How to Take a Great Passport Photo

Lighting

Even lighting on your face is the most important factor. Shadows make photos look unprofessional and can cause issues with your application.

• Face a window during the day. Natural light from the front is ideal.
• Avoid overhead lights as the only source. They create shadows under your eyes and nose.
• No light from behind you. This puts your face in shadow.

Background

The U.S. State Department requires a plain white or off-white background.

• A plain wall works well. Light gray or cream colored walls are fine.
• Pick a wall that is a different color from your hair. White or gray hair in front of a white or cream wall, or dark hair in front of a dark wall, makes the edge of your hair hard to tell apart from the wall, and parts of it can be cut off.
• Stand a foot or two away from the wall to avoid casting a shadow on it.
• Remove anything distracting behind you (plants, artwork, furniture).

Framing

You don't need to get the framing perfect. But getting reasonably close helps.

• Include your head and shoulders.
• Center yourself in the frame.

• Look directly at the camera with a neutral expression.
• When in doubt, stand further back. A photo can be cropped, but it can't be uncropped.

What to Wear

• Avoid white shirts if you're using a white background. You'll blend in.
• No hats or head coverings unless worn for religious reasons.
• No glasses. This is a U.S. State Department requirement, not a suggestion.
• Wear your hair back or styled so your ears are visible.