Childs first passport photo, DIY or professional?

seatbeltnoob

Hi


I asked around a few photo services locally, they charge £10 for a child photograph. I don't think this is value for money at all.


I noticed that you can apply for a passport digitally, and they accept digital photos. Just curious as to whether I can take the photo myself with a DSLR camera.

toadhall

We've just renewed three of our family passports and used our mobile phones to take the photos, all were accepted

mangog

Yeah, it's pretty easy to DIY. Just make sure you follow the guidelines here: https://www.gov.uk/photos-for-passports

daveyjp

Do DIY.

If the photo isn't right you get it returned and can try again. The key is getting the background colour right, no shadows across the face and not too much border.

parking_question_chap

DIY, no need to waste £10. Criteria for kids isnt as strict as adults.

Photos of babies and children

Children must be on their own in the picture. Babies must not be holding toys or using dummies.
Children under 6 do not have to be looking directly at the camera or have a plain expression.
Children under one do not have to have their eyes open. You can support their head with your hand, but your hand must not be visible in the photo.
Children under one should lie on a plain light-coloured sheet. Take the photo from above.

maman

I'd definitely say DIY. We take our own photos for adults too but with children and a digital camera you can keep trying until you're happy. We use a bed sheet or a plain wall as a background.

seatbeltnoob

Thanks all. I've taken some good photos with my DSLR. I wasn't confident and worried about the photos being rejected. But they came out look good.

tacpot12

Max Spielmann guarantee that their passport photos will be accepted, or will take new photos if they are not accepted.

We always use the Post Office Check and Send Service for Passports as allows the photos to be checked before they are sent to the Passport Office.

seatbeltnoob

tacpot12 wrote: »

Max Spielmann guarantee that their passport photos will be accepted, or will take new photos if they are not accepted.

We always use the Post Office Check and Send Service for Passports as allows the photos to be checked before they are sent to the Passport Office.

That's all great, but baby photos are more expensive than adult photos because babies aren't always compliant and take longer to get right.


The guarantee is redundant, If a photographer took your photos and weren't accepted by the passport photos it is pretty much a given that they'll have to re-do them. As long as you haven't taken the photos yourself in a booth.



Check and send service is even more expensive £15 on top of passport fee.



I think DIY photos is the best solution for children. You can take as much as you like and get the perfect timeless photo for your child.

smudge56

seatbeltnoob wrote: »

Hi


I asked around a few photo services locally, they charge £10 for a child photograph. I don't think this is value for money at all.


I noticed that you can apply for a passport digitally, and they accept digital photos. Just curious as to whether I can take the photo myself with a DSLR camera.

Use either and upload it yourself when prompted. Just make sure the background is plain and light coloured. (If using a sheet make sure it has no creases or if it’s a wall that it’s not textured). If it’s not right you’ll get an email with a link to upload another. Children under six years can sile but they should be looking straight ahead. No shadows above the ears and eyes clear (it’s ok if babies have their eyes closed)

seatbeltnoob

Thanks, got lively pictures, use a flat white large sheet bluetacked to the wall, makes a very professional backdrop.


it was the back of a poster hung on the wall, nice brightly light south facing room with no flash, so no red eye, shadow or anything else.