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Rejected Passport Photos: Six Common Mistakes Easily Avoided.
Applying for a passport or driving licence is often a costly requirement, not least because of the rising fees involved. The additional expense is the outlay for passport photos, generally two of which must accompany any formal application. Despite having access to free passport photo software, many people still fall foul of the requirements laid out by government agencies, and end up having applications rejected. Not only have they wasted time, but also money on a fee which is never refunded, and photos which aren't up to standard.
The following mistakes are the most common reasons images do not meet the passport photo requirements of such agencies. By following the advice laid out by your issuer, or agency you have applied to, and utilizing CamToPrint passport photo software, you can ensure your photos will never be rejected again.
1. Over-Exposure/ Lightness:
Over-exposure and lightness are caused by camera flash and bright light sources such as direct sunlight. These lead to light bouncing off a person's face or eyes, causing photo glare. Subtle problems can be easily fixed using a photo editing suite, however, you should always ensure your flash is switched off. Choose a photo location which receives unfiltered daylight, but not in the direct path of the sun.
2. Shadow/ Dark Spots:
Facial shadows have a tendency to marginally obscure facial features, and when applying for a passport, it is vital your face can be fully seen for identification purposes. Passport faking is still a predominant problem in many countries, which is why such rules have come into force. Try and alter the brightness and contrast of your image within your photo editing software. This usually fixes the issue.
3. Incorrect Size:
If your passport agency stipulates an image size of 2x2 inches, it applies to the actual image area, and is not inclusive of any white border. Many agencies require that you cut off the white border prior to sending your photograph. Remember to check the correct sizing requirements in our “Rules and Regulations” article.
4. Poor Focus:
All too often, individuals decide to take their own photographs for passport photos, and misjudge the correct distance by which the image is captured. The recommended distance is around three feet. A poor focus photograph will result in your facial features appearing slightly blurred. A quick-fix tip is try out CamToPrint's “sharpen” feature which may improve a subtle problem.
5. Incorrect Profile Direction/ Camera Angle:
The rule regarding subjects facing forward in passport photos is one which is most often broken, although usually not deliberately. Something as subtle as a casual tilt of the head, or off-centre eye direction can lead to a licence/ passport application being declined. Always face forwards and maintain eye contact with the camera, which should be at eye level, and taken in the entire profile from the crown of your head, to the tops of your shoulders.
6. Wearing Glasses/ Inappropriate Head Attire:
A common mistake people make when having a formal passport photo taken, is wearing their glasses or head covering in the belief it shows them as they appear in “everyday” wear. Agencies recommend removal of unnecessary attire unless it is for medical or religious purposes.
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