How to Get Free or Cheap Passport Photos
Passport photos can cost as much as $10, but with a little effort, it's possible to get them cheaper or even free. Check the government website for the passport photo standards before you shoot your own. All of the pictures must meet specific rules, and can't be muddy or blurred.
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Instructions
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Photo Services
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Check Costco Wholesale. If you are already a Costco member, you can get passport photos made there for about $5. This is not an option for secondary and non-cardholders.
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AAA or American Automobile Association members can get free passport photos through AAA.
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Go to ePassportPhoto.com. Follow the step-by-step wizard and choose their premium service. It will print six photos available at designated branches the next day.
Home Shot
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Use the wall or a curtain as a background. Set up your tripod (if you use one) and lights. No shadows can appear in the photo. Take several head and shoulder shots of the subject.
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Upload the photos to a computer. Crop and retouch the photo as needed using photo-editing software like Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, Photo-Paint or GIMP.
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Save the photo as a new file using the best quality settings. If you're going to print it in a kiosk or online, save it as a high quality JPEG file.
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Upload the passport photo to the ePassportPhoto website. Use its "photo wizard" as needed, and print the photo on glossy paper.
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Tips & Warnings
You can find passport photo requirements in your government's web site.
Check if your printer meets government standards for printing passport pictures.
Turn off your camera's flash if it's too bright.
The U.S. passport photo guidelines provide detailed explanations. Follow them closely.
Save photos in the highest resolution possible and print in best quality for optimum results.
You can skip Step 8 since you'll be adjusting the photo in ePassportPhoto anyway.
Don't sign up for a Costco membership just to get the passport photos. It costs $50 (though it pays for itself in the long run)!
Be careful about retouching photos. Make sure you don't violate the passport requirements.
Do not try to remove blemishes on the face.
Pictures must look crisp and clear, not muddy or blurred.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Vera Berard, www.digitalmediatime.com, www.sxc.h
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Comments
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Not getting correct size on PSP4.
