Photography • March 2026

DIY Passport Photos at Home

Taking a passport or ID photo doesn't require an expensive trip to a studio. With modern smartphone cameras and the right lighting, you can take a professional-grade photo from your living room.

The Setup

Find a solid white or off-white wall. Stand about 1.5 feet away from it to prevent harsh shadows from falling behind you. Face a window to utilize natural, even lighting—avoid using the camera's flash, as it causes red-eye and uneven glare.

The Rules

Crop it perfectly!

Use our Passport Photo Pro tool to automatically crop your photo to exact government dimensions.

Create Passport Photo