A passport photo seems like an ordinary photo, or a boring one at that, given that it has to be taken in an neutral atmosphere. But a passport photo is something you have to carry for a long time, and it’s important to at least know how to pull off the perfect passport photo so it stands the test of time and you are comfortable with it.
Intricate changes in a photography environment can make or break your passport photo. Regardless of how passport rules tend to make the overall photo look bland, you yourself don’t have to be bland.
If you’re looking for tips on how you can achieve the perfect passport photo, then you’re on the right track. The tips below are tailored to fit a wide demographic, allowing you to mix and match preferences based on elements such as your skin tone, your hair, and your clothing. Remember, a passport photo might look ordinary on the outside but that doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to bring in a bit of style to the photography process. Do remember to consult a photographer as well if you are actually capable of pulling off the passport photo you want to achieve, as sometimes certain countries really do impose heavy restrictions on passports.
According to USA Today, you have to be extra careful when it comes to getting a good passport photo as you will use this photo for a long duration. In the United States for instance, your first passport at 16 will be usable for as long as 10 years. This means your photograph should not only look like you, but it should accurately be based on your appearance. Getting a good photo means not having trouble in security, but also having a better experience when travelling overall.
Are You Following Guidelines?
Perhaps one of the most important parts of this guide is to make sure you’re following government regulations before you even decide on the specifics of your passport photo. While going to a professional photograph service means they are most likely aware of these regulations, it’s important you have a general idea on what to do as well should you opt to take it yourself.
- At the time this article is published, guidelines so far dictate that your photo must be two inches by two inches, and in full color. The photo should have a white background, you should be facing the camera, and you should have a neutral facial expression.
- Your head must be between 1 to 1 3/8 inches from the top of your head to the bottom of your chin.
Dress to Impress, Sort of
When it comes to passport photos, a lot of attention is put on your face. However, you should put just as a much attention to what you’re wearing as it can help accentuate your skin color given the right combination of colors and style.
- For instance, wear shirts that are either scoop neck like your common shirt or a V neck. Make sure the shirt you’re wearing is a solid color, and is capable of flattering your skin tone. For instance, teal and other jewel or navy tones can help emphasize pale skin. Meanwhile, deep brown and orange shades can help with gold tones. Lastly, blue or red can help those with dark or olive skin. Try to avoid wearing black or white.
- If you regularly wear prescription glasses, then wear them while taking the photo. However, tilt them down slightly towards your nose to make sure there isn’t any glare. A glare in the photo is something that the state department doesn’t allow. Likewise, if you wear glasses but not often, then you shouldn’t wear them in the passport photo.
- Make sure your hair is down, and you fix it for the photo. If you have straight hair, then try to brush the tangles away. If you have curly hair, try to make the strands fluffy with your fingers.
Play With Lighting
The bane of existence for photographers and models alike is lighting, as this can make or break someone’s overall impression of a particular photo. Thankfully, you can tinker around with camera lighting to make sure it works in your favor.
- Avoid the appearance of oily skin by applying oil-absorbing powder on your forehead or face. If you’re a woman, try to apply just a small amount of clear lip gloss, blush on, and mascara to look polished though not made up too much.
- If you can make requests about lighting, try to ask your photographer if there’s some way the photograph can happen without a light being over you, as this can cause shadows to appear in the photo.
- In order to appear more formal, try pushing your shoulders backwards and downwards. Try sticking out your chin for an inch or so and hold it that way. Ask your photographer if they can count to three before taking the photo. Immediately blink on “one” so you don’t get off guard when the flash appears on the third count. Try to avoid smiling broadly. Keep both your lips together and think of a happy memory when the photographer conducts the shoot.
Perhaps if there’s anything the tips above have said it’s that a perfect passport photo is achievable given the right kind of effort, creativity, and patience. Taking the time to know regulations and adjusting your appearance accordingly takes a lot of effort from both you and the photographer, so make sure you build rapport with your photographer in order for the both of you to pull off the best passport photo ever.
If you’re in need of a perfect photographer for your best passport photo, you may click here for more information.
Magarete Wormley
Marga is a budding photographer who enjoys getting out and practicing her skills. She loves writing about photography for different websites and enjoys traveling to get the best shot.
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