10 Key Tips to Taking Great Passport Photos Online
This article was written by one of our amazing contributors! Content may include promotional links.
Your passport photo sticks with you for ten years so it’s important for you to make the best of the moment. It may sound a little superficial but looking your best should be your main focus. But how exactly are you supposed to make a passport photo look good?
Well, honestly, it may not look like an editorial shoot (or maybe it will) but there are ways that you can ensure your pic looks good. And you’ll definitely have the upper hand when taking the photo from the comfort of your own home. Keep reading to find out 10 key tips to taking great passport photos online.
1. Wear Complimentary Colors
The background for passport photos is typically plain and white. You should probably avoid wearing shirts that will drown out with the background (white shirts for sure). It would be best to bring out a color that works best for you.
You can keep it simple and wear black or another neutral color. Take your hair, eye, and makeup (if applicable) colors into consideration when choosing a top color.
2. Choose the Right Hair
Passport photos only take the top half of your body into account. Because of this, you want to take advantage of everything that will be shown. Choosing the right hair is essential for a good photo.
You can play it safe and go with a hairstyle that you know works well with your face. Consider bright lights if you have your hair dyed bright colors or if you have highlights. There are no rules to hair but you should at least make sure it is presentable for your picture.
3. Keep Makeup Light
If you do choose to wear makeup in your passport photos, try not to go overboard. Remember, when you are actually traveling, people will need to compare the photo to your face. And, more than likely, you won’t be wearing the same exact makeup each time.
Try to keep things simple by keeping the makeup light. You also will need to keep this picture for a decade. If you’re very young, you probably don’t want to regret the photo you took years later.
4. Skip Scarves & Turtlenecks
You definitely don’t want to take a passport photo in anything that will make your body look awkward or squished. Take into account that covering some of your necks could make your head look like a different size.
If you do prefer to wear a shirt or scarf that covers your neck, remember the complementary colors rule. This rule is especially important since the top will be one of the main centers of focus in the photo. Choose color wisely and make sure the blouse or scarf is in good condition.
5. Have Good Posture
The quickest way to ruin any picture is to have poor posture in the photo. Passport photos are no exception. Remember to practice good posture by pulling back your shoulders and sitting with your back up straight.
You can also stretch your neck out if you still feel like you are slouching. Put your arms in a neutral position, elongated and hanging down. Try not to fold your arms or position your hands too high.
6. Take Glasses Off
Of course, you need your glasses to see what you’re doing but you may want to leave them to the side for a few moments. Your glasses may cause glare or just get in the way in the picture in general. It may be best to take them off really quickly just for the photo.
If you choose to keep your glasses on, check to make sure there is no glare. Also, make sure they are well positioned on your face and not sliding off or tilting. If you have glasses that match your shirt color, that could help to make your photo even better.
7. Avoid Some Prints & Patterns
Sure we all want to express ourselves when we dress up for pictures. However, passport photos may be a little different and might require a little more simplicity. If you’re a fan of unique prints and loud patterns, it may be best to reconsider wearing that outfit this one day.
Some prints and patterns won’t translate well in the photo and may cause it to look bad. Again, keeping it simple with solid colors may be the best route to take. Also, avoid wearing jewelry and other accessories that may be distracting.
8. Do Test Photos
Sometimes your best comes out with practice when it comes to taking photos. Just like some people prefer to take hundreds of selfies before they find the right photo, you may have to take a few test runs. This should be easy if you have a smartphone.
Take a few pics on your phone to see what your passport photo may come out like. You could simply pretend you are getting ready for social media fame. A mirror is also just as useful in this case.
9. Look Straight
Depending on how camera shy you are, it may cause you to unconsciously look away from the camera. Remember to look directly towards the camera when taking the photo.
Your photo may not be accepted if your eyes are shifted to the side or if they aren’t completely opened.
10. Smile Big
Last, but certainly not least, prepare your cheeks for some heavy duty smiles. You’ll definitely want to bring out a cheerful face for your passport photos. Try not to frown or look angry.
Living with a photo with the same emotion for years is crucial. So what’s best than choosing a joyful emotion? Now you’re ready to check out this website.
Did You Find These Tips for Passport Photos Helpful?
Hopefully, you’re on your way to taking some great passport photos with the help of these tips. You don’t have to achieve the perfect picture. You just need to do your best and be happy with the photo that you’ve taken.
If you’re having a hard time taking your own photo online, check out our tech blog for more tips and tricks.