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Passport photo problems

(33 Posts)
Happiyogi Tue 14-May-19 17:12:37

I went to a local, large Post Office a couple of months ago and paid a few quid more than the standard charge (£9 from memory) for the most amazing service!

I gave my info verbally to a chap who typed it in, and he took the photo. The service guarantees that the photograph and details won't be rejected. I had a confirmation text before even leaving the PO, and several updates over the next few days. New passport was delivered early one morning the following week! I thoroughly recommend the service, as I'd put off renewing because it has always been such a faff in the past.

MiniMoon Tue 14-May-19 16:56:12

When we renewed our passports last year we went through the same rigmarole trying to take the photo ourselves. We tried all over the house. We have plain walls everywhere!
All were rejected. I'm the end, we went to the post office and had them taken there.

Alima Tue 14-May-19 16:25:12

We must have been very lucky when DH took my passport pic on my iPad, in the conservatory with a beige roller blind as a backdrop. Right first time! If you live close enough OurKid I will send him round! (Apparently Jessops do passport photos quite reasonably too).

M0nica Tue 14-May-19 16:04:30

I went to Timpsons to have mine done. Taken, adjusted to meet requirements and instantly submitted to the passport office, all for £7.99

Why consider any alternative. You have already spent the equivalent of£7.99 in blood sweat and tears getting it wrong.

Charleygirl5 Tue 14-May-19 15:56:23

I also renewed my passport last year and I went to a local photographer, the photo was accepted although my personal feeling was that it was a good mugshot for prison but I am beyond caring.

Oldbat1 Tue 14-May-19 15:51:21

We renewed ours last year. Husband loves photography so expected pic to be easy but always rejected. Ended up going to a photographer who told us the software used by passport office often rejected folks own photos. Long story short the shop did the photos which passed the requirements for the passport office so job done.

toscalily Tue 14-May-19 15:29:29

I had to renew mine last year so read all the instructions and sent it in and it was accepted first time. Mind you we did go all round the house looking for the best place to take a photo, light, bright, no shadows, clear background. I probably made OH take about 10 pictures on an iPhone (he was getting a bit fed up, which I ignored grin ) then chose the one we both thought would be most acceptable. They do seem to be very fussy about the photo now.

OurKid1 Tue 14-May-19 14:44:13

I've just applied online for a new passport (not having noticed that my old one expired 6 months ago - oops!). All seemed straightforward until I checked on its progress to be told that I can't wear my specs for a photo - nothing to do with reflections etc., but that specs were banned without a medical certificate to say they should not be removed. Ok ... deep breath and got the OH to take a sans specs photo ... and another ... and another ... Despite adhering to the plain background, no reflections, no shadows, no facial expression etc..., each one has been rejected on the grounds that "the shape of your head is not clear." What! How can that be! It's clear to me. I've just opted to resubmit it anyway with an explanation that it's the umpteenth attempt. Fingers crossed it will be ok, but I was wondering has anyone else had the same experience? I phoned a professional photographer who said he has had the same experience and cannot understand what they mean. I know you can do a Post Office approved thingy, but apparently even then they can refuse a photo - often on the "no clear head" ground. ???? Meanwhile, I am hoping mine will be accepted, even though it looks nothing like me because of the lack of specs and I wouldn't let me in anywhere looking like that!