How to photograph a newborn baby for a passport

This is how to take a passport photo of a newborn baby. From my years of experience, it's rarely easy! - but often far better than taking your baby out to a shop, or having the expense of a professional photographer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• pillow
• large white towel
• digital camera
• printer/computer
• baby
• patience

1. Smooth the clean white (or off-white) towel over the pillow on your bed (towels are better than sheets due to no creases).
2. Lay your baby on the towel & pillow so that there are no edges near the head; make sure the head is straight on to the camera.
3. As soon as possible, & holding down baby's hands with your left hand, take a few photos, making sure head is in the MIDDLE of the viewfinder, facing direct to camera (unless otherwise instructed). The head should take up about a quarter to a third of the photo.
4. Print your photos with correct head size but paper a little larger than required. Trim to exact size.
5. Place photos in LARGE envelope & file; from my experience most people lose their small photos & need to order more (great for my business!)

Tips & Warnings

• First obtain your passport office's rules (min/max size of head & paper, etc)
• Some passport offices allow babies eyes to be closed; check this first!
• Bring along the min AND max photo sizes for safety
• If baby is hungry & crying, ask someone to place bottle or clean finger in mouth and the minute this is removed, take photo.
• Double-check the requirements for exact information for certifier to put on backs of photos (many people get turned away for the slightest error).
• Double-check ALL details before you go to the passport office.