Applying for a passport can be exciting — until your photo gets rejected. Whether it’s poor lighting, the wrong background, or a sneaky smile, even small mistakes can cause delays in processing. The good news? You don’t need a professional studio to get it right. With just your smartphone and a few smart techniques, you can capture a photo that meets official passport standards and saves you time and money.

Here’s how to take a flawless passport photo with your smartphone and avoid rejection.

1. Check the Official Requirements First

Before snapping any pictures, review the passport photo guidelines from your country’s issuing authority. For example, the U.S. Department of State, UK Home Office, or Canadian Government websites provide specific requirements for:

• Photo dimensions (usually 2 x 2 inches or 35 x 45 mm)
• Background color (typically plain white or off-white)
• Head size and position
• Facial expression (neutral, no smile)
• Lighting and shadows
• Accepted clothing and accessories

Knowing these in advance prevents costly do-overs.

2. Use a Plain, Well-Lit Background

The most common reason for rejection is a busy or uneven background. Stand in front of a plain white or light-colored wall. Avoid textured or patterned surfaces.

If your wall isn’t suitable, hang a white sheet behind you or use a **passport photo app** that automatically removes and replaces backgrounds with a compliant one.

Lighting tip:

Face a window or natural light source to evenly illuminate your face. Avoid shadows, overhead lights, and flash reflections.

3. Position Your Phone Correctly

You don’t need fancy equipment — just stable positioning.

• Place your smartphone at eye level about 1.5 meters (5 feet) away.