Tag: baby passport photos

How to survive a long haul flight with a baby

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

We’ve all been there: the flight attendant just dimmed the lights, you close your eyes and attempt to have a snooze before you land… then a screeching sound erupts from the seat behind and you think “a baby on a flight? That’s insane!”

And yet, when you are that parent and that is your screeching child – what should you do? Babies cry, and some trips just have to happen, no matter if your child just started teething, or recently decided they don’t ‘do’ sleep.

Put your feet up and read our top tips to make traveling with a baby as stress-free as possible:

1. Be a savvy scheduler

When selecting your flight, opt for times that fit with your baby’s schedule. That way you have a better chance of them falling asleep naturally while surfing the clouds. Also, flights at off-peak times are usually quieter, meaning more space for you and your little one. And, if traveling with your baby for the first time, be sure to organise their passport photo in advance to avoid last minute panic.

2. Do your research

Most airlines these days make compensations for people travelling with young children, but there may be other premiums to benefit from. Ask the right questions when you book: can I upgrade? Do you have seats with more leg room? If you don’t ask, you don’t get!

3. Take the reins and pack light

If traveling with an adventurous toddler, bring some reins or a lead along to save you juggling bags, passports and tickets plus your bundle of joy.

And remember that while it’s good to be prepared for multiple eventualities while up in the air, don’t overdo it. Do you really need 20 diapers, or would five do? Avoid unnecessary rifling in the aisle where possible.

4. Learn to let go

When the day arrives, take a deep breath, give your little one a squeeze and go with it. Every parent knows there’s only so much you can control, especially when you’re flying at 50,000 feet. So if someone gives you a funny look; smile and carry on. You’ll be there soon!

How to take the perfect baby passport photo

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

Looking to travel with your baby or young child? You’re going to need a passport for them as well as yourself, should you head out of the country. The photo requirements are no different for a baby than that of an adult, which can prove rather strict. However, there are a handful of tips you can use in order to take the perfect baby passport photo.

Go simple with the clothing

This isn’t a specialty baby shoot where you’ll be sharing the photograph with all your friends and relatives. Due to this, you’ll want to avoid any kind of fussy clothing. Your best option is simply a one-piece, or a simple shirt, without a collar. The less you need to iron out and fix during the photos the better. Go for a darker shirt color, such as a dark navy blue, green, or purple. This prevents the shirt from blending into the background.

You don’t need to prop

When taking a baby passport photo, you don’t need to prop your child up. This is a major misconception. Naturally, extremely young children are unable to support their own weight, so you may find it better to completely avoid propping up a child against a chair. Instead, you can take a white sheet, place it on the floor and lay your baby down on top of it. This may be more comfortable for your child as well. You can make eye contact with them, smile and wave. This should be enough to hold their attention in order to capture the passport photos.

You know your child best and what they are more likely to cooperate with. Do what works best for you and your baby.

Keep the face straight

One of the main benefits of going with the sheet on the floor passport photo approach is it helps keep your baby’s face straight. Their face may not be tilted, otherwise the photograph will be rejected. Plus, the entire face must be visible in the picture, their eyes must be open and, ideally, their mouth shut (although there is some leeway with newborns and infants).

If you need more help with getting that perfect baby passport photo, contact Paspic today!

Help! How do I get expedited passport photos?

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

A spontaneous trip abroad can become a headache when you aren’t prepared with an up-to-date passport. If it is your first time applying for a passport, the transaction might seem overwhelming. Relax. We are here to help. Obtaining a passport can be a simple process. The United States Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs sets forth the passport application criteria. Requirements include evidence of citizenship, a government-issued photograph identification, the application document, and a passport photo.

The United States Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs recommends that you apply for your passport six weeks in advance of your trip. There are a few options that will determine the processing time for your passport. Expedited processing and delivering can take anywhere from eight days to several months. The standard processing is four to five weeks.

Unapproved passport photos can add a significant delay to receiving your passport. The most challenging element for most passport applications tends to be the passport photo. The passport agency has specific criteria regarding acceptable passport pictures. To avoid a delay in processing your passport application, be confident that your passport pictures meet the United States Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs standards.

Acceptable passport photos meet these requirements:

– Passport photos must be 2 inches by 2 inches
– The size between the top of the head and chin must be 25mm to 35mm (pictures taken too far away or too close up will not meet the requirements)
– Passport photos must be taken within the past six months. The photograph should reflect your current appearance.
– Do not wear accessories on your head or face. No glasses, hats, or headgear is acceptable in a passport photo.
– If glasses are a requirement for medical reasons, your application must include a signed medical note from your doctor
– Headgear is not acceptable, this includes hats, head coverings, headphones and wireless hands-free devices. The only exception to head coverings in passport photos is in the event that they are normally worn for religious purposes and you wear them on a daily basis.
– Your face should show a neutral expression. Do not exaggerate a smile. Be sure that both eyes are open.
– The passport photo must not show shadows on your face
– Wear clothes that you would wear on a normal basis
– The passport picture must be in color

To avoid delays in your passport application, trust Paspic to ensure your passport photos meet the government’s regulations.

Photo: Passport by seantoyer licensed under Creative commons 2

5 frequently asked questions about child passports and child passport photos

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

While the passport process isn’t all that complicated, it can feel quite daunting when you need to get one in a hurry for a child or infant. To make sure the process is as painless as possible, we’ve put together a list of five of the most frequently asked questions from parents looking to obtain passports for their children.

1. Does my child need a passport?

Any child, even a newborn infant, needs to have a passport if they are traveling between nations. This includes all the normal paperwork involved.

2. How long does a child passport last?

Your child passport will last five years, even if your child ages significantly and doesn’t really look like their passport photo anymore. While you’re not required to update the photos until renewal time, many opt to do so to avoid problems caused by a conflict between the photos and the older child’s features.

3. Can I be in the photo?

No one else can be in a passport photo, even one for a newborn. This includes visible limbs propping a baby up.

4. Does my child’s passport need a signature?

Yes, but it doesn’t have to be your child’s if they’re too young to sign for themselves. Instead, print the child’s name, sign your own, and place in parentheses your relationship (mother or father).

5. What do I need to know about my child’s passport photo?

All the usual rules of passports apply to child passport photos, even those which can be much more difficult to adhere to when dealing with infants and other young children. For example, expressions which excessively distort the face, hats and other coverings, pacifiers and bottles, and similar items can all disqualify a photo’s validity.

As you can see, the process is mostly painless aside from the issue of acceptable photographs. To give yourself the best opportunity for photos, we recommend taking your own photos with a suitable camera, and submitting them through an online passport photo service. This lets you get photos without the stresses or cost of a photo booth, and vet them before submission.

Photo: FAQ by Skley licensed under Creative commons 2