something on their head. From hats to glasses, these questions come from people around the world. In general, the answer is no, but there are some exceptions. Before definitively leaving the headwear at home, it is important to go over these individual questions and answers.

Eyeglasses

Probably the most popular of all headwear questions, many who wear glasses want to know if it is alright to have these present in the photograph. If the eyeglasses are worn on a daily basis, it is fine to include in the photograph. However, these glasses cannot have a reflection, nor should the glasses feature transition lenses (which change darkness based on the amount of light in a room). In general, it is best to not wear the glasses in a photograph, but if someone rarely goes about their daily life without the vision corrective lenses, it is alright.

Sunglasses

The only time anyone is able to wear sunglasses or anything with tinted glass is if there is a medical reason behind it. Having a medical certificate on hand is necessary to verify this and should be included with the passport application. Outside of this, anything with tinted glass should never be worn.

Hat

The only time a hat or anything on the top of the head can be worn is if it is for religious purposes. Even so, the face must be visible completely and it cannot obscure an individual’s hairline. It shouldn’t cast a shadow on the individual. If the item is not for religious reasonings, it is not allowed in the photograph and the passport application will be rejected.

Nothing else is allowed on the face. Beyond everyday glasses, medical prescription sunglasses for a special health situation and headwear for religious reasonings, everything else is banned. By following these rules, an individual will not face having their passport rejected based on clothing or other objects inappropriately on their head.

A passport is your ticket to the rest of the world. It is also a very specific document; and while your photograph is only one part of it, it is crucial for identification. Due to this, countries are very specific on their passport photo requirements. When taking your passport photo at home, you need to avoid these kinds of mistakes, as you’ll end up with your passport application being rejected.

Over exposure

Does the photograph look a bit too light? Maybe your skin looks washed out. Over exposure is a quick way to have your photograph rejected. This is why you should avoid wearing all white, as it can cause problems with any auto-features on your camera. Avoid over exposure to avoid rejection.

Shadows

Shadows throw dark areas on your face. From dark patches under your eyes to odd coloration, you need to make sure your photograph is properly lit. One of the most common issues is having a light directly overhead. This causes long shadows to run down your face. Have the light come from in front of you and above to fill in any dark spots or shadows.

Wrong size

Your passport photograph needs to be two inches by two inches. This is a pretty easy issue to correct as it can be cut down to size.

Bad focus

Focus is another major issue. Everything needs to be crisp, as border patrol checkpoints need to be able to see all of the features of your face. Poor focus makes it hard to do this, so your photograph will be rejected.

Glasses and inappropriate headwear

The only time you should wear your glasses is if you wear glasses all the time. If you are more likely to wear contacts, take your glasses off. It is highly recommended to remove the glasses, just to make it easier for identification purposes – the same goes for headwear. Some religious headwear is allowed, but it may not cause a shadow or cover the face, so be careful.

Just because you’re taking your own passport photograph doesn’t mean you can’t actually look good doing it. In fact, when you look at most other people’s passport photos, you’ve probably noticed most of their pictures really aren’t that great either. In fact, in many countries, you are not even allowed to smile in the photograph. While the United States isn’t as strict on a simple smile as other nations, there are other ways to look great in your passport photo, even if you choose not to smile.

Your shirt

The shirt you wear is very important; it might be the only bit of color you add to the picture. For starters, look for something with a v-neck or scoop neck (think basic T-shirt for the scoop). This helps add some contrast to the shape of your face. Also, go with a solid color shirt that goes well with your skin tone. Do you have pale skin? Opt for a teal or navy shirt. If you have more of a tanned, gold tone, select something like a deep brown or a vibrant blue. Above all else, avoid a white or black shirt if you want to look great as it will wash you out.

Mind the oil

Looking oily in your passport photograph is more common than you might think. The brighter lights really showcase the oil. So, use some oil absorbing power on your forehead and nose before snapping the pics. This prevents your skin from looking oily. Women are allowed a bit of mascara and blush, but don’t go over the top with this, otherwise you’ll be asked to retake the photograph.

Glasses

If you wear prescription glasses on a daily basis you are permitted to wear the glasses in your picture. To avoid a glare (you’ll be asked to retake the picture if one is present) slightly tilt the lenses down to avoid this light reflection.

Avoid lighting directly over your face

If you can avoid the directly overhead light, do it. This results in odd shadows on your face, the appearance of dark circles under your eyes and more pronounced wrinkles.

A passport photo only serves as a small part of your identification information stored within the booklet, but without an approved photograph, you will be forced to reapply for your passport. This is extremely time consuming and also expensive. Instead, you should ensure you have your passport photo done right the first time. Thankfully, you don’t need a wide range of equipment to snap that perfect photograph. You just need to know a few tips, including what you’re allowed to wear.

Avoid anything white

Your photograph is taken against a white backdrop, so anything white or off-white will blend into the photograph, making it difficult to distinguish your body from the rest of the scene. Instead, wear something that contrasts with the background. The only exception would be if you wear a religious garment on a regular basis – if this is the case, you are permitted to wear it for your passport photo.

Headgear

In general, you need to be careful about any kind of headgear worn in passport photographs. Take out any sort of headphones, earphones, Bluetooth headsets or anything else electronic (outside of required hearing aids). Take off any non-prescription glasses. You are allowed to wear prescription glasses, but take extra care to ensure no glare is in the lens when taking the photograph. Also, remove all head coverings, unless they are for religious purposes. Should you have a head cloth or something of this nature, you need to make sure that it does not cover your face.

Go conservative

In general, it is best to dress conservatively. The top of your shoulders are visible in the photograph, so it is best to avoid wearing anything offensive. In some countries, exposed shoulders (especially on women) is seen as offensive, so it is best to wear a top covering the tops of your shoulders. Practice conservatism here and you’ll avoid offending local police and border patrols upon entering a country.

Dressing correctly for a passport photo isn’t difficult. Follow the tips above and save yourself time and money on that next application.

Smile for the camera because it’s passport time. And while you’re excited for your international adventure, are you ready for the passport photo you need to take to get there? Posing for this photo will only take a few minutes, but it will stick with you for ten years. You don’t want to look any less than your best in a passport picture, and you don’t want to be unprepared. Here is what you need to know.

Before you get your passport, and the feeling of being a citizen of the world that comes with it, you need make sure you’ve read up on it. Review the regulations and rules about passport pictures. For the US State Department, you need to be standing in front of a white backdrop – look towards the camera, and try to not be too expressive. For your head’s measurement, it must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from your chin to the top of your head.

When it comes to the photos, don’t get too complicated. If you wear prescription glasses daily, be sure to wear them in your passport photo. But be sure to tilt them down a little so there isn’t any glare, the State Department will not allow a photo with glare. Also make sure your eyes are fully visible.

Your hair should be brushed or styled, and you could even use a little gel or hairspray. For women it’s best not to look totally made-up, but some mascara and blush should help accentuate your face in the passport picture.

Be sure to wear a solid color shirt, remember the background will be white. A colored shirt will help you stand out, and a T-shirt would be a good start. If your skin is paler, try a shade of darker blue. If your skin is olive or darker, a vibrant red would work. Do not wear a white shirt since you’ll blend in with your background.

Know what works best going into the photos so you can have an easier time when you are taking them. And when it’s time to say “Cheese!”, position your shoulders back, and hold your chin one inch further out than usual for a more usable photograph. Most of all, have fun and enjoy yourself. A passport photo means you have a big journey ahead…