Original visual guide · Reviewed 26 July 2026

Passport photo examples

Use these schematic examples to spot common framing and visibility problems before you prepare a passport or visa photo.

What a strong source photo looks like

A useful starting portrait is recent, sharp, evenly lit and taken straight on. The face is centered, both eyes are visible, the expression follows the issuing authority’s rule and the background matches the selected application.

These are illustrations, not application photographs. Exact head size, background, expression and editing rules vary by country and document. Always use the preset and official source for your application.

Balanced framingFace centered, shoulders visible and enough clear space around the head.

Head too largeThe crown or chin approaches the crop and falls outside the permitted head-height range.

Head too smallToo much background leaves the face below the authority’s required proportion.

Off centerThe face and eye line should not drift to one side of the final photo.

Head tiltedKeep the head upright and look directly toward the camera unless the authority says otherwise.

Uneven backgroundStrong shadows, gradients and visible texture can cause rejection even when the size is correct.

Eyes obstructedHair, glare, tinted lenses or heavy frames must not hide the eyes.

What the Photo Pass tool can check

Photo Pass can suggest a crop, compare detected face placement with the selected preset, prepare exact pixel dimensions and create digital or print output. It cannot prove recency, identity, truthful appearance or final authority acceptance.

Open the free photo maker, browse passport requirements by country, or read the verification methodology.

Primary guidance used for this visual guide

The examples summarize common principles found in the US Department of State passport photo guidance and UK passport photo guidance. Those authorities remain the source of truth for their applications.