Are You Ready for Your Close-Up?
Passport applications are confusing enough, but photos come with their own rules and regulations that add to the headache. What color can you wear? Are patterns okay? Should you remove your glasses? We’re here to help you nail down the best options for your next big trip—and which ones could land you in hot water.
1. Glasses
A lot of things cause glare in a passport photo, and your eyeglasses are a prime suspect for it. If you’re taking your own passport photo (which is actually allowed so long as you follow guidelines), be sure to remove them—or at the very least, ensure they don’t provide any distractions.
2. White Clothing
Passport photos are taken in front of a white background, so it’s best not to wear white clothing. White patterns are usually okay, but you want to ensure that you have some sort of contrast between you and the stark backdrop.
3. Large Logos
Glare is a common distraction in passport photos, but TSA employees don’t appreciate large logos either. Essentially, anything that pulls focus from your face is a no-no, so steer clear of those GAP hoodies.
4. Uniforms
Believe it or not, passport photos can’t include uniforms of any kind. That means no military garb, no police uniforms, and definitely no camouflage clothing. The reason is that your passport photo is meant to reflect everyday attire.
5. Turtlenecks
Turtlenecks look cute on a fall day, but they’re a bad idea in front of the camera. As mentioned, your entire face needs to be properly displayed, and chunky sweaters can cut off your chin in photos. We know it seems strange, but leave the big sweaters at home.
Jonathan Francisca on Unsplash
6. Reflective Jewelry
While a modest necklace is more than welcome, distracting jewelry isn’t. Anything from chunky earrings to facial piercings should be removed, especially if they’re on the bigger side. The most important element of your photo is your face—keep it nice and visible!
7. Head Coverings
Certain head coverings are against guidelines, including burqas and niqabs. Passport photos require a clear shot of your face without any shadows or obstructions, so you’ll likely be asked to remove any garments that impede requirements.
Wanman uthmaniyyah on Unsplash
8. Formal Attire
Who doesn’t enjoy looking spiffy in photos? On any other day, formal attire is a great way to show off your wardrobe, but in passport photos, it’s a distracting choice that won’t go over well. It’s all about casual comfort, not posing for Victorian portraits!
9. Hoodies
It isn’t just your face that needs to be visible—any obstructing shadows could get you turned away at screenings. Hoodies suffer the same fate as turtlenecks: they’re comfortable, but they’re also too bulky.
10. Strapless Clothing
Passport photos are actually more than just your face, though that’s the most important part! They also include your shoulders, which means you’ll need proper attire. No spaghetti straps or strapless clothing; it can make you appear like you aren’t wearing a shirt, which is against guidelines.
The rules are a little strict, but that doesn’t mean they’re impossible to follow. Let’s dive into a few perfect options you can rock during your next trip to the studio!
1. Casual Attire
Think a t-shirt and jeans are too inappropriate? Think again! The best photos are taken with you in comfortable clothing, and that can mean anything from simple tees and cardigans to dresses and button-up shirts. So long as your face and shoulders are clearly presented, you’re completely fine.
2. Darker Tones
Navy, forest green, black, and grey make terrific choices for passport photos! It’s all about contrast, and with that white background blaring behind you, darker hues help you stand out. You can also wear them in patterned attire, so long as it’s not too distracting.
3. Simple Jewelry
We all want to look nice in our picture, and luckily, not all jewelry is off the table. Stick with simple pieces like stud earrings or a classic necklace; thin chains and small loops work much better than flashy pieces.
4. Hairstyles That Show Your Face
No one said you had to shave your head before the big day! However, if you have a full mop of hair, it’s important to keep it off your face. Ponytails, buns, and braids all work wonders in a passport photo. Unfortunately, you generally can’t wear headbands, so keep that in mind, too.
5. Natural Makeup
Don’t worry—you can still rock makeup in your picture. That said, it’s always better to keep your face as casual as your clothing. Neutral tones and a little mascara work far better than loud eyeshadow and statement lip colors.
6. Contrasting Colors
We’ve covered white clothing, but that’s not the only poor choice of attire. Try not to choose anything that matches your skin tone; you want your face, neck, and shoulders visible without anything blending in to the backdrop or yourself!
7. Simple Patterns
When it comes to patterns, simpler is best. Classic designs like polka dots and stripes are usually fine, but tie-dye shirts and floral patterns can pull focus. If you’re torn about your choices, you can always ditch patterns altogether and stick with neutral colors.
8. V-Necks
Strapless tops are off the table, but V-necks and scooped collars are fine! The best thing about these two is that they keep you comfortable without revealing too much skin. And if you pick the right color, they also provide just the right kind of contrast.
Photo By: Kaboompics.com on Pexels
9. Contact Lenses
Who said you walk in blind? Prescription glasses and sunglasses are a bad idea, but if you have them, contact lenses are perfectly suitable. They won’t cause any glare or red eyes in your picture, and they give you the literal sight you need!
10. A Stern Face
While we all prefer to wear a smile, a stern expression is best in passport photos. We’re not saying you should frown, but you should keep a straight face that’s easily identifiable during airport screenings. If you’re lucky, you might get away with a subtle smirk, but there’s no point in risking it.
