Guidelines for digital photos
Use the following guidelines for digital photos.
you can:
- use an existing digital photo if it meets the rules below
- get a friend to take a digital photo of you
Digital photo rules
- your photo must look like you and must have be taken in the last month
- use a plain light-coloured background with no patterns or textures and don't have objects behind you
- no shadows on your face or behind you - it's best to use natural sunlight, for example facing a window
- stand 0.5 metres (1.5 feet) away from your background (this helps to stop shadows appearing)
- the person taking the photo should stand 1.5 metres (5 feet) from you
- include your head, shoulders and upper body in the photo and look straight at the camera
- have a plain expression so don't smile or frown - eyes open and mouth closed
- eyes fully visible, hair away from your face and eyes
- take your glasses off if you can - if you need to keep your glasses on, your eyes must be visible without any glare or reflections
- no sunglasses or tinted glasses
- no headwear unless it's for religious or medical reasons
- don't crop your photo - it will be done for you
The pictures below help to explain which photos follow the rules and shows those that don't.
