If you’ve taken a passport photo as an adult, you might think that getting your kids’ photos can’t be that hard, right? You might change your mind after you’ve spent the better part of an hour trying to keep your baby’s head straight or convincing your first grader not to smile for the camera (for once). Our team at Flash Photo can help your whole family take their passport photos, but you can ensure the process goes smoothly if you remember a few key things.
Taking your kids’ passport photos doesn’t have to be stressful! Here are the three most important things to keep in mind.
The Rules Are Stricter Than You Think
Kids’ passport photos follow the same strict requirements as adults’ photos. You need a plain white or off-white background, no shadows, and a neutral expression. No headwear is allowed unless it is part of your everyday appearance (e.g., religious garb). Even babies have to keep their eyes open (except newborns), and an adult’s hands can’t be in the photo supporting their head. Often, the easiest way to photograph a baby who can’t hold their head up is to place them on a white surface (like a sheet) on the floor and take the photo from above. For toddlers or young children who always want to smile for the camera, practice holding a relaxed or a straight face before taking the picture.
What Your Child Wears Matters
There isn’t an official passport photo dress code, but wearing the right shirt can help. White shirts can blend into the background, and no one wants their passport photo to look like a floating head. Busy patterns can be distracting, so solid, darker colors are the best choice. Uniforms or uniform-like clothing (like sports jerseys) can sometimes delay the review process, so it’s best to skip them. As we mentioned above, headwear of any kind is not allowed, unless worn for religious reasons. We also recommend bringing an extra shirt, just in case. With kids, you never know what’s going to happen.
Timing and Preparation Are Everything
The biggest secret to good kids’ passport photos is timing. Do your best to schedule the photo session when your kids will be calm and cooperative. If the only time you can fit it in is right after school or daycare, make sure you bring snacks! We all know how challenging it is to work with hungry, cranky kids. Are you getting the whole family’s photos taken? Bring some quiet activities to keep kids occupied while they wait for their turn.
Above all: be patient. Even well-behaved children can have a hard time sitting still, so it will take multiple shots to get a photo that meets all the criteria. Keep a positive attitude and remember that getting these photos means you can take your family on that dream trip!
Take Your Passport Photos at Flash Photo
Taking your kids’ passport photos doesn’t have to be a battle. Proper preparation before arriving at our store to take your pictures will ensure a smooth and positive experience. Our team at Flash Photo has done this many times, so we have a few tricks up our sleeves to get usable passport photos for everyone in your family.