Are you planning a trip abroad? Then it's time to get a passport! Before requesting it, you will need a recent photo, taken within the last six months. To have a good photograph, some preparation is needed. If you are of legal age, your passport will be valid for 10 years, so be prepared to see this image for a long time.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare for Shooting Day
Step 1. Prepare your hair
For the passport photo, don't do anything strange. This image should be an accurate representation of your day-to-day appearance, so that you won't have any problems when checking.
Do not wear hats or other headdresses, unless you do it daily for religious reasons. In this case, the face must be visible. The headdress cannot hide the hairline or make shadows on the face
Step 2. If you are used to wearing makeup, try to do it more or less as usual
If you never wear makeup, you shouldn't go overboard with your make-up for the photo. You will not look like you and you risk being stopped at the controls.
- If you want, apply some mattifying powder to keep your face from getting shiny. Focus on your forehead and nose.
- Even if you don't usually wear makeup, you may want to apply concealer or face powder to dark circles. These dark areas can darken your eyes and make you look sick or tired.
Step 3. Dress appropriately
In addition to travel, remember that your passport may be needed on many other occasions when you need to prove your identity. Try to wear solid-colored clothing in soft colors.
- Wear comfortable, flattering clothing.
- Don't wear flashy clothing, or it will distract attention from your face.
- Pay special attention to the shirt, because it will appear in the photo. Prefer the crew neck or V-necked ones. If it's backless or you're wearing a tank top, it might look like you're shirtless, so check the neckline.
- Since the background will be black or white, avoid these colors. Prefer shades that enhance your complexion.
- Wear few accessories.
- Uniforms or clothes that remind you of them (including camouflage) are not allowed, unless it is religious clothing you wear every day.
- Some people stated that their photo was rejected because it was too similar to previous shots (this means that at the time of issue it was impossible to determine if it was a recent image). Consequently, to renew the document, you should dress differently than in the last photo.
Part 2 of 3: Take the Photo
Step 1. Check your teeth
Make sure you wash them so you have them clean. Just before the shot, go to the bathroom or grab a hand mirror to make sure there are no food particles stuck between your teeth.
Step 2. If you wear glasses, you can decide whether or not to take them off for the photo
Prescription lenses are allowed, but can sometimes cause a glare, so avoid reflecting the flash. Also remember that the lenses should not be tinted. Avoid frames that cover your eyes.
- If you want to wear glasses, but the glare bothers you, tilt them slightly down or turn off the camera flash.
- Touch up your makeup. In particular, if your skin tends to appear shiny in photos, try a last-minute retouch with a mattifying powder. Also be sure to check that your lipstick or eye makeup is not smudged.
Step 3. Check your hair
If you wear them loose (especially if they are long), you can leave them on your shoulders. If they are short, arrange them as you wish. Heat some gel or mousse between your fingers and apply the product to your hair just before the shot to keep unruly strands under control.
If you have very long hair, you may want to pull it up on one shoulder. In fact, if they cover the shirt, it can look like you are shirtless
Step 4. Follow the instructions
Assuming you won't be taking the picture yourself, listen carefully to the photographer. Its goal is to take a shot from an angle that best suits you. Follow her instructions carefully and don't switch between poses unless she asks you to. In an ID photo, there are specific requirements regarding the space above the head, so don't spoil the shot.
- The photographer will invite you to look directly into the lens - this is mandatory for the passport. If you take the photo yourself, make sure you keep your shoulders straight and look straight into the lens.
- The head should occupy 50-70% of the total height of the photo. Measure from the top of your head (including hair and any headwear) to the bottom of your chin.
Step 5. Stand straight
Make sure you have good posture and communicate confidence. Push your shoulders back. Do not try to hold your head up to avoid a double chin, as this will optically enlarge the neck. Instead, push your chin forward very slightly (a little more than in the normal position, but not too much).
Step 6. Smile
In general, a natural smile (without showing teeth) or a neutral expression is allowed for a passport. Choose an expression that you think flatters your face, but listen carefully to the photographer's instructions if they tell you it looks unnatural.
- If your expression is weird, eyes squinting or looking in two different directions, your photo may be rejected, delaying the issuing process.
- If you decide not to smile at all, think of something beautiful so that your eyes still convey a positive feeling.
Step 7. Participate in the selection process
A good photographer will review the photos with you and recommend the ones they think are most suitable from a professional point of view. If you disagree, impose yourself and choose the one you prefer, but make sure it meets the requirements.
Part 3 of 3: Prepare Early for the Passport Photo
Step 1. Decide where to take the photo
There are several options and each one gives you different benefits. Choose a place that you can reach easily and that fits your budget. It is possible to take a great photo without spending a lot, but of course a professional photographer guarantees a better quality result. In some studios it is necessary to make an appointment, so plan on time. Here are some options:
- Photo booth.
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Professional photography studio.
Together with that of the booth, this solution is ideal for obtaining a photo that meets all the requirements
- If the first two options aren't feasible, you can take a passport photo at home, but make sure you meet all the requirements.
- First, you can download a dedicated program, such as ID Photo Studio.
- There are also websites and apps that allow you to take passport photos.
- As for websites, try Idphoto4you, Photocabine, and ePassport Photo.
- As for apps, try ID Photo Lite (Android) or MyPhoto Pro (iOS).
Step 2. Cut your hair about a week or two in advance
If you need a cut, schedule your hairdresser's appointment in time so that your hair can settle. After a week or two, they should still be fresh cut and tidy, perfect for the photo. Of course, if you want to take your picture right after you cut them and trust your hairdresser, you can wait until the last minute.
Step 3. Shave your eyebrows if you have a habit of doing so
In this case, it is better to shave them around the day before. This will eliminate the redness, but the hair will not have enough time to grow back. If you want to invest a little more for this special occasion, you might as well go to the beautician to get a wax.
If after hair removal you notice that the skin around the eyebrows becomes red, try applying fresh, wet tea bags or some aloe vera
Step 4. Get enough sleep
To prevent dark circles and redness, try to sleep well for several days ahead of the photo. This will also help you brighten your skin and make you look fitter.
