Passport Photos

[Taz]

The rules regarding passport photos were changed earlier this year. I need to get some photos for a visa and, later next year, for a new passport (renewal).

I'm wary of photo booths as the new rules are so strict. Is it worth getting them done 'properly' at a photographic studio. I'm not bothered about the cost. I'm more concerned about the photos being rejected.

If I were to get them done by a professional photographer, would I be entitled to ask for a guarantee from the studio that they will not be rejected by the passport office if I state that I want a set of passport photos that comply wih the latest rules from the Passport Office?

Alternatively, has anyone had problems with photos taken in a booth being rejected by the passport office since May of this year?

[scotty6435]

If you just sit up straight with the white background you'll be absolutely fine. There's no reason to use a professional photographer as the cost of a possible re-sending of your passport details I'm sure would be less than for a professional to take them.

[nvening]

Its really just what you are doing (no smiling etc,) i dont see how the camera should affect this? Just look at it like you are looking at ur monitor reading this now.

[Knoxville]

I sent my passport off last week and had to have three different sets of photo's done before I got them right, they are being very picky atm and ones done in a booth (the first 2 sets I had done were in a booth) may not be good enough. I ended up going to a klick photopoint near me and having them taken by someone, it costs the same as a booth anyway tbh so better safe than sorry imo.

[Sair33]

Alternatively, take a picture yourself and have them printed passport size by e-mailing them to a photo printer online (I use www.photobox.co.uk)
They work out good value too, and from memory I think they work out cheaper than the photo booth ones.

[Taz]

I sent my passport off last week and had to have three different sets of photo's done before I got them right, they are being very picky atm and ones done in a booth (the first 2 sets I had done were in a booth) may not be good enough. I ended up going to a klick photopoint near me and having them taken by someone, it costs the same as a booth anyway tbh so better safe than sorry imo.

This is what worries me. I need my passport with me most of the time as my job involves international travel nearly every week! Hence, the window of opportunity for me to be without my passport is extremely limited and I cannot afford two or three rejections as it would screw up my work schedule.

I might look into Klick Photopoint as an alternative to booths. I've just spoken to their customer services and they will retake pictures free of charge if the Passport Office rejects them (which they told me is extremely unlikely if they take them!).

£3.49 is very cheap for passport photos taken by a photographer (although I would guess that the Klick photographers are just general store staff!).

[IBM]

Can't you just go down in person to the passport office in Victoria - since you're profile says you're London based - with a variety of pics? At least you'll get a quick turnaround since speed is of the essence...

[nev_payne]

surpised they're rejecting photos - so long as you dont try too hard in a photo booth and act natural, you cant really go wrong..oh and get your hair cut - passport offices hate big hair