Passport Pictures

[SF2007 48]

Time for me to renew my Canadian passport by mail. Unfortunately, my application was returned to me couple days ago because the passport pictures I sent had a slight bright spot on my forehead, due to the camera's flash. I went to Walgreens and AAA, and it seems like no one can take an acceptable flash free Canadian passport picture. My last hope right now is the post office...

Where do you guys get your passport pictures done in the U.S?

[Inky 1,110]

Walmart - had no issue at all.

[Gosia & Tito 199]

Time for me to renew my Canadian passport by mail. Unfortunately, my application was returned to me couple days ago because the passport pictures I sent had a slight bright spot on my forehead, due to the camera's flash. I went to Walgreens and AAA, and it seems like no one can take an acceptable flash free Canadian passport picture. My last hope right now is the post office...

Where do you guys get your passport pictures done in the U.S?

You can do this yourself!

Off white wall behind you, anything that will not reflect a flash. A normal digital camera will do; you want a tripod or something that will allow the camera to stay put. You want to be about 4' from camera (or 1.2mt) and preferably with a window in front of you (thus eliminating the need for a flash). Take several shots so you can later choose the best one.

Once you have the pics, use a graphics program and embed the pics in a 3x2" white backgrounds (in some cases you might need to crop pics to the specified sizes but still embed in 3x2") and then go to your friendly Walgrens/Walmart, wherever they have the kiosks to upload your pic and setup for wallet size (this is important because wallet size is 3x2" hence the original embedding; otherwise the machine will distort your pic to conform to a 3x2"), 4 to a page will be printed at a total cost of 99cents (and you have the file which you can print again). Been doing this for a long time, never rejected by USCIS, DOS or the foreign government requiring the pics (and some were really picky).

Too much work? Then: http://www.epassportphoto.com/ and you will have all the above ready for you and ready to print

Edited March 4, 2012 by Gosia & Tito

[Inky 1,110]

You can do this yourself!

Off white wall behind you, anything that will not reflect a flash. A normal digital camera will do; you want a tripod or something that will allow the camera to stay put. You want to be about 4' from camera (or 1.2mt) and preferably with a window in front of you (thus eliminating the need for a flash). Take several shots so you can later choose the best one.

Once you have the pics, use a graphics program and embed the pics in a 3x2" white backgrounds (in some cases you might need to crop pics to the specified sizes but still embed in 3x2") and then go to your friendly Walgrens/Walmart, wherever they have the kiosks to upload your pic and setup for wallet size (this is important because wallet size is 3x2" hence the original embedding; otherwise the machine will distort your pic to conform to a 3x2"), 4 to a page will be printed at a total cost of 99cents (and you have the file which you can print again). Been doing this for a long time, never rejected by USCIS, DOS or the foreign government requiring the pics (and some were really picky).

Too much work? Then: http://www.epassportphoto.com/ and you will have all the above ready for you and ready to print

This is a really bad idea for passport Canada photos. They actually require evidence that it was taken by a passport photography place. In the instructions it clearly states to have the address and name stamp of the photo place on the back of the picture with the date.

[pocheros 101]

I got mine done at Costco but I had to try about 4 other places before I found someone who knew what the heck they were doing. It's difficult for some people to take photos that aren't ridiculously off centre or off colour for some reason

[SF2007 48]

You can do this yourself!

Thanks but Passport Canada has strict requirements and it has to be done professionally.

[Gosia & Tito 199]

Thanks but Passport Canada has strict requirements and it has to be done professionally.

Seems that they are extremely picky. This is off topic, but humbly I'd say that my pics beat any a $5/hour employee can ever take. Your first one was returned and was 'professionally' taken. I guess the places who do this in Canada do have a much better trained people.

I have my pics used in Sweden, who are also notoriously picky, they don't require (or didn't) the evidence needed here.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

I vote for Costco as well

[sheeshkabelle 153]

I had mine done at Walgreens with no issues. Maybe go to another one.

Hubby had his passport photos taken at wal-mart for his passport and for the visa process, no issues there either.

[carocaro 22]

We did Walgreens as well. They have the measurements for Canadian passport size in their computer, BUT we did make sure we asked for that setting. We never had a problem with reflection but also used powder on my teenage son's face (much to his chagrin)

[CDN2US 10]

In the US, we used a Wal-mart with no problem, and in Canada, my husband used the corner Jean Coutu with no problem.

[SF2007 48]

Thank you everyone!

I went back to Walgreens and they re took the photos for free. They do have the computerized measurements but no cutter that fits the Canadian required size, so I had to take them home and cut it myself. They look better ones than the first time (flash was too powerful and created a bright spot) so hopefully I won't have any issues with these. Wish me luck!

[SapphireDreams 71]

Quick tip for anyone needing to get photos done - I would suggset getting them taken in Canada while visitng.

I had mine done last Christmas when visiting and then sent in my application shortly after that from the US (my passport expired in April). It was really easy because a) I had a better chance of them being accepted and b)used my Mom as my guarantor so she signed everything in person for me.

I realize not everyone visits often, but if you have a trip planned right before your passport expires, I recommend just getting them taken care of in Canada.

Although, Canada is so picky that even my sister had to send hers back twice and she lives in Canada and had them done in Canada. Ha.