Looking like your passport photo isn’t a good thing. A better passport photo isn’t magic, but it takes effort. Erma Bombeck once wrote, “when you start to look like your passport photo, it’s time to go home.” In my last driver’s license photo, I looked a little like Charles Manson with a Dorothy Hamill bob. Well, maybe not that bad, but I cringed every time someone asked to see it. “Is that really you???”
It is possible to get a decent passport photo though.
- Even though you’ll be asked to wipe all the joy from your face.
- Even if you’re smiling because you’re going on a vacation.
- Even though you haven’t stopped smiling since you booked your vacation.
Want to know how to get a passport photo that doesn’t look like a mug shot? Try these suggestions:
Go for simplicity: Steer clear of tops with bold patterns. Stick with a color you know you look good in – even if you opt for a black and white shot.
Choose a style that looks good on you: A turtleneck will hide that tricky spot under your chin, but a crewneck gives your neck length.
Close your mouth: Toothy smiles are prohibited anyway. Combat the joyless expression by opening your eyes as wide as possible and keeping your chin up (which makes you look thinner).
Wear makeup: It may sound like a no-brainer but wearing makeup will make you look younger, healthier and less like a criminal. It’s all about definition, baby.
- Define your lips with a natural lip color, but pass on the gloss.
- Wear eyeliner (heavier at the outside of your eyes) to make your eyes look bigger.
- Swipe on some blush. Even if you don’t normally wear any.
- Use a matte base to cut down on the wash-out effect.
And voila. No more cringing when you hand over your passport to security.
How do you combat the ugly passport shot? I’d love to hear your tips – it’s almost time for do-over for me and I can use all the help I can get. Connect with me on Twitter and Facebook – I’d love to hear your ideas!
2 Comments
Hi Julia, Wow, I sure could have used this info a few years ago. I had to renew my passport in the US when I was living in the UK. I brought my passport photo with me but apparently it didn’t meet regulations so they had to take a new photo of me. I had just come off of an overnight flight and I looked pretty bad. Let’s just say I won’t win any modeling contests for that picture!
I will definitely try to incorporate these suggestions next time I have to get a passport picture taken. Thanks!
Much obliged! I am getting my passport renewed this year. Sadly I have spent the last 10 years with a photo of me about 2 days after I came out of a coma! No lie lol, I was in a crash abroad and needed an emergency passport to fly home on a medical flight. I had hoped I would be allowed to change it, but nope. I think they get a kick out of these things in passport offices myself.
All jokes aside, thanks for this, I shall hopefully look better this time around!