Can passport photos be taken on a personal camera?

Question

Im applying for my first UK passport and i've heard that the photo is a real pain to get right. I know it sounds cheap but i don't want to waste like £30 on photos that i dont even want.

My question is, is it within the rules to take your photo with a personal camera, so long as it complies with all the guidelines? I have a high-defenition digital SLR, and a white/grey/cream wall in my house, so i can't see why this would be any different than a passport booth photo, so long as it's printed at the right size.

Would this be within the rules, or does it have to be from a photo booth? It seems like a good way of scamming folk.

Answer 1

Just read the information of the U.K. passport agency.



The photographs must:

◙ be in sharp focus and clear;

◙ have a strong definition between face and background; and

◙ be printed professionally. Photographs printed at home are not likely to be of an acceptable quality. Photographs that are digitally amended to meet our requirements are likely to be unsuitable for passport purposes as the amendment can change the facial image. This may mean that the photograph is no longer a “true” likeness and the biometric captured from such photographs is unusable and may disrupt travel.



Source(s):

http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/@travel/documents/digitalasset/dg_174925.pdf ..

Answer 2

Some countries have different requirements for the passport photo size. The US requires passport photos to have a size of 2 x 2 inch (visit the US Department of State). Most countries (including European Union countries, the United Kingdom, Australia and others) require 'standard' 3.5 x 4.5 cm photos.

Passport Photo also complies with the EU, UK and Australian specifications for biometric passports.



The important thing to remember about passport photos is that they should allow border inspectors to recognize you when they look at your passport. These guidelines will help you shoot and prepare photos that can be used in passports.



1. Include a full face, front view and open eyes

2. Make sure photo presents full head from top of hair to shoulders

3. Take the photo in a plain white or off-white background

4. Avoid shadows on the face or background

5. Face in photo should have a natural expression (closed mouth)

6. Photos should not include sunglasses or hats

7. The contrast and lighting in the photo should be normal

Answer 3

When are you planning on heading overseas? If you're not planning on doing it for a while I'd go back and make sure they get it 100% right, white background and everything. I don't know much about this, but the last thing I'd want to happen is for them to stop you at the airport and turn you around because of some stupid shirt in the background. I'd say, if you're in a rush, give it a go, if not, get it fixed. Make Walgreen's pay for it too for being lazy about it.

Answer 4

we highly advice that this is not done as it is very difficult to get the photography requirements and more often than not the photographs are rejected for not meeting the international requirements. Date is taken from the photography's and therefore 99% of the time photographs printed onto photo paper are usually rejected.



You can try and you may be lucky however it is strongly recommended not to

Answer 5

Here in the states you can, not sure if they allow it over there, it has to be above your shoulders also.