Last Updated: June 2026
Equipment, lighting, background, and step-by-step instructions so your photo passes the first time — guaranteed.
You don't need a professional camera to take an acceptable passport photo. Billions of compliant passport photos are taken every year with smartphone cameras. Here's what you'll need:
| Camera Type | Quality | Key Setting |
|---|---|---|
| DSLR / Mirrorless | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | 50–85mm lens, f/5.6, ISO 100 |
| Smartphone rear camera (iPhone 13+, Pixel 6+) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good | Portrait mode OFF, 1x zoom |
| Smartphone front camera (selfie) | ⭐⭐⭐ Good | Use timer, hold steady |
| Webcam (1080p+) | ⭐⭐ Acceptable | Ensure good daylight |
Lighting is the single biggest factor that causes passport photo rejections at home. Shadows on the face or background are the #1 reason DIY passport photos fail.
Position yourself facing a large window — ideally on an overcast day. Overcast sky acts as a giant softbox, producing even, shadow-free light. Avoid direct harsh sunlight which creates harsh shadows.
Sit 3–4 feet from a north-facing window (in the Northern Hemisphere). This gives soft, even light without direct sun. Drape a white sheet or hang a white board behind you. This setup costs $0 and produces professional results.
If natural light isn't available, use two light sources at 45-degree angles on each side of your face (Rembrandt two-light setup). This eliminates side shadows. Ring lights also work well — position it directly behind your camera lens.
Most countries require a plain white, off-white, or light grey background. Here's how to create one at home:
A clean white wall is the easiest solution. Stand 2–3 feet in front of it to prevent shadows. If your wall is slightly off-white or has texture, that's usually acceptable — avoid walls with visible patterns, artwork, or colored surfaces.
Tape a white bed sheet or large piece of foam board to a wall. Iron the sheet first to remove wrinkles — wrinkles create shadows. Foam board (available at dollar stores) is stiff and wrinkle-free, making it the preferred option.
Use our free Passport Photo Generator below. It automatically removes your background and replaces it with the correct white, off-white, or country-specific color. This is the easiest and most reliable method.
Hang a white sheet or foam board against a wall, or choose a clean white wall. Position yourself at least 2 feet away from it to prevent shadows.
Face a window or set up two lamps at 45° angles. Verify there are no shadows on your face or background by checking a test shot.
Place your phone on a tripod or flat surface at eye level. Set a 10-second timer. Disable portrait mode and beauty filters. Set to maximum resolution.
Look directly at the camera (not up or down). Keep your face centered in the frame. Your head should take up 70–80% of the frame height. Both eyes must be fully open.
Neutral expression or slight natural smile. Both eyes open and clearly visible. Do not squint. Do not look to the side.
Take multiple photos. Blink timing and micro-expressions vary — having options lets you pick the best one.
Use the ProShoot Passport Photo Generator below to auto-crop, resize, and verify compliance. Download your ready-to-print or ready-to-upload photo in under 60 seconds.
Upload your home photo and our AI tool will automatically crop, resize, check compliance, and prepare a print-ready or digitally-ready passport photo in seconds. No account required.
Need a professional photographer instead? Browse verified passport photo photographers near you →
The most common rejection reason. Use two light sources and stand away from background.
No longer accepted for US, UK, EU, Australia, or most countries. Remove all eyewear.
Head must fill 70–80% of the frame. Use our tool's auto-crop to get this right.
Skin smoothing, teeth whitening, or any digital manipulation leads to automatic rejection.
UK requires light grey/cream. US requires white. Check your destination country's rules.
Keep lips together (or barely parted). Do not show teeth for most countries.
2×2 inch (51×51mm) photo. Pure white or off-white background. Head must be 1–1 3/8 inches from chin to top of head. No glasses since 2016. For online passport renewal, file must be under 11MB in JPEG format. See our US Passport Renewal Photo Guide for full details.
35×45mm photo. Cream or light grey background (not pure white). Eyes must be between 29–34mm from the bottom of the photo. No glasses. Plain expression.
50×70mm (2×2.75 inches). Plain white background. Head height 31–36mm. Eyes open, looking directly at camera.
35×45mm. Plain white or light grey background. Head must be between 32–36mm in height. Neutral expression.
Standards vary by country but generally: 35×45mm or 45×35mm, light plain background (white or light grey), neutral expression. Check the specific country applying to.
51×51mm (2×2 inches) or 35×35mm depending on agency. White background only. Both ears must be visible.
If you'd rather have a verified photographer handle it, post a job and get offers from photographers near you — usually within the hour.
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