Face

• A passport photo must include a full representation of the front of a person's face. The eyes must be open and all the features included.
  
  

Head

• The passport photo, in addition to showing the front of the face, should include the area from the top of the hair to the shoulders.
  
  

Background

• Passport photos must also be taken in front of a clear white background. The background cannot be obstructed by any colors or shadows, including one from the subject of the photo.
  
  

Shadows

• The photo should be taken in a well-lit place. Shadows cannot cover the face of the person being photographed.
  
  

Expression

• The face of the person being photographed should be neutral. Smiles and expressions are to be omitted, and the mouth of the person should remain closed.
  
  

Contrast

• In addition to the lighting of the photograph, the contrast should be normal. With bad lighting, photos can appear miscolored. Most default camera settings will allow for a normal level of contrast.
  
  

Photo Size

• The United States requires that passport photos be 2 x 2 inches, while most other countries around the world, including European Union countries, require that the photo be 3.5 x 4.5 inches.