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Photo Editing December 15, 2025 7 min read

How to Create Passport Photos at Home: DIY Guide

Getting passport photos at a studio can be expensive and inconvenient. Learn how to take professional-quality passport photos at home and save money.

Standard Passport Photo Requirements

Most countries have similar passport photo requirements. Here are the common standards:

CountrySizeBackground
India35mm × 45mmWhite
USA2" × 2" (51mm × 51mm)White/Off-white
UK35mm × 45mmLight grey/Cream
Schengen/EU35mm × 45mmLight color
Canada50mm × 70mmWhite

Common Photo Requirements

Face must be clearly visible, facing forward
Eyes open and visible (no sunglasses)
Neutral expression or natural smile
Head covering only for religious reasons
Photo must be recent (within 6 months)
No shadows on face or background

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Set Up the Background

Find a plain white or light-colored wall. If you don't have one, hang a white bedsheet or poster board. Make sure there are no patterns, shadows, or objects visible.

Step 2: Lighting

Natural daylight works best. Stand facing a window to avoid shadows. Avoid:

  • Direct sunlight (causes harsh shadows)
  • Overhead lights (create shadows under eyes)
  • Flash directly at face (causes red-eye and glare)

Step 3: Camera Position

Position your camera or smartphone at eye level, about 1-1.5 meters away. Use the back camera for better quality. A tripod or stable surface helps avoid blur.

Step 4: Take the Photo

Tips for Taking the Shot

  • • Look directly at the camera
  • • Keep a neutral expression
  • • Relax your shoulders
  • • Take multiple shots to choose the best one

Step 5: Edit and Resize

Use our free Passport Photo Maker to:

  1. 1Upload your photo
  2. 2Select your country/document type
  3. 3Crop and position your face correctly
  4. 4Download print-ready photos

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Wearing glasses (unless for medical reasons)
Hair covering forehead or eyes
Wearing white clothing (blends with background)
Tilting head or not looking straight
Over-editing or using filters

Printing Your Photos

Once you have your digital passport photo, you can:

  • Print at home on glossy photo paper
  • Upload to a photo printing service
  • Print at a local photo shop (much cheaper than passport photos)

Conclusion

Creating passport photos at home is easy and can save you significant money. With the right setup and our free tools, you can create professional-quality photos that meet official requirements.

Create Your Passport Photo Now

Use our free passport photo maker for perfect photos every time.

Make Passport Photo