How to Take Passport Size Photo in Mobile at Home

1. Use natural, even lighting

The most common reason passport photos are rejected is poor lighting. Stand facing a large window during the day so light hits your face evenly from the front. Avoid:

• Direct sunlight — it creates harsh shadows and overexposure
• Overhead ceiling lights — they cast dark shadows under your eyes and chin
• Backlighting — never stand with a bright window behind you

Early morning or late afternoon light is the softest. If the sun is too strong, close a thin curtain to diffuse it. The goal is soft, shadow-free illumination across your entire face.

2. Set up a neutral background

Indian passport rules require a plain white or light-grey background with no texture, patterns or objects visible. At home:

• Use a clean white wall if you have one
• Hang a white bedsheet or large paper roll behind you
• Ensure the background fills the entire frame behind your head and shoulders
• Remove wall hangings, switches, furniture and other people from the shot

A few feet of distance between you and the background prevents harsh shadows from appearing on the wall behind you.

3. Position the camera at eye level

Camera angle changes the proportions of your face. For an official passport photo, the lens must be at the same height as your eyes.

• Place your phone on a stack of books, a tripod or a shelf
• Do not hold the phone in your hand — photos are usually angled from above and are not accepted
• Use the rear camera (higher resolution) and set a timer or use a remote shutter

Stand 1.5 to 2 metres away from the camera. This gives the right framing for a head-and-shoulders shot and prevents lens distortion.

4. Frame your head and shoulders correctly

The photo must show your full face, neck and the top of your shoulders. Follow these framing rules:

• Leave a small gap (about 5-10 mm) above the top of your head
• Your face should occupy roughly 70-80% of the photo height
• Look straight at the camera — do not tilt your head
• Keep both ears visible unless your hairstyle naturally covers them

Expression: neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible. No smiling, frowning or raised eyebrows.

5. Dress and appearance guidelines

• Wear solid, dark or muted colours that contrast with the white background
• Avoid white, cream or very light tops — you will blend into the background
• Remove glasses if possible; if you must wear them, ensure there is no glare and frames do not cover your eyes
• Do not wear hats, headphones or large hair accessories
• Keep hair tidy and away from your face so your forehead and eyebrows are visible

6. Review and edit your photo

Before submitting, check that your image meets the technical requirements for your application:

• India: 35 mm × 45 mm (approx. 413 × 531 px at 300 DPI), under 300 KB
• US: 2 × 2 inches (600 × 600 px at 300 DPI), 54-300 KB
• UK / Schengen: 35 mm × 45 mm, under 1 MB

Use our free editor to crop to the exact dimensions, adjust DPI, and compress to the required file size. AI background replacement and red-eye fix are available as a paid upgrade for a professional finish.