Examples of rejected and accepted UK passport photos
This article outlines examples of accepted and rejected passport photos to help you avoid pitfalls in your application.
Table of contents
- Rejected and accepted UK passport photos- examples
- Examples of rejected passport photos for a baby
- How to ensure your uk passport photo will not be rejected
- Do you have to pay again if your passport photo is rejected?
Rejected and accepted UK passport photos-examples
1. Shadows and lighting
Shadows: Shadows across your face, neck, or background can obscure facial features and make it difficult to obtain a clear, accurate image. Even shadows cast by your ears should be minimal.
Lighting: Poor lighting can result in a photo that’s too dark or too bright. In a dark photo, details like your eyes and skin tone won’t be visible. In an overexposed photo, your face might appear washed out.
Pro tip: Use natural light facing you. Avoid harsh shadows by standing near a window on a cloudy day. If using artificial light, diffuse it with a white sheet for even illumination.
2. Glasses and eyes
Glasses can cause glare, reflections, or shadows that obscure your eyes. If you wear glasses daily, make sure the frames don’t cover any part of your eyes and that there’s no glare on the lenses. Tinted or dark glasses are not allowed unless medically necessary.
Pro tip
When taking a photo for your passport, consider removing your glasses if possible to avoid the risk of glare or lens reflections. If you must wear them, position lighting sources to minimize reflections and ensure your eyes are visible.
3. Size and position
Your passport photo must be 45mm high x 35mm wide, and your head should occupy about 70-80% of the frame. If your photo is too small, too large, or if your head is not centred, it may be rejected.
Pro tip
Before taking the photo, use a template or guide to ensure your head is properly positioned within the frame. This will help avoid common mistakes like being too close to the camera or off-centre.
3. Pose and expression
Your face must be directly facing the camera with a neutral expression and both eyes open. Smiling, frowning, or any other expression that distorts your features can lead to rejection. Your head should not be tilted or turned to the side.
Pro tip
Practice your pose in a mirror before taking the photo. Aim for a natural, relaxed look with a straight posture. Keep your eyes open and look directly at the camera to ensure your face is symmetrical.
4. Hats and hair
Hats, headbands, and other head coverings are not allowed unless worn for religious or medical reasons. Even then, they must not cast shadows on your face or cover any part of your face. Your hair should not cover your eyes, eyebrows, or any part of your face.
Pro tip
If you wear a head covering for religious or medical reasons, adjust it to avoid shadows on your face. For others, make sure your hair is neatly styled and away from your face to keep your facial features visible.
5. Background
The background of your passport photo should be plain white or off-white. Any patterns, textures, or shadows in the background can lead to rejection. The background should also have a clear contrast with your face and clothing.
Pro tip
Use a solid-coloured, light background for your photo. Ensure there are no shadows or textures behind you. Natural light can help achieve a clear contrast without shadows.
6. Resolution and quality
Low-resolution or blurry photos will be rejected. Your photo should be clear, sharp, and in focus. It should also be printed on high-quality photo paper with no creases, tears, or smudges.
Pro tip
Always use a high-quality camera for taking passport photos. Check the camera settings to ensure they are suited for high-resolution photos. Print the photo on professional-grade photo paper to avoid any quality issues.
8. Jewelry and makeup
Avoid wearing large or distracting jewelry that covers any part of your face. Keep makeup minimal and natural-looking. Heavy makeup that alters your appearance significantly can lead to rejection.
Pro tip
Opt for simple, subtle makeup that enhances your features without altering your natural appearance. Remove large or reflective jewelry that might catch the camera’s flash or obscure your features.
Examples of rejected passport photos for a baby
Below, you can see what sort of baby photo will be rejected when submitting a passport application for a baby.
Common reasons for baby passport photo rejection include:
- Baby’s eyes are closed or not visible
- Baby’s head is not centered or takes up less than 70-80% of the frame
- Baby’s face is partially covered by a hat, blanket, or other object
- Shadows or poor lighting obscure the baby’s facial features
- The background is not plain white or off-white
Photo tip
Lay your baby on a white sheet or blanket and make sure their face is visible and evenly lit. Use toys or soft noises to keep their attention and capture a photo with their eyes open.
How to ensure your UK passport photo will not be rejected
Getting your UK biometric passport photo right can be a challenge, but with proper guidance, it’s completely achievable. The best way to ensure your UK passport photo meets all requirements is by using Smartphone iD.
Not only does Smartphone iD provide expert guidance from start to finish, but the service also includes professional compliance checks. This ensures you can be 100% confident that your photo will be accepted by the UK government. And if it’s not? You’ll receive a full refund!
Tips to ensure your UK passport photo will not be rejected
Photo Size
A UK passport photo must be 35mm x 45mm. Additionally, your head, from chin to crown, should measure between 29mm and 34mm. It’s important to leave a small gap between your head and the edges of the photo.
Contrast, saturation, and exposure
The color and tone of your photo should be as natural as possible. Avoid any deep shadows or glare on your face, ensuring even lighting across your entire face. Natural lighting works best, and avoid using any filters or after-effects.
Photo background
The background of your photo must be plain and light-colored, usually white or light grey. Make sure there are no patterns, textures, objects, or other people visible in the photo.
Photo posture
When taking your passport photo, face the camera directly with a straight posture, and look directly into the camera lens. Your expression should be neutral, with your mouth closed and eyes open. After taking the photo, check that your nose is centered, and your eyes are about a third from the top of the photo.
Facial obstructions and accessories
You are not allowed to wear glasses in your UK passport photo unless you have a doctor’s note proving that they are medically necessary. Ensure that nothing obstructs your face, including hair or other accessories.
Do you have to pay again if your passport photo is rejected?
If your passport photo is rejected, you may not have to pay again. However, you will need to consider the costs of retaking your photo, getting it right, and resubmitting it within a set timeframe.
If your passport application is rejected due to the photo, you will typically receive a letter from the UK Passport Office explaining the issue. You will have 90 days to submit a compliant photo, and during this period, your application will be on hold.
By choosing Smartphone iD for your UK digital passport photo, you can avoid the worry of rejection. We offer a 100% government acceptance guarantee. In the unlikely event that your photo is rejected, we’ll provide you with a full refund!
Use our Smartphone iD Passport photo app, available on Apple or Google Play Store. You will get 100% guaranteed photos in a matter of minutes.
Sources
https://www.gov.uk/photos-for-passports
https://www.gov.uk/photos-for-passports/photo-requirements
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7e2f0140f0b62302689b37/Photoguidance_v7.pdf
Continue reading
- What are the passport photo requirements?
- Can You Smile in a UK Passport Photo?
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- Can you access your passport photo online?
- UK baby passport photo
- Who Can Sign United Kingdom Passport Photos: A Complete Guide
- How to Take a Passport Photo at Home (inexpensively)!
- Which UK passport photo app to consider ?
- What is the correct passport photo size in the UK?
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