How to Take a Passport Photo at Home With Your Phone
Stand against a plain, evenly lit wall, face a window for soft frontal light, and have someone take the photo with the rear camera from about an arm and a half away to avoid lens distortion. Keep a neutral expression, look straight at the camera, and frame your head and shoulders. Then crop and size the photo to the official spec — at home you only need a clear, well-lit photo of your face.
Last updated 2026-06-10
Step by step
- 1Find a plain, light-coloured wall with nothing on it and no shadows.
- 2Face a window so soft, even light falls on the front of your face — avoid overhead or side light that casts shadows.
- 3Ask someone to take the photo, or use a tripod and timer. Use the rear camera, not the selfie camera — it distorts faces less.
- 4Stand about one and a half metres away so your face is not stretched by the lens, and frame your head and the top of your shoulders.
- 5Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. Take several shots.
- 6Upload the best one and size it to the official spec for your document.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using the front selfie camera up close — it bulges your nose and face.
- Overhead or side lighting that puts a shadow on one side or behind your head.
- Tilting your head or the phone — keep both level and square to the camera.
- Standing too close to the wall, which casts a shadow behind you.
You don't need a perfect background
The background and exact framing are the hard parts to get right at home. You only need a clear, sharp, well-lit photo of your face — PassPix removes and replaces the background with the required colour and frames your head to the exact head-height percentage for your document.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take your own passport photo at home?
Yes. Take a clear, well-lit, front-facing photo against a plain wall with a neutral expression, then crop and size it to the official spec. Many countries accept a digital photo taken at home for online applications.
Should I use the front or rear camera for a passport photo?
Use the rear camera. The front selfie camera distorts faces, especially up close. Have someone take the photo or use a tripod with the rear camera from about an arm and a half away.
Can I use a selfie for a passport photo?
A close-up selfie usually distorts your face and is best avoided. If you take it yourself, use the rear camera at a distance, or use a tripod and timer.