You don't need to visit a shop to get a passport or ID photo — you can take one at home with your phone and a plain wall. The key is meeting the basic requirements: a neutral expression, even lighting, and a clean, plain background. Here's how to do it, and how AI helps with the background.
General passport photo requirements
- Plain, light background — usually white or off-white, with no shadows.
- Neutral expression — face the camera, eyes open, mouth closed.
- Even lighting — no harsh shadows across the face or behind you.
- Face centered and fully visible — no hats or sunglasses (barring religious/medical exceptions).
- Recent and in focus — sharp, true-to-life color.
Important: exact rules — size, head proportions, and background shade — vary by country and document. Always check your government's official requirements before submitting.
Rules vary by country and document — always check your government's official requirements before submitting.
How to shoot it
- Stand in front of a plain wall in soft, even light (face a window).
- Keep the camera at eye level and fill the frame from the shoulders up.
- Neutral expression, looking straight at the lens.
- Take a few and pick the sharpest, most evenly lit one.
Clean up the background
If your wall isn't perfectly plain, set a clean, even white background in seconds — free.
Make the Background WhiteTips
- Soft daylight beats harsh overhead light — it avoids shadows on your face and the wall.
- Hair off the face and a plain top help meet most requirements.
- Check the official size and head-position rules for your specific document.
Related: taking a professional headshot at home and choosing a profile picture background.
