Passport PhotographyU.S. Passport & U.S. Asa
Photography
Guidelines for Producing High Quality
Photographs for U.S.Travel Documents
Technological advances have changed the way passport and visa photos
may betaken and the way that the U.S. Department of State processes
the photos. This brochure is to help photographers ensure that:
• Customers are accurately represented and
• Photos are free of common defects that cause delays
The brochure is designed to unfold into a small, wall-mountable poster,
useful as a practical, professional reference. Please take the time to
become familiar with the information provided. With your help
producing good quality photos for U.S. passports and U.S.visas,the
Department of State can process the applications efficiently. As a result,
we will both have satisfied customers!
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Successful U.S. passport and visa photography begins with
careful setup and appropriate production methods.
Proper Lighting Arrangement
Position light sources on both sides of subject to avoid shadows on face.
Use a light source to illuminate background behind subject to avoid
shadows in background.
Camera/Subject Position
Place camera approximately 4 ft (120 cm) from the subject.
Have camera at subject's eye level.
Position subject facing the camera.
Photograph Print Properties
Produce 2 inch x 2 inch (51 mm x 51 mm) color or black and white
photo. _
Print photo on thin paper or stock.
Ensure the print is clear and has a continuous tone quality.
Do not retouch or otherwise enhance or soften photo.
Figure T. Camera & Lighting Setup
7 Steps to Successfu- Photos
C~ Frame subject with full face, front view, eyes open
C( Make sure photo presents full head from top of hair to bottom of chin; height of head should
measure 1 inch to 13/a inch (25 mm to 35 mm)
(~ Center head within frame (see Figure 2. below)
C1 Make sure eye level is between 1'/s inch to 13/s inch (28 mm and 35 mm) from bottom of photo
L( Photograph subject against a plain white oroff-white background
L~ Position subject and lighting so that there are no distracting shadows on the face or background
C~ Encourage subject to have a natural expression
2 inch
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2 inch ~
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~ 1 inch to 13/a inch
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1 Ya inch to 13/e inch ~
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Figure 2. Head Position & Placement
Well-Composed Photos
• Brightness and contrast should be adjusted to present the subject and
background accurately
• Photos without proper contrast or color may obscure unique facial features
• Color should reproduce natural skin tones
• Fluorescent or other lighting with unbalanced color may cause unwanted
color cast in the photo
• Appropriate filters can eliminate improper color balance
Photo Too Dark
Correct Brightness
Correct Contrast
Natural Color
Contrast Too High
Improper Color
• Head should be positioned directly facing the camera
• Photo should capture from slightly above top of hair to middle of chest
• Eyes should be open and looking at the camera
• Eyeglasses should be worn if normally used by the subject
• Glare on eyeglasses can usually be avoided with a slight upward or downward tilt
of the head
• Background should be plain white oroff-white
• Include headpieces if worn daily for religious purposes; they should not obscure
or cast shadows on the eyes or any other part of the face
Head Not Facing Camera
Head Facing Camera
No Glare on Glasses
Glare on Glasses
Plain Background
Background Not Plain
• Over- orunder-exposure may render the photo unusable
• Three-point balanced lighting is strongly recommended (see Figure 1.)
• Facial features should be clearly evident in the photo
• Lighting should be adjusted to avoid shadows on the face or background
• Diffuse sources of light, such as umbrella lights, are preferable to point sources
Over Exposed
Correctly Exposed
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Background Uniformlyllluminated
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Face Uniformlyllluminated
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Shadows on Background
Shadows on Face
• High-resolution photography and printing are strongly recommended
• Both conventional and digital photography are acceptable, and conventional or digital
printing methods may be used
• Resulting print should exhibit a continuous tone quality regardless of the print method
used (dye sublimation, inkjet, laser, etc.)
• Digitally printed photos should be produced without discernible pixels or dot patterns
• Fine facial features should be discernible
• The entire face should be in focus
Low Quality: Discernible Pixels High Quality: Non-Discernible Pixels
Poorly Focused
Properly Focused
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Low Quality: Visible Coarse Dot Pattern
High Quality: No Visible Dot Pattern