Content

• Steps

Are you planning a trip abroad? Then prepare a passport right away! To apply for a passport, you will need a passport photo taken within the last six months. If you want a good passport photo, you need to take some preparation steps. In Vietnam, your passport will be valid for 10 years if you are at least 14 years old; So be prepared to live with this photo for a long time.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Prepare for the day of passport photography

1. 

   Hair styling. Don't style your hair differently than usual when photographing your passport. Your passport photo should show your normal face so you won't be detained through customs.
   • Don't wear a hat or any other accessories that obscure the hair unless you normally do it every day for religious purposes. For US passports, if you wear a headscarf, your face must be clearly visible. The headscarf should not cover the hairline or cast shadows on any part of the face.

2. 

   
   
   Dress up the way you do every day. If you have a makeup habit, do it as usual. If you never wear makeup, you probably don't want heavy makeup to take a photo. This will make your face in the photo look very different and you may be detained at the security checkpoint.
   • Use a little more absorbent powder to avoid oil spills, if you want. This is an effective way to treat oil on the forehead and nose.
   • Even if you don't wear makeup regularly, you can use a little concealer or powder to cover dark circles under your eyes. Dark circles can make eyes look angry (and make you look sick or tired).

3. 

   
   
   Choose the right outfit. Note that you will need to use your passport for a number of other occasions besides leaving. (For example, you can sometimes use your passport to apply for a criminal record when applying for a job.) Choose monochrome clothing with quiet tones.
   • Choose to wear nice and comfortable clothing.
   • Don't choose clothes that stand out so much that others focus on the outfit instead of your face.
   • Pay special attention to the shirt selection as this is the part that will be in the photo. A turtleneck or a shirt is best. If the top is too low or the top is cordless, you will appear undressed; So, you need to pay attention when choosing a collar.
   • Since the photo was taken against a white or black background, you should avoid wearing these two colors. Choose a color that accentuates your skin tone.
   • Avoid wearing cumbersome jewelry.
   • A uniform or any uniform resembles a uniform (including camouflage) is not acceptable unless it is a religious attire you wear every day.
   • Some people reported that their photo was rejected by the passport issuer because it looked too similar to the photo taken before (meaning that the official at the passport issue was unable to confirm it was a recent photo), so you If you want to change your passport, you need to choose a different outfit from the photo shown in the previous photo.
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Part 2 of 3: When taking a passport photo

1. 

   
   
   Checking teeth. Remember to brush your teeth in the morning when preparing to take a photo of your passport to have bright white teeth. Before taking your photo, you should visit the restroom or look in the hand mirror to make sure your teeth are clean.

2. 

   Do not wear glasses as this is the rule.
   • If you cannot remove your glasses due to medical reasons, you will need to bring your doctor's note with you when applying for a passport.
   • Apply makeup. Especially when your skin is often shiny in photos, you need to add a little oil absorbent powder before taking the photo. Also, make sure to check if your lipstick is smudged or your eye makeup is smudged.

3. 

   Check your hair. If you choose to strip your hair (especially if it is long), you can brush it forward if you want. If your hair is short, you need to brush the hair into the desired line. Apply a little gel or mousse on your fingers and smooth it over your hair before taking the photo to help your hair curl.
   • If your hair is very long, you should pull only one side of it in the front. If your hair covers the sides of the cuffs or sleeves, you will look like you're not wearing it.

4. 

   Follow the instructions. When asking someone to take a photo of your passport, listen carefully to his or her instructions. Surely the photographer wants you to have an image taken from the best angle. So, follow their instructions and don't move unless asked. The distance regulation in passport photo is very strict, so be careful not to damage the photo ..
   • The photographer will ask you to look directly at the camera as this is a government order. If you want to take a photo yourself, make sure your back is straight and your eyes are on the camera.
   • Your head should be between 50% and 69% of the height of the photo. Measure from the top of your head (hair and accessories allowed on the head) to your chin.

5. 

   Keep your back and shoulders straight. Remember to show a good and confident posture. Extend your chest and straighten your back. Don't hold your head up to avoid having your chin up as your neck will look bigger. Instead, just push your chin forward slightly (slightly further than usual, but not too far).

6. 

   Smile if the rules allow you to smile in your passport photo. Usually, a "natural smile" (no teeth) or a normal expression are allowed in the passport photo. Choose an expression that highlights your face, but still listen to your photographer's instructions if they say you look unnatural.
   • If your expression looks “out of the ordinary” or you squint, the application officer may reject your photo, resulting in a disruption in the passport application process.
   • If you choose not to smile, think of something fun to make your eyes look friendly and gentle.

7. 

   Take part in the selection of photos. A caring photographer will look at the photos with you and point out the photos they think are the best from a professional's point of view. Be assertive and choose your favorite photo if you disagree with the photographer, but make sure the photo was taken according to the guidelines. advertisement

Part 3 of 3: Prepare before taking passport photo

1. 

   Choose where to take pictures. You have many options, and each has its own utility. Choose a location that is convenient and affordable to you.You can take great photos without spending a lot of money, but of course a professional photographer will produce the best quality photos. In the US, some photo shoots need to schedule an appointment, so you must plan ahead. Some options include:
   • Forwarding company (in the US, including Fedex and UPS)
   • Places that are registered (such as Costco and AAA)
     • The costco has a very low passport photography fee. AAA sometimes takes pictures for free if you book a trip through their travel services.
   • Pharmacies and retail stores (CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens and Walmart all offer passport photography)
   • Professional photography studio
   • Passport authorities (many photo shoots are available, but not all, so you need to call in advance)
   • Passport services with legal permits (if you need a passport for less than 2 weeks)
   • At home (but remember to follow the rules)

2. 

   Cut your hair a week or two before the photo shoot. To prevent your hair from looking like it had just been cut, cut it some time before the photo shoot if necessary. After the one or two week period, your hair will still be neatly photographed. Of course, if you want a new hairstyle and you trust the hairdresser won't ruin the hairstyle, you can wait until the last minute.

3. 

   Trim your eyebrows if that's what you need to do. If you want to trim your eyebrows, it is best to do this one day in advance to avoid redness before taking the photo and trimmed hairs to regrow. You can also opt for a wax if you want to spend money on this special occasion.
   • If the skin around your brow becomes red after trimming, try a cold tea bag or aloe vera.

4. 

   Get enough sleep. To avoid dark circles under the eyes and red eyes, get enough sleep for a few days before taking your passport photo. This also makes your skin brighter and makes you look healthier. advertisement