Tag: perfect passport photo of baby

Where can I get baby passport photos taken?

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

When you are traveling domestically or abroad with a baby or child, the passport photos are often the only government issued photographic identification parents have for their children. Baby passport photos have a reputation for being a challenge to parents, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Yes, it is true that all passport photos must adhere to the requirements set forth by the United States Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs. With the rare exception for newborns, a baby passport photo and child passport photo must meet the same requirements as an adult passport picture. Getting baby passport photos taken can be a stress-free experience.

Where can I get baby passport photos taken?

Our advice: take the baby passport photo yourself. Babies tend to be fussy with strangers. Even the Duchess of Cambridge chose to have a family member take the first released photograph of Prince George. Take a tip from the Duchess and treat your baby like a royal: take the baby passport photo yourself. With Paspic.com, you have the freedom to submit several baby passport pictures to ensure the passport photo meets the Passport Agency’s requirements.

Why take baby passport photos yourself?

There are two main advantages to taking the baby passport picture yourself: it’s convenient and relatively stress-free. You have the convenience to take the passport photos on the baby’s schedule. This eliminates the stress and expense of keeping an appointment with a professional photographer. Parents can easily meet the requirements for a baby passport. It doesn’t have to be a daunting task.

What are the regulations for a baby passport photo?

The United States Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs outlines the requirements for passport photos. The general requirements include: front facing, neutral expression, eyes open, white background, full face visible. The baby passport photo must show a clear, shadow-free image of the baby in a front facing position with the full face visible, and without its head tilted or rotated to the side. No shadows, no motion blur, and no exaggerated expressions are permitted. The background of the baby passport photo cannot have a parent or car seat holding the baby up. The baby cannot have its hands near the face (or in the photograph.) The baby cannot have a foreign object, such as a blanket, toy, or pacifier, in the photo.

The Passport Agency only makes one exception for passport photos: newborns can be photographed without fully opened eyes. Other than that one exception, a baby passport photo and child passport photo must meet the Department of State’s passport photo guidelines. If your baby is older than 28 days, don’t gamble with the passport picture regulations. Take your baby passport photo yourself and trust Paspic.com to find an approved passport picture.

Keep the baby passport photograph a experience stress-free by taking the baby passport photo yourself.

Major problems to avoid with baby passport photos

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

Baby passport photos, and to a lesser extend all child passport photos, tend towards certain major headaches which inevitably lead to frustrated days at the photo booth, delays on receiving your passport, and outright rejections of your application. To avert these problems, it’s crucial to know about them in advance so you can take appropriate measures.

Other people in the picture

Perhaps the most common mistake made when taking baby passport photos: no other person is allowed in the picture. This can make photos somewhat difficult to take under photo booth conditions, but it’s non-negotiable – you cannot be in the picture with your baby.

Unapproved headgear

The vast majority of headgear, from hats to sunglasses, will result inevitably in your passport photos being rejected. There are very clear exceptions outlined for religious or medical needs – if you’re going to be taking advantage of these exceptions, make sure you’re 100% clear on the requirements.

Other obstructions of the face

Along the same lines as the hats and sunglasses problem, anything else that might get in between the camera and your baby’s face is a no-go as well. That includes pacifiers, scarves, and any number of other potential obstructions. You want a clear shot without anything to possibly complicate the approval process.

Non-neutral expressions.

A very common problem with baby passport photos, and one of the most difficult to overcome in many circumstances. If your baby is crying, laughing hard, or making any other major facial expression which might distort and obscure his or her features, you run the risk of having your passport photos rejected. Getting a tranquil expression can be quite a chore, but it’s a necessity.

To avoid most of these problems, or at least make them easier to deal with, using your own camera at home in combination with a passport photo service, such as Paspic, is often the easiest solution. You can take the picture on your own terms, on your own schedule – and you only need one perfect moment to grab the perfect picture. Compare that with trying to get the same results in a booth in a potentially crowded area, and you can see the advantage.

Your passport FAQs

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

There aren’t many more essential on-hand items for world travelers than the passport. As your ticket into and out of the country, it is important to keep safe but also learn as much about as you can. The last thing you want is to be left high and dry in another country because you forgot to read the fine print. Even if you have had a passport for years, there are probably a few lingering questions you still haven’t answered. Take a minute to check and see if they are listed below.

How long is my passport valid?

It depends on how old you were when you got it. If you were older than 16, then it expires after 10 years. If you were younger than 16, then it only lasts five years.

Do children need passports?

Definitely. Children 15 years old or younger need to apply for a child passport when traveling overseas. It may be wise to note that child passport photos take a bit of extra care than adult photos, so checking to make sure your photos make the grade before submitting is a good idea.

How quickly can I get a passport?

If you need a passport within three weeks, you can apply for an expedited passport, which will cost extra. Otherwise, it will take six weeks to get your passport. In the case of life or death emergencies, you can apply for a passport within 24 to 48 hours in certain cases.

How important is the passport photo?

Passport photos are one of the most important parts of the process, and the number one reason why passport applications get rejected. To avoid a rejected application, or any problems at customs, make sure you get professional photos taken.

Is a passport a valid form of ID?

Yes, a passport is actually one of the most highly authenticated forms of identification available and can serve as personal identification in most cases. However, when going about your day to day life in your home country, it may not be advisable to carry your passport, in order to keep it as safe as possible.