The digital world of today, you no longer need to pay for a professional to do it, as you can take a passport photo at home with a smartphone. The steps to get a passport photo seems like a simple task but it is required to be done precisely according to set rules for them to get accepted by the passport authorities. Well, in this article, we are going to run you through how to take passport photos that look professional using your phone, from how to get things set up ready, right to the finishing touches.

Understanding Passport Photo Requirements
Before you begin, get to know exactly what the requirements are for passport photos. While the requirements might be a bit different in some countries, normally they consist of the following:

Size and Dimensions: Typically, passport photographs are usually 2x2 inches (51x51 mm).
Background: The backdrop ought to be strong white or grayish without any structures or shadows.
Head Position and Expression: The photo should display the full front of the face and the head centered directly facing the camera with the eyes wide open.
Attire: Casual Wear There should be no wearing of uniforms, except religious attire worn on a daily basis. No hats or hats, although for religious reasons this need applies and may not obscure the hairline or cast shadows on the face.

Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Your Passport Photo
1. Gather Your Equipment
A camera with a good lens like a smartphone
Some kind of tripod, or solid surface to keep your phone stable
Plain white or off-white background, such as a wall or a large piece of poster board.
You want to have good lighting — something natural if at all possible.

2. Set Up Your Background and Lighting
Pick a place with good natural light and a white or off-white background. Photograph in front of a window or other light sources, so natural light (light coming from windows) is best as it reduces shadows and is the most even lighting. Direct sunlight will create sharper shadows which is not good.

3. Position Your Camera
Imply Your Camera Place the phone upright on a tripod. Keep the camera about 3-4 feet away from you to allow your head and shoulders to sit fully in the frame.

4. Prepare Yourself
Put Simply Put On A Plain Shirt Say no to branded clothes and uniforms. Position (stands) 1.5 feet in front of the back drop so that there will be no light shadows. Make sure your hair is tidy and not blocking your face Provided you wear religious headgear, keep it from your face and away from any shadows.

5. Take the Photo
Stand-straight with-simply-your-face in-the-frame.
Keep your mouth shut but open your eyes, and stay stone-faced.
Gaze into the lens.
Make sure most of your head, from the top of your hair to the bottom of your chin, is included in the center.

6. Editing Your Photo
Use the 2x2 inches template size. So, if you need to create a passport photo, there are hundreds of passport photo maker free apps with passport photo templates, and this will ensure that your photo complies with the set dimensions and composition. If need be, adjust the brightness and contrast but please no heavy editing or using filters that change the way you look.

7. Check the Final Image
Background need to be simple white or off-white and shadowless
Properly centered — head (size) showing the right fraction of the frame
You can see the face and the picture is clear.

Printing and Submitting Your Photo
Just having the perfect passport photo is not enough, you will need to print it. Make sure to use a high resolution photo printer or a photo printing service in order to print the image so it is sharp and of the right size.

Tips for Success
Use a High-Resolution Camera: Make sure the camera can capture images at high resolution with plenty of fine detail and minimal noise.
Avoid Selfies: The perspective of a selfie can deform facial features. Put it on a tripod or find a level surface, or ask someone to take the picture for you.

Mind the Lighting: You cannot overstate the importance of lighting. Do not include overexposed areas or harsh shadows.
Double-Check Requirements: Different countries have minor types of requirements. Refer to the guidelines from your respective passport authority for confirmation.

Conclusion
If you plan well and focus on detail, you can take real passport photo shots with your phone just like a pro. Using the following guidelines and tips, you can take a compliant passport photo of high-quality without visiting a professional photographer. This will not only save you time and money, but you can also now choose when and where you are going to take your mugshot.