Need a passport photo? Here’s how to look great.
You may be familiar with the dreaded “passport photo”, at times resembling a mug shot, and wondered, why can’t I look better? If renewing a passport is on your to-do list, these pointers will get you closer to the photo of your dreams.
With adult passports valid for ten years, it’s understandable you want to snap a great. Because yes, taking a great passport photo can feel like a straight-up struggle and, for many, is a source of significant anxiety. There are actual rules a passport photo must abide by. Otherwise, you risk your passport being rejected, which is the number one delay in passport processing, according to the U.S. Department of State.
How to pose for a passport photo? Simple. The camera lens should be directly at eye level. Anything higher or lower, and you risk the camera looking up your nose. This is especially helpful if you’re taking your own passport photo but also comes in handy if you’re dealing with a less-than-experienced photo at a local, random drugstore that takes passport photos.
The State Department’s website reads travelers should “Have a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and mouth closed.” That wide grin with teeth showing and eyes squinting will most likely be revoked. Instead, think of something low-key pleasant–a person, place, or thing that brings a soft smile to your face.
If you’re fortunate enough to have a passport agency near you, you might have better luck finding a location near the agency that takes better pictures. These locations tend to have better lighting, better camera equipment, and employees more skilled at snapping photos. While they may not be modeling agency quality, these factors add to a passport photo you’ll like better.
Regardless of where you take the photo, ensure it fits the country’s requirements for a passport-size photo. Believe it or not, the United States and European have different size requirements, so read the passport photo guidelines!
Once we know where to take our passport photo, the second step is opening our closet and deciding what to wear for the said picture. A strapless top is a passport photo faux pas for obvious reasons, right? Since the passport photo is cropped right at the bustline, it can make you look like you’re not wearing a shirt. And though a TSA agent might not judge you for your style choice, think about your future employer or professional situations. If you ever need to show your passport to a boss or colleagues for onboarding paperwork or travel purposes, the appearance of being topless would not be a good look.
For those with longer or big hair, lessen the chance of your photo being rejected by ensuring your locks aren’t casting shadows or obscuring any part of your face. That can mean pulling your hair up or back, and if you have bangs—that’s fine—just as long as they’re not covering your eyes.
Filters on social media are rampant, but they should not be used for your passport photo. You cannot even digitally alter your image to eliminate red eye–take another picture instead. Enhancing or modifying your passport photo in any way is a surefire way to get rejected.
