Do you dread having you passport photo taken? Are you embarrassed to show it off to your friends? Well you needn't worry you don't have to be a super model to take passport photo a great passport picture. The secret is in forward planning.
Benjamin Franklin once said "by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." The same principle can be applied to having you passport photograph taken. Follow these tips for fantastic results that you can be proud of; after all you will have to carry it around for the next decade!
WHERE TO HAVE YOUR PHOTO TAKEN
You can obtain a passport photo from several commercial outlets depending on your personal preference it is even possible to take the photo yourself. You will need to make a decision on convenience and cost. DIY options are generally cheaper but require higher levels of IT experience. For professional results you can visit a studio, going down this route tends to be the most expensive. Whichever method you choose make sure you are totally happy with the results before your passport photos are printed.
PERSONAL APPEARANCE AND GROOMING
Make an extra special effort in your personal appearance. Plan a trip to the salon for a haircut colour and style. This will ensure your picture looks good for years to come. Gentlemen keep your facial hair groomed and tidy up those loose ends on the day of your photo. Ladies when applying make-up keep tones neutral, natural and matte, cover any blemishes with concealer.
CLOTHING
Keep your clothing simple and smart avoid bold colours, pastels and contrasting patterns. White is also a no-no as you will blend in with the background it also makes you look washed out. Instead go for the darker colours for greater contrast. A passport photo has many different uses so dress conservatively; a business-like outfit will work well.
SLEEP
To prevent those bags under your eyes, make sure you get enough sleep the night before your passport photo is taken. This will get you looking your best and produce a more appealing picture.
EXPRESSION
Some passport photo regulations do not allow you to smile. However this doesn't mean you have to look gloomy and down at the mouth. Relax! Think happy thoughts perhaps a situation or person that would make you smile. Then maintain a neutral expression with both eyes open and mouth closed. Take some time to practise your pose in a mirror before you have your photo taken.
So with a little organisation you should avoid those passport photo blues and be proud to show off your model shots.
Do you have a passport? If not have you seen someone else's? If you have seen a passport then you know that passports are a form of photo identification.
Your passport serves as proof of your identity and nationality when you travel in and out different countries. It includes such identifying information as your full name, birthday, citizenship, and your photo.
These days there are plenty of people who try to fake a passport, though. Because of this, passport offices are being stricter these days regarding the pictures you bring. You have to produce forms of identification including drivers license and government ID as well. This way the passport office can compare your photo you bring in with the government issued photo ID you produce.
Your passport photo should be high quality. It must represent you accurately. You also don't want there to be any defects or problems with the photo, as these can cause delay in your passport.
To be usable as a passport photo, a picture should conform to common passport photo print standards. It should be 2 inch by 2 inch, color, printed on thin photo paper or stock. The print should be continuous tone and should not be retouched or edited in any way.
The photo also has to present your full head. The center of the head must be within the frame, and the eye height should be between 1 1/8 inches to 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the photo. The photo background needs to be white or off white. Keep a natural expression, and make sure there are no distracting shadows in the photo.
If any of these elements are missing from the photo you wish to use, it can delay your passport. You will end up with your passport application not going through.
Since it is so complex it is likely a good idea to have a professional photo taken by a photographer. This photographer will know how to take a photo that will easily pass muster and not cause a delay in your application.