How to Capture a Passport Photo You’ll Actually Want to Share With Confidence

Taking a flattering passport photo is more important than you might think. You’ll be stuck with this image for a decade, and it’s one of those things you keep even after it expires. While a bad photo isn’t the end of the world, having a shot that you’re excited to show off every time you pass through customs makes a difference.

So how do you get the perfect shot? It starts with choosing the right shirt color for your passport photo, followed by picking a flattering silhouette. Don’t forget about details like accessories, makeup, and hair styling—they all play a part. We turned to experts for their top tips, so you can be confident in your passport photo. Who needs Gigi, right?

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How to Select the Right Shirt Color

If you're not the one snapping the photo, you can't control the lighting or the camera conditions for your passport picture. Therefore, your safest bet is to choose a neutral shade—such as white, black, or navy blue—avoiding patterns.

According to Sabrina Yoo, creative director of Amissima, “These colors are timeless and provide a neutral background that won’t drastically affect your skin tone, which is key when working with the often low-quality cameras used for passport photos.” She cautions that brightly colored shirts, busy patterns, or fancy necklines can distract from the focus of the photo.

Non-neutral shirt colors can cause unwanted tones to appear on your skin, resulting in a washed-out or distorted appearance, like an orange or green tint. (Yikes!)

According to Yoo, the primary goal is to make sure your face is the center of attention in the image, providing an authentic portrayal of your identity, particularly for official documents.

Selecting the Right Shirt Style

Keep things straightforward when choosing the style of your shirt. Since only the upper part of your shirt will be visible, it’s best to opt for a neat and structured neckline.

For the perfect passport photo, style expert Christy Dawn, founder and CEO of Christy Dawn, suggests, “The ideal shirt style is either a simple crew-neck or a collared shirt. A collared shirt presents a neat, professional appearance, while a crew-neck ensures your neckline shows without being overly casual.”

She generally advises against tank tops, as they can be distracting. But if you’re determined to wear one, make sure it has defined seams and fits well.

Tips for Accessorizing Your Passport Photo

When preparing for your passport photo, it’s generally a good idea to keep your accessories to a minimum or skip jewelry altogether. After all, this is a government-issued photo, so a clean and simple look is preferred.

"If you do choose to wear jewelry, stick to subtle and refined pieces,” Dawn suggests. “Bold jewelry can be distracting and may hide your face, which should be the focal point in the photo." Small earrings and delicate necklaces can add a touch of sophistication without drawing attention away from your face.

Hair Styling Tips for Passport Photos

Now that you've sorted out your shirt and jewelry, what about your hair? Currently, TikTok is all about sleek hairstyles, such as a slicked-back bun or a half-up style. However, these can be tricky to achieve and might not be flattering for everyone.

“You’ll often end up looking like an egg, since it lacks volume and can blend in with a plain background,” Yoo shares. “Instead, embrace your natural waves or even soft curls to create dimension while keeping a neat look. A gentle blowout can also be a great option.”

During the photo, make sure your hair doesn’t fully cover your face—be ready to tuck strands behind your ears. Practice this in front of a mirror beforehand to figure out what flatters your features the most.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Passport Photo

Now that you’ve learned about the best shirt colors, necklines, jewelry, and hairstyles for your passport photo, let’s go over some frequent errors people make when having their photo taken.

• Avoiding Bright Colors and Patterns: Stick to neutral tones that won’t cast an unflattering hue. Stay clear of busy patterns and complicated necklines.
• Skipping Makeup: One of the most common mistakes is neglecting makeup. “The low-resolution quality of the camera can exaggerate flaws and flatten your face,” Yoo explains. “To look your best, emphasize your eyes and define your face with contouring and blush.”
• Trying to Look Completely Different: Remember, this is a government photo meant to resemble you. Keep things as close to your natural look as possible to avoid any confusion from the TSA.