It’s not difficult to take your own passport photos, but you do need a few key items to make it happen. These items will help you ensure a painless passport application process.
1) A good camera. The vast majority of camera phones aren’t going to be good enough for passport photos. A real digital camera, even a cheap one, should be – so long as you take the time to configure it properly. Do your homework on the specific requirements for passports from your home nation, and make sure the camera you have can manage.
2) Good lighting. Shadows or poor contrast can ruin your passport photos as easily as anything else, so make sure you have decent lighting where you’re taking pictures. A good camera can make up for a lot of the problem, but there are limitations.
3) An outfit that doesn’t break the rules. Anything that obscures your face or head is against the rules, barring a few exceptions for religious or medical needs. Most uniforms also violate the rules for passports–so do your homework and make sure you’re set.
4) A neutral expression. Easy enough if you’re taking your own photos, not too bad for older children, but potentially a major headache for young children or baby passport photos. Figure out a good way to get a neutral expression – or watch carefully for one and seize the moment before it passes.
5) An online passport photo service. While there are other ways you can use your own photos to put together a passport application, you’ll find it easiest to use a passport service online. With the help of such a service you can push your odds of being accepted on the first try to their maximum. Issues of size, quality, etc. will be addressed before your photos move on to the final application process. It makes things a lot easier.
Get these five items together, and your photos should pass through the applications process without a hitch. When you pay attention to the details, there’s not much risk of rejection – especially with an online passport service on your side.
