DIY Digital Passport photos

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DIY Digital Passport photos

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Treacodactyl
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Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Thu Jul 30, 09 6:33 am Post subject: DIY Digital Passport photos
I need 8, yes 8, passport sized photos for an application. As I have a digital camera it seems logical to take my own photos, ensure I have my eyes open and don't look too stupid etc, and then get them printed. Does anyone know if this is acceptable and has anyone done it? Does anyone recommend an online place where I can get it done as I don't have a suitable printer.

Midland Spinner

Joined: 13 Jan 2009
Posts: 2931
Location: Under a green roof

Posted: Thu Jul 30, 09 6:48 am Post subject:

When I applied for a passport a couple of years ago they sent a leaflet specifing exactly how the photos should be. (it's not just not stupid & eyes open, it's also expression (I kid you not!), direction of gaze etc etc.

When I went to a photo shop they had a grid to check that my face was exactly the right size & in the right place in the photo. (The fact that it looks nothing like me is apparently irrelevant).

Frankly I'd nip down to Phot-u-rite or your nearest place and spend the money for ones which are guaranteed to be accepted - or your money back.

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Thu Jul 30, 09 6:58 am Post subject:

It's not for actually for a passport but for another government reason so I thought I'd follow the passport guidelines. (Which can be found here: https://www.ips.gov.uk/cps/rde/xchg/ips_live/hs.xsl/36.htm )

I've only used those automatic machines in the past but it looks unlikely I'd get the photos right first time, more chance at home and I can check the photos before sending them away. I'd expect some of the online places would also check before printing wouldn't they?

Failing that I could find a place that does it but would rather avoid travelling all over the place.

Behemoth

Joined: 01 Dec 2004
Posts: 19023
Location: Leeds

Posted: Thu Jul 30, 09 7:08 am Post subject:
As long as you can get you right, some printers have a 'passport' setting for photos. Have a look at your photo print options.

Tavascarow

Joined: 06 Aug 2006
Posts: 8407
Location: South Cornwall

Posted: Thu Jul 30, 09 7:21 am Post subject:
Tes*o & no doubt other photo printers do passport contact sheets of your own photos for a small price. link

Helen_A

Joined: 26 Jan 2005
Posts: 1548
Location: MK, Bucks.

Posted: Thu Jul 30, 09 4:09 pm Post subject:

DP did his own for HPs and the security checks a few years back - set up the camera on a tripod at the right height in front of a white wall and did test shots for exposure etc. on a child (lol) then took a few with a remote release and printed the one that fitted best multiple times. (it must have been ok, cos he reprinted and used the same picture for his passport and driving licence as well lolol)

Does rather depend on you having the right kit though (tall enough tripod, camera with remote release, flash umbrella or two; and the ness. white wall)

vegplot

Joined: 19 Apr 2007
Posts: 21301
Location: Bethesda, Gwynedd

Posted: Thu Jul 30, 09 4:18 pm Post subject:
There's an online web site that can do this for you, all you need to do is upload a image that mets the requirements. https://www.epassportphoto.com/

mochyn

Joined: 21 Dec 2004
Posts: 24585
Location: mid-Wales

Posted: Thu Jul 30, 09 4:51 pm Post subject:
I did that, even printing them for my Transport of Animals licence. Or do I mean license?

vegplot

Joined: 19 Apr 2007
Posts: 21301
Location: Bethesda, Gwynedd

Posted: Thu Jul 30, 09 5:05 pm Post subject:

mochyn wrote:

I did that, even printing them for my Transport of Animals licence. Or do I mean license?

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Thu Jul 30, 09 5:52 pm Post subject:

Helen_A wrote:

Does rather depend on you having the right kit though (tall enough tripod, camera with remote release, flash umbrella or two; and the ness. white wall)

I have the right camera and tripod, should be able to sort some decent light, and after several years of living here we finally have a white wall!

(Actually I hope white is ok, grey or cream is stipulated).

Thanks everyone for the links, looks like it should be ok.

Helen_A

Joined: 26 Jan 2005
Posts: 1548
Location: MK, Bucks.

Posted: Thu Jul 30, 09 10:04 pm Post subject:
Erk... well photoshop or otherwise tweaking the white balance could sort the wall colour... just don't wear anything just off white or white whilst photo is taken

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Wed Aug 19, 09 9:11 am Post subject:

Just to update this. It took me quite a few attempts to get the pictures with the right lighting (eventually used a 500w natural light growlamp with a thin sheet in front and a flash on the camera). I emailed the picture to the people I'm applying to and they said it was fine. I then uploaded it yesterday and ordered the prints and they tuned up today and look fine!

It was tricky tracking down an online printer, most get very bad reviews. I eventually used Photobox and it cost 99p for 8 passport photos + p&p, so saved a fair bit and I now know what to do in future.

NorthernMonkeyGirl

Joined: 10 Apr 2011
Posts: 4630
Location: Peeping over your shoulder

Posted: Wed Aug 17, 16 10:13 am Post subject:
Only 7 years late

RichardW

Joined: 24 Aug 2006
Posts: 8443
Location: Llyn Peninsular North Wales

Posted: Wed Aug 17, 16 8:13 pm Post subject:

NorthernMonkeyGirl wrote:

Only 7 years late

Or 3 years early for a 10 year passport...........

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