Baby Passport Photo Guide: Complete Requirements (2025)

Baby Passport Photo Requirements

US Requirements for Infants (Under 2 Years)

• Same size requirement: 2×2 inches, same as adult photos
• Eyes open preferred: But not required for babies under 1 year
• When eyes are open: Must be clearly visible and looking at camera
• Neutral expression: No crying, smiling, or open mouth
• Head position: Straight and centered in frame
• Background: Plain white, no shadows from supporting hands

International Variations

• Canada: Similar rules, eyes open preferred but not mandatory for infants
• UK: Eyes open and looking at camera required, even for babies
• Australia: Relaxed rules for children under 2, eyes may be closed
• EU countries: Generally follow similar infant-friendly guidelines

Age-Specific Guidelines

Newborns (0-3 months)

• Sleep positioning: Photo during sleep is often easier
• Neck support: Ensure proper head support (support person hidden)
• Feeding timing: Take photos when baby is content
• Multiple attempts: Be patient and take many photos

Infants (3-12 months)

• Sitting support: Use car seat method or parent assistance
• Distraction techniques: Use toys or sounds to get attention
• Quick sessions: Work fast while baby is alert and happy
• Eye contact: Try to get baby looking at camera

Toddlers (1-2 years)

• Cooperation challenges: May require multiple sessions
• Eyes open requirement: Must have eyes open and visible
• Movement control: Use distraction and quick photography
• Professional help: Consider professional photographer if struggling

Photography Methods for Babies

White Sheet Method (Most Popular)

Car Seat Method

• Setup: Place car seat against white wall
• Positioning: Ensure baby sits upright and comfortable
• Camera angle: Position camera at baby's eye level
• Support hiding: Ensure car seat edges not visible in photo
• Background check: Verify plain white background throughout

Parent Assistance Method

• Parent positioning: Parent holds baby facing camera
• Support concealment: Parent's hands and body completely hidden
• White clothing: Parent wears white to blend with background
• Stable positioning: Keep baby's head steady and straight
• Quick photography: Work fast to capture good moment

Common Challenges and Solutions

Baby Won't Stop Moving

• Timing: Try during baby's calm periods (after feeding)
• Swaddling: Gentle swaddling can help keep baby still
• Temperature: Ensure room is warm and comfortable
• Quick sessions: Take multiple short photo sessions
• Assistant help: Have partner help with positioning and distraction

Eyes Always Closed

• Natural sounds: Make gentle sounds to get attention
• Light changes: Slight dimming then brightening can cause eyes to open
• Feeding schedule: Try during alert periods between naps
• Patience: Wait for natural eye opening moments
• Multiple sessions: Don't force; try again later

Crying or Fussing

• Comfort first: Address baby's needs before attempting photos
• Familiar environment: Use baby's usual sleep or play area
• Parent presence: Keep parents close for comfort
• Break time: Stop and resume when baby is calm
• Professional option: Consider experienced baby photographer

Equipment and Setup

Essential Equipment

• Camera: Smartphone or digital camera with good resolution
• White background: Large white sheet, blanket, or poster board
• Lighting source: Large window with natural light preferred
• Support items: Car seat, pillows, or blankets for positioning
• Distraction tools: Soft toys, rattles, or music

Lighting Setup for Babies

• Natural light: Position near large window with soft, even light
• Avoid flash: Bright flash can startle and harm baby's eyes
• Even illumination: Ensure no harsh shadows on baby's face
• Background lighting: Keep background evenly lit and shadow-free
• Time of day: Mid-morning usually provides best natural light

Safety Considerations

Physical Safety

• Never leave unsupported: Always have adult hands ready to catch
• Soft surfaces: Use padded surfaces in case of unexpected movement
• Temperature control: Keep baby warm during photo session
• Quick sessions: Minimize time in potentially uncomfortable positions
• Support visibility: Support person must be completely hidden but ready

Eye Safety

• No flash photography: Bright flashes can damage developing eyes
• Natural light only: Use window light or soft LED lighting
• Brief exposure: Keep photo sessions short to avoid eye strain
• Distance: Don't position lights too close to baby

Technical Photo Requirements

Composition Guidelines

• Head size: Baby's head should be 1-1⅜ inches from chin to crown
• Face proportion: Face should occupy 50-70% of photo height
• Centering: Baby's face centered in frame
• Shoulders visible: Include shoulders and upper chest area
• Proper cropping: Leave appropriate space around head

Quality Standards

• Sharp focus: Eyes and facial features must be in focus
• Proper exposure: Not too bright or too dark
• Color accuracy: Natural skin tones, no color casts
• Resolution: High enough for clear 2×2 inch print
• No blur: Image must be sharp without motion blur

Professional vs DIY Options

When to Choose Professional Photography

• Difficult baby: Very fussy or uncooperative infant
• Time constraints: Need photos quickly for urgent travel
• Multiple attempts failed: DIY efforts haven't produced acceptable results
• Special needs: Baby requires special positioning or care
• Quality concerns: Want guarantee of professional-quality results

DIY Success Tips

Submission and Processing

Application Considerations

• Both parents present: Both parents usually required for baby passport applications
• Additional documentation: Birth certificate and other ID required
• Processing time: Allow extra time as baby photos may need review
• Backup photos: Bring multiple copies in case of rejection
• Recent photos: Photos must be taken within 6 months

Common Rejection Reasons for Baby Photos

• Support visible: Parent's hands or equipment showing
• Shadows: Shadows from supporting person or equipment
• Wrong positioning: Baby not centered or properly positioned
• Focus issues: Face not sharp or in focus
• Expression: Baby crying or mouth open

Age Progression and Updates

When Photos Need Updating

• Significant changes: Major growth or appearance changes
• Photo age: Photos older than 6 months
• Medical procedures: Any surgeries or treatments affecting appearance
• Hair growth: Significant hair growth or loss

Planning for Growth

• Take extras: Take several good photos for future use
• Digital storage: Keep high-resolution digital copies
• Timeline awareness: Note when photos will expire
• Consistent setup: Keep setup instructions for future photo sessions