9 Tips to Take a Good Passport Photo

I don’t know about you, but my passport photo does not show me looking my best. For starters, it really makes me want to re-think those lowlights—and did I mention my blush that is way too bright for my skin tone? And to think I don’t get another passport photo for 10 years…so not cool.

That being said, I’ve enlisted the help of Tina Sbrigato, photographer extraordinaire, web designer, and Spafinder Wellness, Inc.® team member, to share her tips on what we all can do to take a good passport photo. Because like I said, that photo lasts 10 years.

Tina’s tips:

1. To avoid a double chin, push your face forward, chin out (kind of like a turtle poking its head out of its shell). If you put your hand under your chin when you do this, you can feel the tightening.
2. Avoid scarves or turtlenecks; this is a head-and-shoulders shot only, so try to avoid covering your neck (unless you would rather hide it!).
3. Wear makeup! Everyone looks better in photos with makeup, particularly oil-absorbing face powder, as the flash creates a shine on your face.
4. If you wear glasses every day, you may prefer to wear them for the photo. Tip them down your nose slightly to avoid glare from the flash—usually straight-on flash is used. You want your eyes to be visible through the glasses.
5. For clothing, pick a color that flatters your skin tone. Avoid prints, which are trendy and date your photo.
6. Posture! Put your shoulders down and back.
7. For blinkers: Ask your photographer to count to three and blink on one. That way three will be blink-free.
8. Remember to smile. Everyone looks better when they smile. Also, it’s not a mug shot!
9. It’s best to wear hair down and bring some styling gel to calm flyaways. Men should consider a haircut a week prior.