Whether you're planning an international family vacation or need to visit relatives abroad, a baby passport is a vital document that ensures your little one can join in on the adventures. However, taking a passport photo of a baby can be daunting, as infants are not known for their cooperation in front of the camera.
But no worries! In this digital age, your smartphone can be your best ally in capturing that perfect passport picture. Gone are the days of expensive photo studio appointments and endless retakes. With simple tips and tricks, you can now create a professional-quality baby passport photo right at home, using just your smartphone.
Passport photo format requirements vary from country to country. Below are the requirements for a child passport photo based on the example of the USA:
Size: The photo should be 2x2 inches (51x51 mm). The baby's head should be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (between 25 and 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head in the image.
Photo quality: The photo should be in color, and taken in high resolution without any pixels or prints.
Lighting: The photo should be taken with correct lighting, without shadows on the baby's face or in the background.
Background: The photo's background should be plain white or off-white. It should be free from any distracting objects or patterns.
Baby's appearance: The baby should look directly at the camera, with the face in full view. They must have a neutral expression, which means they should not be laughing or crying. A smile is okay, but it should not be too big. USA passport photo criteria for children under 6 allow not to look directly at the camera.
Eyes: For newborns under 1, it is acceptable if the baby's eyes are not entirely open. However, older children's eyes must be open in the passport photo.
Recency: The photograph should have been taken within the last six months.
Remember that failure to comply with these requirements may result in the rejection of the passport application. Therefore, it is crucial to be thorough while taking a photo ID for a baby.
Yes, you can! It’s not like the old days when you had to visit a professional studio to get a baby passport picture. With the advancement of technology, a passport photo of a baby can quickly be taken using your phone.
In the case of the U.S., official signatures and attestations are not required on passport photos. In some other countries, such as Canada, the photos on the back must be signed by a guarantor: a person who knows you and your child and can verify their identity.
You no longer have to think about where to take a newborn passport photo. This saves you money and is stress-free, especially for babies who may feel uncomfortable in unfamiliar environments.
The multifunctional 7ID app makes getting a baby photo ID a walk in the park. With 7ID, you get to snap the photo and edit it to meet the required specifications. Here's how: (*) Resize the picture to the required passport photo size: Worry no more if your photo is too big or small. The 7ID app allows you to adjust it to the correct passport photo size in seconds. (*) Change the background color to white: You don't have to hunt for a plain white wall for a background. The 7ID app can automatically change the background color to plain light. (*) Get a template for printing: Printing has never been this easy. With 7ID app, you receive a template for printing.
Baby passport photo example
Snapping the right passport photos for newborns might seem challenging. However, following these useful tips can make the process more manageable and even fun: (*) Wakefulness: Try to schedule the photo session when your baby is awake. An alert baby makes for a clearer, higher-quality photo. (*) Avoid shadows: Make sure the room is well-lit, and there are no shadows falling on the baby's face or in the background. (*) Neutral facial expression: While it can be difficult with newborns, aim for when your baby is calm and relaxed to get a picture with a neutral face. (*) Proper outfit: Dress your baby in simple, everyday clothes. Avoid hats, pacifiers, or any other accessories that may obstruct the view of the face. (*) White background: If you don't have a clean white background, try laying your baby on a plain white sheet or use a white poster board. (*) Take several photos: Don't expect a perfect shot on the first attempt. Take several photos and choose the best one that meets all the requirements. (*) Use a camera on a stand: This can help keep your shot steady and at the correct angle. (*) Check the photo: Ensure that the photo meets all the passport photo requirements before using it for your application.
Make the first passport photo unforgettable for your child with these tips!
Capturing the perfect passport photo of your on-the-move toddler is indeed a tricky task. Here are some tips to help you master the art: (*) Choosing the right time: Choose a time when your toddler is calm and happy. This will make the process easier and increase your chances of getting a good shot. (*) Practice makes perfect: Practice having your toddler sit still with neutral facial expressions. Turn it into a playful photo shoot for a smoother process. (*) Manage lighting: Make sure to choose a location with good, natural lighting to avoid shadows and ensure your toddler's face is well-illuminated. (*) Selecting the right background: A plain white or off-white background is a must. A white wall or a plain large white sheet of paper can serve as a suitable background. (*) Appropriate clothing: Dress your toddler in normal street clothes, avoiding any uniforms, costumes, or clothing with large patterns. (*) Avoid accessories: Your toddler should not be wearing glasses, headbands, pacifiers, or hats in the photo as these can cause a delay in passport processing. (*) Keep them engaged: Hold a toy near the camera or sing their favorite song to keep them looking at the camera. (*) Take multiple shots: Don't limit yourself to a single shot. The more pictures you take, the better the chances of obtaining one that fulfills all requirements. You can also use burst mode. (*) Preview before printing: Look at every detail in the photo, including clarity, lighting, and eye position, before finally printing it.
With a little patience and the right approach, you'll have a perfect child passport photo in no time.
The 7ID app provides an optional template that allows you to print passport photos in any format. It also lets you directly upload photos to the passport application form online, providing a flexible and efficient service tailored to your needs.
For U.S. residents, choosing 4x6 inch paper for printing is recommended, which is the standard postcard size. However, you can also print in A4, A5, or B5 size. You can easily order photo prints from local printing services, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, and other major pharmacies or stores, with an average cost per 4x4 print being approximately $0.35.
Each printed sheet will give you four separate 2x2 inch photos to carefully cut out and attach to your passport application form.
Passport photo printing at Rite Aid
As you can see, with the help of 7ID App, the "kids passport photo" problem has a universal and convenient solution. Remember, practice makes perfect. Don't be scared to take multiple shots and choose the best. Good Luck!