There are various places that can take passport photos in Canada. Minor cross-border travelers need a baby passport. However, it could be a difficult job to take a passport photo photo for baby, especially for infants and young kids. They could be too young to understand the photographer’s instructions or too energetic to stay focused for such a formal photo. In this passage, we are going to introduce where to get a Canada baby passport photo and some useful photography tips.
On-site locations to Get Baby Passport Photo
The first thing that comes to your mind would be googling “baby passport photo near me” and you would find some local photography services. It is not recommended to take it in a photo booth because your kid is too young to stay focused, or sit or stand upright in the small kiosk. Here are some suggested physical stores.
Photo Stores
It can be found in large chain stores and pharmacies, such as Walmart, Staples, London Drugs, London Drugs, Shoppers Drug Mart, etc. Even if you are living in a small town, small photo stores run by individuals might also be available. The employees in these stores are familiar with Canadian passport photo requirements, which is more reliable for making a qualified photo. You can use their store locator tool to find a branch in the neighborhood. There are addresses and phone numbers on the page. It is suggested to contact them to confirm whether they provide baby passport photo service because not all of them know how to handle these special young customers. Moreover, these store offers printing service. You can take a USB drive there or upload images online and wait for the delivery. That is to say, you can also take a picture at home where your baby feels more comfortable and print it out from the comfort of your couch.
Shipping Centers
FedEx and UPS are two well-known shipping and distribution chains in Canada. They provide identification photo services that meet all official requirements, including international demands. It takes about 5-10 minutes. If you take a digital photo there to print out, it would be quicker. After getting the photo, they can help you send the application to the Government of Canada Passport Office, which is quite convenient. Please note that some branches might require you to make an appointment.
Photography Studios
They are located in many Canadian cities. They have professional photographers who are good at interacting and guiding the models, even if they are infants and kids, so your little ones might ease in strange surroundings and in front of strangers. However, this is also the most expensive choice to take a Canadian baby passport photo. They are so busy that you usually have to make an appointment and tell them your needs.
DIY Passport Photo Maker
Are you too busy to visit a physical store or studios during their business hours?
Do your babies feel unease when in a strange place and make it hard to take a shot?
Then you can take a baby passport photo at home and use AiPassportPhotos, the passport photo maker to ensure picture quality. In this way, you can snap a shot whenever and wherever. Try to take as many shots as possible, so you can choose the best one.
Take Canada Baby Passport Photo at Home
If you decide to DIY a photo for baby passport, please continue reading. It is necessary to learn about what is a qualified photo and how to make it.
Canadian Baby Passport Photo Requirements
The Canada baby passport photo shares almost the same requirements as the adults. Only newborns are allowed to have their eyes not fully open and mouths not fully closed. Both photos should be signed with the photography date and one of them with the statement “I certify this to be a true likeness of xxx (the child’s name)” on the back.
- Number of photos required:
You have to hand in 2 identical and unaltered photos.
- Size
The whole picture must be 50mm (width) x 70mm (height), equal to 2 inches x 2¾ inches.
- Image quality
Your child’s photos can be coloured or black-and-white.
They must be clear, sharp and in focus.
The lighting must be uniform and reveal the natural skin color, without shadows, glare or reflections.
The baby’s face must be clearly distinguished from the background.
They must be printed on plain, premium photographic paper instead of home-used or heavy-weight paper.
The photos must not be edited, retouched or changed in any way. Any alterations to the colour, brightness, contrast, sharpness, facial features, clothes, hair, or scars/birthmarks are not acceptable.
- Facial expression
Let the baby show a neutral expression which means:
eyes are open and not be covered.
eyes look directly at the camera.
mouth is closed.
don’t smile.
- Appearance and Posture
The photo must be taken in the last six months and present your child’s current look.
The child’s heart and shoulders must be centered and face the camera without tilting.
You or any part of your body should not appear in the photo if you hold the baby to take a picture.
Don’t show your child’s hands in baby passport photo.
A written statement is required on the condition that you can’t do these for medical reasons.
- Glasses
It is acceptable as long as it does not obscure your eyes or have glare on the lenses.
Sunglasses and tinted eyeglasses are prohibited in any case.
- Hair
You can leave it down or tie it up as long as it does not cover any part of your face.
- Hats and Head Coverings
It is allowed only when you wear it daily for religious or medical reasons.
Don’t cover your face or cast shadows.
- Extra Guidelines for Newborns
They can sit in a car seat with a white sheet/blanket behind them.
There should not be shadows on the face, shoulders or backgrounds.
Newborns may have rich facial expressions. The authority might be more tolerant with infant facial expressions.
How to Take Baby Passport Photo at Home?
It could be done as long as you have a smartphone. And there is no need to download and install an application by following the steps below.
- Step 1: Go to AiPassportPhotos and choose “canada passport photo“
- Step 2: click on “Upload a Photo”. If you already have a picture, choose “File” to upload it from your album. If not, choose “camera” to take a shot right now. Here are some tips for taking the perfect Canada baby passport photo, including letting the newborn lie down or the toddler in high chair, attracting the kid’s attention to the camera with toys or treats, making use of daylight, and adjusting lighting.
- Step 3: Wait for processing. The AI-supported tool will automatically run the compliance check program and crop the photo to meet passport photo size. It takes a few seconds.
- Step 4: Click on the “Get the photo now” to save the photo template. There is a digital or printable version available. New users have to sign up and create an account before downloading.
Summary
Your baby needs a passport to travel abroad despite its age. Now that we have learned so many places to take the Canadian baby passport photo, let’s make a summary. Among all of them, the photography studios are usually the most expensive. Photo stores in shopping malls and pharmacies are more commonly seen at an affordable price. Making it online would be the most convenient and cheapest option if you often take photos for your babies at home.
Erin Lo