With the advancement of photo technology, now you can make passport photos in the comfort of your own home. And while this is an interesting thought, this is not the photo you want to add Snapchat filters on.
So we’ll help you utilize passport photo maker software. By doing so, you’ll have a customized photo that you can take on your international travels.
Are you ready!
Print and Capture at Home
Do you have an inkjet printer, photo paper, and a digital camera? Save yourself the drive and money to the drugstore by using passport photo maker software at home. After all, you’ll still be doing it the same way pharmacies do, but you can take time to take a photo you like.
Start by looking at the Department of State’s passport website. The site explains what needs to be in the passport photo and the guidelines for self-portraits. You can have your friend take the photo for you, or place it on a tripod and use a remote or timer.
For positioning, the camera needs to be at least four feet away, possibly further depending on the lens (don’t use a wide angle lens for flattering portraits). As a rule of thumb, you don’t want to hold the camera with your hands.
Light Balance
Make sure that your photo has a good light balance, and your subject is facing ahead. If the photo has some lighting, then you’ll have to adjust the lighting. Even if you’re a professional photographer, you don’t want to go overboard with the lighting set up. Always use a flat light when taking passport photos.
Your photo needs to have a white or off-white background. You can use a smooth white wall when taking the photo. A white sheet, especially one without wrinkles could work. Avoid buying a photo backdrop as it will cost more than getting the photos locally.
Printing Photo
To print out photos, use color inkjet printers. You’ll need a 4 x 6-inch matte or glossy photo paper. For your passport, we suggest that you print out two photos of yourself. The U.S. Passport Agency requires each applicant to have two photos – so its best to stick to their guidelines.
How to Use Passport Photo Maker Software
The main purpose of the software is to take photos. Make sure that the photos are of JPEG quality, so they don’t lose color when printed out. Your photo maker software should let you edit the photo’s sizing to meet your country’s requirements.
When using the software, make sure that the cropping tool covers your entire face. Full body photos are prohibited and can result in not obtaining your passport. Once you’ve found the correct setting, take the photo and print it out.
Conclusion
Overall, passport photo maker software is a great tool to have during emergencies (i.e. passport is lost, stolen, etc.). It will allow you to quickly take a passport photo without having to spend additional money. Thus, practice using the software to ensure that you can have a customized, high-quality passport photo!
Do you have any questions about using passport photo maker software?
Ask us in the comment below!