By Nishikant Xalxo | Photography Expert | Updated: January 10, 2025 | 8 min read
Professional passport photos cost $10-20 each. With the right setup, you can take them at home for free. I perfected this method after my first DIY attempt was rejected for poor lighting. Here's what works.
What You'll Need
Camera: Any smartphone (iPhone 8 or newer, Android equivalent)
Background: White wall or poster board (large enough to fill frame)
Lighting: Daylight from window OR two lamps (no overhead lighting)
Chair: Straight-backed, no headrest
Helper: Someone to take photo (selfies don't work)
Step 1: Background Setup
Distance from wall: Sit 3-4 feet away from background. This prevents shadows on the wall.
Background size: Minimum 6x6 feet to fill entire camera frame.
Color: Pure white is best. Light cream or very light grey acceptable for some countries.
Common Mistake: Sitting too close to wall creates a shadow behind your head. This is the #1 rejection reason.
Step 2: Lighting Setup
Option A: Natural Light (Best)
Position facing a window during daytime
Ensure no direct sunlight (overcast or indirect light)
Window should be 3-4 feet in front of you
Option B: Artificial Light
Use two lamps at 45-degree angles to your face
Position lamps slightly above eye level
Use daylight bulbs (5000-6500K color temperature)
Avoid overhead lights that create shadows under eyes
Lighting Tip: Turn off all other room lights. Mixed lighting sources create color casts that cause rejections.
Step 3: Camera Setup
Camera height: Lens should be at eye level (not above or below)
Distance: Camera 4-5 feet away from subject
Zoom: Use 1x zoom (no wide-angle distortion)
Resolution: Set to highest (6000x4000 minimum)
Flash: OFF (causes red-eye and harsh shadows)
Step 4: Subject Position
Posture: Sit straight, shoulders relaxed, face camera directly
Head position: Chin parallel to ground (not tilted)
Expression: Neutral mouth, eyes open, no smile
Eyes: Look directly at camera lens
Step 5: Taking the Photo
Use burst mode (take 10-15 photos in sequence)
Focus on the eyes (tap screen on eyes if using phone)
Mistake 1: Shadows on face Fix: Move further from background, add a lamp behind you aimed at background
Mistake 2: Head too small/large Fix: Use our tool's head size checker. If manual, measure: head should be ~2 inches tall in 2x2" photo
Mistake 3: Red-eye from phone flash Fix: Never use flash. Increase room lighting instead
Mistake 4: Background not pure white Fix: Use white poster board, not cream walls. Our tool can fix minor color issues
Pro Tip: Take photos at 10 AM or 2 PM for best natural light. Avoid noon (harsh shadows) and evening (yellow cast).
Printing Your Photos
Home printer: Use 4x6 photo paper, high-quality setting (600+ DPI)
Professional: Upload to Walgreens, CVS, or local photo shop
Cost: $0.30-0.50 per print vs. $15 for professional passport photo
About the Author: Nishikant Xalxo's first DIY passport photo was rejected. After learning proper setup, he's taken photos for 12 family members—all approved first time. Tool: shader7.com/tools/passportsizephoto/