Smiling in a U.S. passport photo isn't allowed, but what about crying? As in, a crying infant who just.won't.have.it. That was us a couple of years ago. No toy nor funny face could stop our then 3-month-old's screams. Luckily, that poor photographer got a useable shot in between bouts of crying.
In hindsight, we laugh about it. When really back then, we wanted to cry ourselves. You can take a photo on your own at home or go to a passport office, like we did. Taking it at the photo counter of a store is also an option. You'll need to submit passport paperwork on your own.
Regardless of how you take it, check out our list below for what might help get the shot.
Also keep in mind, a child's passport expires in 5 years, until the age of 16.
Time it right. As with anything else, don't plan outings if it's near your baby's nap (or bedtime). A fussy face really doesn't look good on camera. Instead, go after baby is well fed and rested–or whenever you think your child will be happiest. We took our photo at a passport office. The whole process, from filling out forms to actually taking the photo, can take up to an hour. If you go to the photo counter of a store, then it might be a little quicker.
Dress baby comfortably. If the passport peeps don't allow smiling, then they definitely don't want those cutesy baby accessories either. For obvious reasons, they're not only distracting to the pic but also to the baby. So, no need to go passport pic outfit shopping. Something simple and solid colored works just fine. Save the cute outfits for pics from your ACTUAL adventures abroad.
Bring toys. Toys might already be in the diaper bag. Anything bright, shiny or squeaky will get their attention. Of course, a favorite toy trumps all of that. Dangle it behind the photographer or let baby hold it for comfort (as long as it doesn't creep into the head shot).
Try these poses. Despite squeaking her favorite toy, the hard table we plopped her down on triggered a major meltdown. She couldn't sit up on her own yet, so the photographer was going to take it from above. With passport photos, the person must look straight at the camera with eyes open, mouth closed and both ears visible; very tricky with a squirming, screaming infant.
That's when we got resourceful. Noah wore the white sheet–that was initially covering the table–over his head and body. He carried our daughter in front of him, and we got the shot! That didn't mean she wasn't still crying. The photographer just snapped at the right in-between moment.
If your baby can sit up, then put her on your shoulders while kneeling in front of the white-walled background.
UPDATED (March 2020): Because of public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, passport operations have been limited.
Comentários