How to Take a Good Passport Photo You'll Be Happy With

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Published by Techville's Blog Team on May 9, 2019

1. Choose a Good Wardrobe

The first thing you need to consider on how to get a good passport photo is the wardrobe. In any ID, you’ll only go to have your head and your shoulders in the image at most. Everything else below our shoulders doesn’t matter.

Opt for something akin to a business or office attire if you want a good passport photo. While the State Department doesn’t care how sloppy you wear your clothes, you should. This photo will be what represents you for the next few years.

You want your IDs to show off how good-looking and professional you are. Since your IDs have different purposes in both work and daily life, you want this to look outstanding.

Make sure there’s enough neckline on your wardrobe so you don’t look naked in the shot. Also, make sure that your passport photo makeup doesn’t clash with the color of your clothes.

Consider wearing something outside of white or black. The background is white as it is, so a white top will blend in and won’t work for your photo. Use some extra color to pep up your look. Looking formal and business-like is a good start on how to take a good ID photo.

2. Passport Photo Makeup

When it comes to passport photo makeup, there are a few things you can do to:

Stop looking tired
Look better than most

First, you need to find yourself a matte foundation, with zero SPF protection being a good option. Matte foundation reduces the chances of shine while adding color to your skin. If you want to know how to get a good passport photo, use something that is not light-reflecting.

Retouch with powder when you can. If you’re a guy not into makeup, some simple work on the moisturizer and some powder to control oiliness should work.

The next move you want is to take care of any black spots and dark areas around the eyes. Concealer or powder would work as passport photo makeup.

Work on your lips as well. Muted colors are crucial to preventing too much color on the photo. Use a bit of lip balm to solve any dryness on the lips.

Work on areas around your nose and your face lines. Avoiding anything that shimmers. This should help you on how to take a good ID photo.

3. Choosing the Right Hairstyle

Since the government prohibits wearing any type of hats or headwear, it’s best to style your hair. You want something that is a good representation of who you are on the image. How to get a good passport photo depends on how clean you look.

Exceptions are made for head coverings for a religious purpose. Even then, these should never cover or cast shadows on any part of the face. This includes the hairline as well.

A good rule of thumb is to set your hair to not cover any part of your face. For women, this may work with a bun or a combed back hair. Prevent strands of your hair from sticking on your passport photo makeup.

For men, a good clean haircut without hindering the face is enough. The government allows for facial hair with no possible repercussions.

4. Preparing with Grooming

How to take a good ID photo depends on your level of grooming. In an ideal situation, you want to make sure that you are well-groomed and clean-looking.

While you can’t do a big smile, it’s best to make sure you brush your teeth. Take any glasses off before taking the photo. Retouch on the powder or makeup to remove excess oil.

Get a good night’s sleep the night before taking your passport photo. Part of your grooming is making sure you have enough rest on the day you take your shot. This will also help you get clearer, healthier looking skin.

When taking the shot, your posture can affect on how to take a good ID photo. Stand up straight, stand tall and look straight into the camera.

5. Location, Location, Location

If you want a good passport photo, it’s best to pick the right place to get the shot. There are different options with different benefits. It’s best to get it with someone that many people trust.

Consider your location and your budget. While a professional photographer can give you the best quality, it’s likely to cost you some extra dollars.

You want a balance of low-cost but good-looking at the same time. This can be anywhere, with repair and tech centers being a typical middle-ground.

Make sure to pick a location that does not require you to walk too far. You want to make sure you’re not sweaty or tired. Take care that your passport photo makeup doesn’t run.