Natural diffuse light is best. Direct phone flash often creates hard shadows under the nose.

Can I use a ring light?

Yes, if it fills both sides of the face evenly. Avoid colored RGB modes.

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How to take a passport photo at home

Face a window during the day for soft, even light. Put your back to a plain wall, disable portrait mode, and ask someone else to tap the shutter from eye level about six feet away. Leave margin above the head — we will crop to the official percentages.

Wear everyday clothes that contrast lightly with the wall — avoid white-on-white.
Look at the lens, not the screen; keep both ears visible if your hair allows.
Shoot slightly wider than you think; tight selfies leave no room for compliant head height.

FAQ

Flash or no flash?: Natural diffuse light is best. Direct phone flash often creates hard shadows under the nose.
Can I use a ring light?: Yes, if it fills both sides of the face evenly. Avoid colored RGB modes.

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