Nowadays, most official procedures are done online, ID photos in digital format are increasingly in demand. For passports, identity cards and some other documents, you need a biometric photo. In this article, we will explain what a biometric photo is, what it is used for, what standards it must meet and how to make passport photos on a computer by yourself. Let's go!
A biometric photo – what is it?
The word “biometric” comes from the Greek roots meaning “life” and “measure.” A biometric photo is a photo that allows a person to be identified using a computer through the standardized format of such a photo. It corresponds to the strict standards regarding its dimensions, the size of the face depicted and the visibility of its features, the background and other parameters allowing the automatic identification of the person by the unique biometric data which are stored on a chip.
For over 20 years now, in France, all passports issued are biometric passports. Biometric photos are also required for identity cards, driving licenses, and other identity documents. Let's take a closer look at what a photo must look like to be called biometric and what conditions it must meet.
Standards for biometric photos
In order to enable the reading of facial biometric characteristics in the photo, the official regulations define requirements that must be met when taking the photo. Here are the main standards for a digital passport photo:
- 35mm wide by 45mm long
- Light background (blue or gray) but not white
- The face depicted in full, front and middle, occupies between 70 and 80% of the image and measures between 32 and 36 mm.
- Eyes wide open staring at the camera
- No glasses with tinted or thick lenses. No reflections on the glasses lenses
- Neutral facial expression, no smile and closed mouth
- Hair leaves face, eyes and ears uncovered
- No head coverings except religious head coverings such as a hijab or kippah which must not cover the face or cast shadow on it
- Good quality photo: sharp, clear, correctly contrasted, free of shadows, reflections and visible pixels, with natural colors.
With these standards appearing numerous and strict, is it possible to make biometric ID photos yourself? Yes, and we will explain how.
How to take a biometric ID photo at home
Step 1. Take the photo
First, you need to have your picture taken. Find a place where you can pose against a light wall. Natural lighting is best, without direct sunlight. If that's not possible, set up multiple light sources to avoid shadows.
It is advisable to hold the camera 1,5 to 2 meters away from the subject, at eye level. Make sure to take a perfectly frontal view of the head and shoulders. Take a few shots at varying distances so you can choose the best shot.
Step 2. Crop the photo to the required size
Next comes the essential step of turning the photo you just took into a biometric passport photo. The easiest way to do this is to download the powerful passport photo software Passport Photo Maker and read more in detail how to make a digital passport photo with this program.
Passport Photo Maker has the advantage of offering a database of passport photo formats for over 130 countries and allowing automatic photo cropping. So all you have to do is import your photo and select the country and ID from the drop-down list. The program will crop the photo automatically using AI that recognizes facial features. Alternatively, you can resort to manual cropping by marking the pupils, the top of the head, and the chin.
Step 3. Save your photo
Your photo is now cropped to the correct size for a biometric passport or other document. All you have to do is save your photo in digital format to submit it online or print as many photos as you need.
With Passport Photo Maker you can take biometric photos for yourself, your family or your clients, if you are a photographer, in unlimited numbers, very easily and with perfect quality.
