Are you going abroad? That means you have to make a passport! For this purpose, you will need a recent photo (taken within the last 6 months). If you want to look great in your photos, you need to do a little preparation. The passport will be valid for 5 years. So, be prepared to live with that photo for quite a while.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing for Photo Shoot
Step 1. Style your hair well
Do not choose an unusual hairstyle for a passport photo. Passport photos should represent your best everyday appearance so as not to arouse suspicion and get you arrested.
Don't wear a hat or other headgear, unless you wear it every day for religious reasons. If you must wear a headgear, the face must be clearly visible, especially the eyes and nose. The headgear should not cover the hairline or cast a shadow on the face
Step 2. Put on makeup as usual
If you're used to wearing makeup every day, it's okay to apply makeup for your passport photo. However, if you never use cosmetics, you should not apply makeup that is too thick. Immigration officers may not recognize your face, you may be arrested.
- Use a powder that can absorb oil so that the face does not look shiny when photographed. This trick is especially useful if you have oily skin, especially on the forehead or nose.
- Even if you're not used to wearing makeup, there's nothing wrong with applying a little smudging or powder to the dark circles under your eyes. These dark circles can cause reflections (and make your face look sick or tired).
Step 3. Wear appropriate clothing
Keep in mind that you may have to use your passport on a variety of occasions, apart from traveling abroad. For example, sometimes you have to show your passport for background check when applying for a job. Try wearing plain, unobtrusive colors.
- Wear something that enhances your appearance and is comfortable to wear.
- Do not wear clothes that are too flashy because people will focus more on the clothes than your face.
- Look closely at your shirt as it will show in the photos. Shirts with a round or V neckline look great. If the neckline is too low or too tight, you can look naked. So, pay attention to the neckline.
- You will be placed in front of a red or blue background. So, avoid these colors. Choose a color that will highlight your skin tone.
- Avoid wearing too much jewelry.
- You are not allowed to wear a uniform (or clothing that looks like a uniform, such as camouflage clothing), unless it is a religious garment that you wear every day.
- Some people said that the immigration office rejected their photo because it looked very similar to the previous photo. That is, the immigration office officials doubted that it was the latest photo. Therefore, wear a different outfit than the one you wore for the previous photo shoot.
Part 2 of 3: Shooting Process
Step 1. Check your teeth
Make sure you brush your teeth in the morning before shooting so they look brilliant white. Just before taking the photo, take the time to sneak into the bathroom or use a small pocket mirror to make sure no food debris is stuck between your teeth.
Step 2. Remove the glasses
You can't wear glasses.
- If you wear glasses for medical reasons, it's a good idea to include a note signed by your doctor with your passport application form to avoid problems in the future.
- Fix your makeup. If your skin tends to be shiny in photos, it's a good idea to add a little oil-absorbing powder at the last minute. Don't forget to check your lipstick or eye makeup to make sure there's no smudging.
Step 3. Check the neatness of the hair
If you let your hair loose (especially long hair), arrange it around your shoulders for a neat look. If you have short hair, make sure you style it in your favorite style. Apply a small amount of gel or mousse to your fingers, then run it through your hair at the last minute to tame the "bad" hair.
If you have very long hair, it's best to style it down to one shoulder. If your hair covers the straps or hides the sleeves, you will look naked
Step 4. Follow the photographer's advice
If you didn't take the photos yourself, listen to the photographer's advice. The photographer will know how to capture you at the best angle for shooting. Follow his directions carefully and don't change positions until he asks for it. There are very strict rules about head position for passport photos, so you shouldn't spoil the photo by acting alone.
- The photographer will ask you to face the camera directly as this is a requirement for passport photos. If you're taking the photo yourself, make sure you straighten your shoulders and look straight into the camera.
- Your head should be between 50-69% of the photo's height. Measure from the top of your head (including your hair and headgear) to the bottom of your chin.
Step 5. Keep your body straight
Make sure your posture looks good and is confident. Pull your shoulders back. Don't hold your head high to avoid double chin as this will make your neck look too big. It's a good idea to push your chin forward a little bit (a little further than usual, but not too much).
Step 6. Smile
In general, for passport photos you can have a “natural smile” (a smile without showing teeth) or just a natural expression. Choose the expression that works best for your face, but listen to the photographer's instructions as he or she will tell you if your face looks unnatural.
- If your expression looks "abnormal" or you squint, immigration officials may reject the photo, delaying the passport application process.
- If you decide not to smile, think of something nice that will make your eyes look friendly and warm.
Step 7. Get involved in the selection of photos
A good photographer will check the photos with you and recommend the best from a professional point of view. You should be assertive and choose the photos you like best if you don't agree with the photographer's rating, but make sure they meet the requirements.
Part 3 of 3: Prepare in Advance
Step 1. Decide where you will be shooting
There are many options, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. A choice of places that are easily accessible and within budget. You can get great photos without digging deep into your pockets, but a professional photographer will produce the best quality photos. Some photo studios may ask you to make an appointment in advance. So, look for more information. You can explore the following options:
- photo studio managed by famous photographer
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Fujifilm photo studio (usually easy to find in shopping malls)
Fujifilm photo studio charges around IDR 50,000 for a photo shoot and you will get several passport-sized photographs and a CD with photo files. If you have your own photo file, you can do a print wash at a cheaper price
- travel agents (usually they offer this service if you go with their travel packages)
- professional photo studio
- immigration office (you need to confirm beforehand)
- private agency that offers passport making services
- at home (make sure you follow the requirements set)
Step 2. Go to the salon to get your hair done about 1-2 weeks in advance
That way, your hair has a chance to adjust to the new haircut. Within 1-2 weeks after the cut, the hair will still look neat and clean during the shoot. Of course, you can get your hair cut at the last minute if you want a new haircut and trust your stylist to do nothing wrong.
Step 3. Trim your eyebrows if you're used to doing this
If you're used to shaping your eyebrows, it's a good idea to do it the day before to avoid redness and regrowth of your eyebrows. You can also go to a salon to do it if you don't mind spending some money on this.
If the skin around your eyebrows tends to turn red after you pluck your hairs, try applying a cold compress or applying a little aloe vera
Step 4. Get enough sleep
To avoid dark circles under the eyes and red eyes, the best solution is to sleep well for a few days before the shoot. This step also helps to lighten the skin and make you look healthier.
