1. Make Sure the Photo Meets Canadian Passport Standards
The first and most important step is to ensure your photo meets all Canadian passport photo standards. These include:
- The background must be plain white and completely uniform.
- Your head should face straight toward the camera, and your eyes should look directly into the lens.
- Your expression must be neutral, with no smiling or frowning.
- The full outline of your face must be visible. (If you wear a head covering for religious reasons, ensure it does not cover any part of your face.)
- Your eyes must be clearly open and visible.
- Avoid wearing clothing that is the same colour as the background.
- Do not wear hats, glasses, or decorative jewelry.
2. Adjust Proper Lighting
Use portable lights if possible to achieve even lighting on the face.
- Avoid lighting that is too bright or too dim, as it is unsuitable for passport photos.
- You can use a mix of natural and artificial light if needed, but make sure there are no shadows on the face.
- Avoid lighting from above, as it may cast downward shadows on the face.
3. Choose a Simple, White Background
If you don’t have access to a professional backdrop, don’t worry. You can use a plain white sheet from home. Just iron it to remove any wrinkles and ensure it’s large enough to cover the entire area behind the subject.
5 tips for take passport photo at Home 2025
4. Stabilize Your Camera
Whether you’re using a professional camera or a smartphone, follow these tips:
- Clean the camera lens with a dry cloth to ensure there are no smudges.
- Use a tripod to keep the camera steady. If you don’t have one, secure your camera or phone on a holder or stable surface.
- Take a few test shots to check the lighting and framing before capturing the final image.
- Position the camera at eye level with the subject.
- Ensure the subject is centred in the frame, with a little space above their head and the shot extending just below their chest.
5. Resize and Print the Photo
The standard size for a Canadian passport photo is 5×7 cm (2×2 inches).
- Use software like Photoshop to resize the photo if needed.
- Avoid any retouching or edits other than cropping.
- After editing, send the photo to a nearby printing service and request them to stamp and date the back of the photos.
Finally, visit a Canadian service center and submit your photos along with the required documents to have your new passport issued. If you have any questions, feel free to email us—we’re here to help!
