The number one reason DIY passport photos get rejected by government agencies is poor lighting. Shadows across the face or an unevenly lit background will trigger an automatic rejection from passport scanning software.
The "Flat Light" Technique
You want flat, even light across your entire face. Stand facing a large window during daylight hours. The soft, diffused light from an overcast sky is actually better than harsh, direct sunlight.
If you must use artificial light, place two lamps at a 45-degree angle in front of you (one on the left, one on the right) to eliminate shadows cast by your nose and chin.
Once your lighting is perfect, snap the picture and run it through our Passport Photo Classic tool to lock in the exact 2x2 inch (or regional equivalent) dimensions.