How to take a passport photo of your child
Watching the coverage of Prince George being wheeled around Australia recently must have created mixed emotions amongst mums all over the world. On the one hand there is admiration and a kind of patriotic love for the little man given he is exceptionally cute and adorable and the spit of his daddy.
On the other, there is that niggling desire to pinch him when Kate's not looking because it's just not fair that someone's baby should be so well behaved and great at having photos taken when most of us struggle to get one decent family snap.
Yes bonnie Prince Georgie appears to be an incredibly obedient, eager to please and photogenic baby.
But how they coped and he remained so compliant with the jet lag, long days, flash bulbs and noise that surrounded them constantly, I will never know. We have suspicions of Phenergan use or at least some well-timed Calpol…
Anyway Prince George's trip got us talking in the office with one of our team members reminded of a campaign they once did for Photo-Me International (the photo booth people) and another about to head off overseas with two girls 6 & 4 about to organise the passports.
Why is it kids are in most cases well-behaved and happy little people, except when they need to get a passport photo taken then they throw a wobbly? It's what toddlers do best after all and what better opportunity than when you need them to stand or sit still, look at a particular spot in a confined space such as a photo booth or in full view of everyone in your local pharmacy or photography shop!
How exactly do you get a good passport photo of a baby or toddler?? Yes it's very hard but here are a few tips…
How to take a passport photo of a baby
According to the Australian passport people, the following must be adhered to:
The rules:
- The photograph should show the baby or child awake, looking straight at the camera with mouth closed and nothing covering or partially covering the mouth or eyes.
- It should also show both edges of the face clearly (no toys, blankets, chair backs or other people visible) and no hair across the eyes.
- Your hand or arm may not be visible!
For all children:
- This is not the time for fashion statements! Kids should wear a plain T-shirt (not white or a strong colour like red or green)
- Clean face!
- No sunglasses, hats, hoods, scarves or any item of clothing or accessory that can partially (or completely) obscure their face!
- Don't encourage them to smile (but not to cry either!). Kids passports require mouth closed and no teeth showing and they're not supposed to smile! Try telling a child to have a “neutral expression”. It's practically impossible.
Photo booth photos:
- Make sure the background is set to white
- Adjust the seat to the right height so their face is in the right position
- Don't shout from the side lines – kids will automatically turn towards you right at the crucial moment
- Follow the face outline and the instructions. There are no second chances here! This is a one-shot opportunity.
If you're taking photo yourself (particularly with babies)
- Set your camera to high resolution/large format photo
- If your child can sit up by himself, you can sit him on a stool or have him stand against a white wall.
- Alternatively place your baby upright in a high backed chair with non-creased white sheet behind them (already sounds hard right?!)
- If your baby is very little, lie him on his back in his cot on a plain white sheet or you can have him sit on your lap if you have someone to take the photo and put a white sheet over your shoulder and down your front so it looks like a white background. Just be careful not to have your hands in the photo.
- Babies must have eyes open, mouths closed, no hands in the picture – yours or theirs!
Just remember Keep Calm, be patient and get in some refreshments…this could take a while!
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