UK Passport Photo Notes
1) In passport photographs I cannot change face shape or remove permanent identifying facial marks as this would invalidate your passport and could also prevent entry at national borders. Click here to see the video illustration if you have broadband >
2) Passport photos cannot be taken in modern portrait lighting styles as they need to be full face, mouth closed with even and balanced illumination and provide a clear distinction between the person and the background.
3) The UK regulations now state "Where possible, it is preferable to remove glasses to avoid any possibility of your photo being rejected". If you wear spectacles and want to wear them for your passport photo. I will do my very best to avoid this suggestion by changing the lighting. You will then have the opportunity to see them on screen. If it does not work I will re-take the picture.
4) British passport photograph regulations have been modified to state that a 5-10% grey background is optimal. This is no bad thing for those with white hair and is what I have always aimed for.
5) For general information about UK passports including, applications, children's passports, lost and stolen passports see: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Passports/index.htm . The official Advice Line telephone number is: 0300 222 0000.
6) For UK passport photo regulations and guidelines go to: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Passports/Applicationinformation/DG_174152
Other Nationalities and Immigration
Any other regulations or nationality is catered for if you have the instructions. If you have a non-UK passport or visa photography requirement please bring the instruction sheet with you. If you are making an NTL application for indefinite leave to remain or an application for transfer of condition (TOC) stamp and a biometric immigration document I am happy to take photographs for these purposes.
Note about New Zealand Passport Photos: In the case of adult passport photographs for New Zealand one picture will be included that shows the oval red overlay for head shape and semi-transparent yellow 'eye band' to assure customers that these particularly strict regulations are being adhered to.
Business Portraits
Please see the 'Business Portrait' page>
Photo ID
If you have a photo ID requirement for work, registration purposes, education and training I am happy to provide prints and digital images meeting any published regulations. For example I have provided Post Graduate Medical and Training Board (PMETB) photos to specified requirements.
If necessary I am happy to help with direct electronic submission of your ID photo provided it is through a reputable and safe internet site identifiable through Google. I have done this for people undertaking job applications.
Please note that I cannot supply Photo ID cards for prison visiting or other puposes. I only supply photos to any requirement, not ID cards.
