Even though travelling may be impossible this year rendering our passport practically useless, who knows when borders will reopen again? Whatever the case is, it’s always good to be prepared, and by that, I mean checking if it’s time to renew our passports!
Some of us might find it annoying to have to go to a photo studio just to get a small-sized photo of yourself for your passport, but look no further, because we recently came across a hack for a free and easy way to take your own passport-sized photos.
Last week, a Twitter user shared how you can actually take passport photos at home, using only your phone, computer and a printer, if you need to print it out.
The post has been retweeted over 8,000 times, garnering more than 20,000 likes since we last checked.
So, does it really work? Are we able to save the time spent on travelling to a photo studio and save money on printing?
I decided to give this hack a go, with a few tips of my own.
Steps for a passport-sized photo
1. Take a photo of yourself during the day, where there is sufficient light.
2. Transfer the photo to your computer. It can be through email or you can upload it onto your Google Drive like what I did, so that the quality won’t be compromised.
3. Head over to this website to remove the background from your picture. Upload your picture onto the website and ensure that the “Removed Background” option is selected.
4. Click on the “Edit” button on the top right-hand corner of the picture and select the “Colour” option. A range of coloured background will appear, so you can pick and choose. In the case of a passport photo, we’ll use white.
5. Click on the blue “Download” button and click on “Download image”.
After downloading the photo, you will need to change the pixels and format of your photo before cropping it to the standard dimensions for passports.
6. Go to https://www.photopea.com/ and click on “File”, then “Open”, to upload your photo.
7. Go back to “File”, click on “Export as” and select “JPG”.
8. The width should be around 600 px and the height 800 px. Click “Save”.
Snap It Right: Your Passport Photo Handbook for Singapore
Ever wondered how to get that passport picture just right? Here’s the lowdown, straight from the city-state’s official guidelines.
Basic Specs
- Size: Your snapshot must measure exactly 35 mm × 45 mm—no more, no less.
- Orientation: Portrait mode only—think a head‑to‑shoulders shot, not a scenic landscape.
Got a Photo That’s a Bit… Off
No sweat! There’s a handy online tool that will trim your picture to the perfect dimensions.
- Navigate to the cropping site.
- Double‑check the settings:
- Country: Singapore
- Photo: Passport
- Print size: 35 × 45 mm
- Upload your image.
- Let the tool do its magic—your photo will emerge crisp and compliant.
Why It Matters
Think of your passport photo as the front‑page cover of your ID. Getting the size wrong could turn your application into a “no pass” situation, and we’re all about smooth travels.
So, next time you snap that candid pic, remember—keep it 35 mm by 45 mm, and you’ll be one step closer to a hassle‑free passport.
Getting Your Photo Uploaded the Right Way
Quick Reminders
- All boxes must be checked – except for the one that says “Use Flash to crop photo”.
- Once you’ve ticked everything, hit the “Upload” button.
After the Upload
- Take a look at that cropping box.
- Shift it to line up just how you want it.
- Make sure it’s centered, but feel free to play around till it looks perfect.
That’s it! You’ll have your photo ready to go in no time.
Tick‑Tock Time for the Download Link
All set? Hold on for just a minute or two and the download button will pop up on its own. No rushing—let the magic happen at its own pace.
- Stay relaxed
- Let the system finish its quick minute‑long prep
- Watch that link appear before you even realize it’s there
12. And there you have it! Your very own, home-made passport photo!
Tips for photo-taking
Here are some tips that might help as you attempt to take your own passport photos at home!
1. If there isn’t anyone at home to help you take a photo, I think selfies are perfectly fine, as long as the angle taken is correct. Make sure that you are looking straight at the camera and not facing up or down.
2. If you are wearing glasses, ensure that it isn’t tinted and your eyes can be seen clearly. Try to make your hair as tidy as possible when taking the picture.
3. It’s okay to smile slightly in the photo, just no wide toothy grins please, if you don’t want to run the risk of your photo being rejected. 
4. Avoid wearing a white T-shirt when you take the photo, as it will blend in with the white background.
5. Lighting is really important, so ensure that there are no shadows or reflections on your face when you take the photo and the photo should not be over- or under-exposed.
Want a Passport Photo That Won’t Get You Refused?
Getting a passport photo that ticks all the boxes can feel a bit like a game of “who can dodge the most rules.” Don’t worry—here’s a quick, no‑frills guide to help you snap the perfect shot from the comfort of your own living room.
Step 1: Know the Rules (From the ICA Website)
TIP: The ICA site gives a handy FAQ that clears up any last‑minute confusion—just a quick Google search and you’ll find it.
Step 2: Try One of These Handy Apps
If the web‑based method feels a bit too tech‑y, you can grab a free photo‑taking assistant from the play store:
| App | What It Does |
|---|---|
| IC Photo Singapore | Lock‑in the right background and frame. |
| Passport Size Photo Maker | Upload, crop, and export straight to the needed dimensions. |
| Passport Photo ID Maker Studio | Adds a little editor flair if you want to tweak brightness or contrast. |
Give one of these a whirl—most apps are free and programmatically brains‑y, so you won’t spend a dime or a long time.
Step 3: If All Else Fails
If the digital route ends up feeling like a fight against a robot, you can always roll up your sleeves, head to the nearest photo studio, and hand over your selfie. They’ll know the standards inside and out.
Pro‑tip: “Giving this method a try first saves you money, time, and the embarrassment of getting a not-accepted label in the back of your passport.”
Feel free to drop any doubt’s mail to [email protected]—who doesn’t need a quick nudge on the technical bits? Good luck, and may your passport photo be a perfect selfie (but with the right background, of course).
