Are you dreading your next passport photo? Many people feel the same way. For years, I struggled to take a passport photo that I didn’t dislike, until I learned some insider secrets from professional photographers.
Based on techniques used by top photography experts, this guide provides simple, actionable advice to help anyone take a great passport photo – and you don’t need any fancy equipment.
Passport photo rules are strict, but surprisingly, there’s still a lot you can control to improve how you look while meeting all official requirements.
In this article, you will discover:
Let’s get started and ensure your next passport photo is your best one yet!
Push Your Head Forward to Define Your Jawline
Take a look at these examples to see the difference a simple head adjustment can make.
❌
✔️
❌
❌
✔️
✔️
Notice the difference in jawline definition between the top and bottom sets of photos. In the bottom row, by slightly pushing her head forward, the model achieves a noticeably more defined jawline.
Your jawline plays a significant role in how your face appears in a photo. A well-defined jawline often contributes to a more confident and refined look.
While we perceive depth in real life, passport photos are two-dimensional. This means jawline definition must be created through posing and lighting to translate effectively in the image.
Using posing to enhance your jawline isn’t about altering your appearance; it’s about effectively representing your three-dimensional face in a two-dimensional photograph.
One technique to sculpt a jawline is by using overhead lighting to cast a shadow. If you don’t have access to professional lighting, you can use your posture to create a similar effect.
Professional photographers often instruct subjects to gently push their heads towards the camera. This subtle forward movement isn’t noticeable from the front, but it works wonders for the jawline.
Pushing your head forward slightly stretches the skin under your jaw, making the jawline appear sharper and more defined.
For a visual demonstration, I highly recommend Peter Hurley’s insightful video on this technique. It’s packed with before-and-after photo examples that clearly illustrate the impact. You can watch Peter Hurley’s jawline technique video to see it in action.
Remember, subtlety is key. Avoid pushing your head too far forward. The goal is a natural enhancement, not an unnatural pose. Keep your head level and focus on a slight, controlled movement.
Stop Straining Your Eyes Open and Engage Your Lower Eyelids
Here’s another valuable tip used by portrait professionals to enhance your eyes in photos:
Photo: Paul Ekman Group
While it’s natural to want to keep your eyes wide open to prevent blinking in photos, this often leads to a strained and unnatural look, sometimes described as a “deer in headlights” expression.
Some people also consciously widen their eyes to try and look less tired. However, forcing your eyes open makes you look unnatural in photos. Avoid the urge to exaggerate opening your eyes. This action often raises your eyebrows (try it yourself!), which can convey surprise or even fear—not the impression you want in a passport photo.
Instead of widening eyes, professional photographers often suggest a slight squint, sometimes referred to as “squinching.” A subtle squint can project confidence and make you appear more relaxed and natural. Slightly narrowed eyes are also a natural part of a genuine smile, contributing to a more attractive and authentic look.
The term “squinting” might be misleading. A more accurate way to describe this technique is “smiling with your eyes” or, as Peter Hurley cues, “lower lids up.”
Peter Hurley offers another excellent video demonstrating the “squinch” technique. This video is from the same series as his jawline video and provides great visual examples. I recommend watching both for clear demonstrations of these posing tips.
As with the jawline tip, moderation is important. The goal is a natural, subtle enhancement of your eyes, not an exaggerated squint.
Instantly Improve Posture by Taking a Deep Breath
You can fix your posture in just two seconds with this simple trick:
Take a deep breath. This naturally straightens your spine, pushes your chest slightly forward, and rolls your shoulders back.
While a passport photo primarily focuses on your face, posture still subtly influences your overall appearance, even if your shoulders are only partially visible. Good posture conveys confidence and can make you look more put-together.
Ditch the Mug Shot Look with a Subtle Smile
Passport photo regulations require a neutral expression, but neutral doesn’t have to mean unhappy or stern! A slight, natural smile is usually acceptable and highly recommended.
❌
✔️
A slight smile can make a significant difference in making you look more approachable and relaxed in your passport photo, avoiding the undesirable “mug shot” effect.
Look Refreshed: Consider Timing Your Photo After a Workout
How you look and feel significantly impacts your facial expression. Taking your passport photo right after a long workday, when you’re likely tired, might not capture you at your best.
A great strategy is to take your passport photo approximately 15 to 30 minutes after a workout. This timeframe allows you to benefit from the energy boost and refreshed feeling exercise provides without looking flushed or sweaty. You’ll likely appear more vibrant and alert.
Makeup is Permitted: Use it Strategically
You absolutely can and should wear makeup for your passport photo if you normally do. Makeup can be used to subtly enhance your features, such as defining your eyes and lips. The key is to keep it natural and avoid heavy makeup.
Modern facial recognition technology is designed to accommodate everyday makeup. In fact, if you regularly wear makeup, wearing it in your passport photo will likely make the image more representative of your everyday appearance and aid recognition.
Mirror Check: Hair and Appearance
When practicing poses and expressions for your passport photo, using a mirror is essential.
Crucially, check a mirror again right before your photo is taken. This quick check allows you to fix any stray hairs, smudges, or wardrobe mishaps.
Taking a moment to check your appearance in a mirror isn’t vanity; it’s about presenting your best self and ensuring you feel confident in your photo. Everyone does it, even if it’s not always obvious.
Optimize Lighting with Natural Sunlight
This tip is particularly useful if you’re taking your passport photo at home.
Lighting is fundamental in portrait photography. For passport photos, the ideal lighting is soft, natural sunlight, preferably diffused and coming from slightly above. This type of lighting minimizes harsh shadows and evenly illuminates your face.
For more detailed guidance on lighting and DIY passport photos, refer to our comprehensive article: DIY Passport Photo Home Guide.
Practice Makes Improvement
Even professional models practice their poses. Spending just a few minutes practicing in front of a mirror can significantly enhance your passport photo results.
You don’t need to become a posing expert for a passport photo. However, dedicating a few minutes to practice the tips outlined in this guide can make a noticeable positive difference in your photo.
Take Multiple Shots for More Options
Professional photographers know that capturing the perfect shot often requires taking many photos. Take several photos, making slight adjustments to your pose, expression, or lighting between each shot.
Taking extra photos not only increases your chances of getting a great passport photo but also allows you to experiment with different expressions and angles to see what works best for you.
Choose a Clean, Non-White Shirt with a Collar
Beyond your face, the shoulder and collar area of your shirt are visible in a passport photo. Select a clean, well-fitting shirt for your photo.
For men, a collared shirt or a plain t-shirt (provided the neckline is in good condition) are good choices. Avoid wearing hoodies.
For women, a scarf can be a stylish option if you wish to cover the neck area.
It’s important to avoid wearing a white shirt or any shirt that closely matches the background color of the passport photo. Light-colored shirts can blend into the background, while a shirt in a contrasting color will help define your shoulders and create a better silhouette and posture in the photo.
Remove Glasses and Hats
While some countries might permit hats or glasses under specific circumstances according to passport regulations, it’s generally advisable to take your passport photo without accessories. Wearing glasses can complicate the process of getting an acceptable passport photo. Experience shows that eyeglasses, even without reflections or frames obscuring the eyes, increase the risk of photo rejection.
Another important reason to remove glasses is that they can interfere with automatic facial recognition systems. Issues with facial recognition can potentially lead to delays or problems at airport security.
❌
If you regularly wear hats or glasses, remove them at least 15 minutes before taking your photo. Accessories can leave temporary indentations on your skin, which you’ll want to avoid in your passport photo.
