you’re free to create high-quality, government-accepted, passport photos using your smartphone.
You likely already have all the equipment at home, so what are you waiting for?
Just follow these simple steps to take a great passport photo from the palm of your hand.
you could keep any religious headwear or medical devices on but ensure that your face is visible.
You may wear modest or natural makeup, but do not wear extreme makeup or hairstyles.
Hairstyles shouldnt cover your face more than simple bangs and your hair should fit naturally within the frame.
Check theUSAs passport photo requirementsto be sure, and remember that different countries may have different requirements.
Stand a few feet away from the background to ensure there isnt a harsh shadow behind you.
Your skin should be lit as its natural color without colored hues or dark shadows.
Time your photo session with the sun to avoid harsh lighting or golden hues.
While golden hour is a great time for portraits, the passport office wont appreciate it.
Set your phone in portrait orientation for the photos.
If you have a friend taking the photo, they can easily and quickly reframe the shot whenever needed.
You shouldnt use any filters or effects on your camera.
Just use the standard camera, not zoomed in or with portrait mode switched on.
Use the default camera on your phone and not any third-party apps to ensure no further effects appear.
Take a test shot to check the lighting, angle, and background.
Review it and change whatever needs fixing.
Note that you may need to move location to fix lighting issues when working with natural light.
Step 5: Take the Photo
Once your shot is composed, you might take your photo.
Remember to keep a neutral expression and dont smile.
Look directly at the camera lens.
If you are using your phones self-timer and a tripod, turn on Burst Mode.
Hereshow to take, view, and share Burst Mode photos on iPhone.
As mentioned, straightening or cropping can be done, so focus on how your face looks.
Is it free of hair, jewelry, and glasses?
Are your eyes open?
Are you in focus?
If you find at least two photos where the answer is “yes”, then move on.
Straightening or cropping your photo to your countrys requirements can be done easily without negative effects.
This can often be done with your phones native editing features.
Before editing, check your countrys government website for size and other factors youll need to know.
Not all countries are equal, and some get updated yearly.
The USA currently requests photos be printed 2 x 2 inches.
If your background isnt white enough, you could edit the white balance to achieve the correct tone.
Be wary of affecting your skin color as it needs to remain natural.
But if you require it printed, its easy to do.
If you need multiple copiesand its never a bad idea to have themset your print controls to repeat.
Once printed, cut them out with scissors and a steady hand.
You could alsouse a Cricut machineor a guillotine.
Its easy to do on your own, and probably even easier to do with a friend.
