π±Tutorialβ’5 min readβ’2026-08-28
How to Take a Passport Photo with your iPhone or Android at Home
A complete step-by-step DIY tutorial to shoot, crop, and print official passport photos from your smartphone.
Authored by:Passphoto Maker Product Team
Need a compliant passport photo right now?
Upload your portrait photo and get an official 300 DPI print sheet under $10 in 10 seconds.
Step 1: Set Up Proper Lighting & Distance
- Natural Light: Stand 4 to 6 feet away from a large window during daylight. Front lighting prevents harsh shadows.
- Camera Distance: Have a family member or friend hold your phone 4 to 6 feet (1.5 to 2 meters) away at eye level.
- Avoid Selfies: Do NOT take a selfie! Selfie front cameras distort facial proportions and widen your nose.
Step 2: Pose & Facial Expression
- Posture: Stand straight with shoulders relaxed and squared to the camera.
- Expression: Neutral expression. Keep both eyes open and mouth completely closed.
- Hair & Accessories: Ensure hair does not obscure your eyes or eyebrows. Remove eyeglasses, hats, and headphones.
Step 3: Crop & Remove Background with Passphoto Maker
- 1Open the tool for your destination country:
- US Passport Photo Maker (2x2")
- Canada Passport Photo Maker (50x70mm)
- UK Passport Photo Maker (35x45mm)
- Schengen Visa Photo Maker (35x45mm)
- India Passport Photo Maker (51x51mm)
- 1Upload your portrait photo. Our AI automatically detects your face, removes background shadows, and aligns your chin and eyes to official biometric guidelines.
- 2Download your high-res Digital Photo and 300 DPI 4x6 Printable Sheet for under $10.
Preparing Documents for Global Travel?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why shouldn't I use the selfie camera for passport photos?
Selfie lenses have a short focal length that creates fisheye facial distortion (making your nose look bigger and ears disappear), which causes biometric rejection.