How to Take Passport Photo at Home
Complete step-by-step guide to taking professional passport photos at home using your smartphone. Save money while getting perfect results.
Taking passport photos at home is easy, free, and can produce results just as good as expensive photo studios. With the right setup and technique, you can create compliant passport photos in minutes.
What You Need
- Smartphone with 8MP+ camera (most modern phones work)
- White background - wall, sheet, or poster board
- Good lighting - natural daylight or bright room light
- Tripod or stand (optional but helpful)
- Someone to help - or a timer/tripod setup
Quick Tip
Don't worry about perfect cropping - PassportSizePhoto.in will automatically crop, resize, and format your photo to exact specifications.
Setting Up Your Space
Background Options
You need a plain white background with no patterns or shadows:
- White wall: The easiest option if you have one
- White bedsheet: Iron it first to remove wrinkles
- White poster board: Available at any stationery shop
- Digital removal: Take photo against any background and use our tool to replace it
Distance from Background
Stand 1-2 feet away from the background. This prevents:
- Shadows falling on the background
- Wrinkles or textures being visible
- Background appearing grey instead of white
Lighting Tips
Good lighting is the most important factor for a professional-looking photo.
Best Lighting Setup
- Natural daylight: Face a window for soft, even lighting
- Overcast day: Actually ideal - no harsh shadows
- Time of day: Morning or afternoon (not direct noon sun)
Avoid These Lighting Mistakes
- ❌ Direct sunlight (creates harsh shadows)
- ❌ Overhead-only lighting (shadows under eyes and nose)
- ❌ Backlighting (face appears dark)
- ❌ Mixed lighting (different color temperatures)
Pro Tip
Use a white reflector (or even a white towel) held below your chin to fill in shadows under eyes and nose.
Camera Settings
Smartphone Settings
- Use rear camera: Better quality than front camera
- Highest resolution: Check settings for maximum quality
- No filters: Turn off beauty mode and all filters
- No flash: Flash creates harsh shadows and red-eye
- Portrait mode: Turn OFF - you want sharp background
Focus and Exposure
- Tap on the face to focus
- Adjust exposure if face is too dark or bright
- Enable gridlines for better alignment
Positioning Yourself
| Distance from camera | 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) |
| Camera height | Eye level |
| Face direction | Straight at camera |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Eyes | Open and looking at lens |
| Head | Straight, not tilted |
Taking the Photo
- Position yourself with background and lighting set up
- Have someone else hold the phone at your eye level
- Look directly at the camera lens
- Relax your face - neutral expression, not smiling
- Keep shoulders straight
- Take multiple shots - you can choose the best one
Using a Timer
If taking the photo alone, use a tripod or prop up your phone. Set a 10-second timer, position yourself, and take multiple shots.
Editing & Formatting
After taking your photo, you need to format it to exact passport specifications:
- Upload to PassportSizePhoto.in
- Automatic processing: Background removal, cropping, sizing
- Download: Get print-ready and digital versions
Or manually edit (not recommended - easy to make mistakes):
- Crop to correct aspect ratio
- Resize to 2x2 inches at 300 DPI
- Adjust brightness/contrast if needed
- Remove background imperfections
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using front camera (lower quality, distortion)
- Standing too close to background (shadows)
- Using flash (harsh lighting, red-eye)
- Beauty filters enabled (alters face shape)
- Wearing glasses (not allowed for most visas)
- Smiling or tilted head
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my phone for passport photos?
Yes! Modern smartphones with 8MP or higher cameras can take passport-quality photos. Use the rear camera for best quality.
What background can I use at home?
A plain white wall, white bedsheet, or white poster board works well. Ensure it is evenly lit without shadows.
Do I need professional lighting?
No. Natural daylight from a window is ideal. Avoid direct sunlight which creates harsh shadows.
Can I take a selfie for passport?
It is not recommended. Selfies often have distortion and the front camera quality is lower. Have someone else take your photo.
How do I remove the background?
Use PassportSizePhoto.in which automatically removes and replaces your background with compliant white.
What if my photo is rejected?
Common rejection reasons include wrong background, shadows on face, glasses glare, or incorrect dimensions. Our tool helps avoid these issues.