Posing for a passport photo takes mere minutes, but the results will be with you for years. Specifically, if you're over 16 when you get the passport, it will be valid for 10 years; passports issued to children 15 and younger expire in five years. Your photo needs to not only be an accurate depiction of your appearance, which will prevent you from having issues with security agents, but it's normal to have some vanity about this crucial photo. A few minutes of preparation is all you need to take the best picture possible.
ITEMS YOU WILL NEED
1. Face powder
2. Makeup
3. Hair gel
2. Makeup
3. Hair gel
STEP 1
Review the U.S. State Department's regulations about proper passport photos. At the time of publication, the picture must be 2 inches-by-2 inches and in color. You must stand in front of a white background, face the camera directly and have a neutral expression. In the final photo, your head must measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head. If you go to a professional passport photographer, she should know these regulations; but if you opt to take the photo yourself, you must make sure the picture is correctly sized and printed on high-quality photo paper.
STEP 2
Wear a solid-colored shirt with either a v-neck or scoop neck, such as a common T-shirt. Pick a color that flatters your skin tone. If you have pale skin, try navy or jewel tones such as teal. If your skin has gold tones, choose an orange or deep brown shirt, while people with olive or dark skin will look good in vibrant shades of red or blue. Don't wear white or black.
STEP 3
Tap some oil-absorbing face powder on your forehead and nose just before taking the photo. Powder will prevent your skin from looking oily. Women can apply a bit of mascara, blush and clear lip gloss to look polished but not overly made-up.
STEP 4
Wear prescription glasses if you use them daily. Tilt them down on your nose slightly to prevent a glare since the State Department does not allow your passport photo to have any glare in it. Your eyes must still be fully visible through the lenses. Take off your glasses if you don't normally wear them.
STEP 5
Let your hair down. Brush out any tangles, or use your fingers to fluff out your strands if you have curly hair. Rub a bit of gel over the top of your head to smooth down any flyaway hairs.
STEP 6
Stand in front of the camera. If you're taking your photo at a post office or store that has a passport photo station, you may not have any control over the lighting. If you're able to, however, ask the photographer to set up someplace where you're not standing under a light, since this will cast shadows over your face.
STEP 7
Push your shoulders down and back, and stick your chin out an inch or so farther than you normally hold it. Ask the photographer to count to three, and blink on "one" so you won't be caught mid-blink on three. Don't smile broadly, but keep your lips together and think of something happy while the photographer shoots.
How to take good passport size photos
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