How NOT to Take Your Own Passport Photos

Filed Under "Tutorial/Education"

Don't be "that guy."

"That Guy" read a tutorial online instructing him on how to take his own passport photo. Now, while passport photography isn't dentistry, it does have a few rules and guidelines that, if not met, will cause a delay or total rejection of your passport documents.

The tutorial says "find a light colored wall as your background." XXXX (buzzing sound)

The US Passport requires a white wall. Any colors (yes, even a nice soft pastel) will cause a rejection stamp to be employed.

The tutorial says "any camera will do, even a cell phone." XXXX (buzzing sound)

The tutorial says "stand near a window." XXXX (buzzing sound)

The US Passport Office will reject images that are out of focus, bad lighting (overhead lighting causes "raccoon eyes" and window lighting will cause unwanted shadows).

The tutorial says "use your camera's pop up flash if it has one." XXXX (buzzing sound)

That pop up flash will likely cause "red eye" because that's what pop up flashes do. It will DEFINITELY cause "mullet hair" which is a shadow on the wall, just behind the head that makes you appear to be sporting a mullet.

If you're a die hard DIY'er who is hell bent on saving yourself a few bucks, go ahead and give it a shot. All you have to lose is time, and if time is on your side, go for it.

But if you value your time and you'd really like your passport photo to be sharp, well lit, properly adjusted for color, and NOT delay your passport - you know, something you might even be PROUD of, then give us call and in ten minutes you'll have just that!

Newsome's Studio is located at 10012 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Suite 219 in North Tampa (Carrollwood). 813-968-2810