Passport Photo for Newborn

What Are the Requirements for a Newborn Passport Photo in Canada?

When taking a passport photo of a newborn in Canada, specific requirements must be met to ensure the picture is up to the mark. These requirements ensure the baby’s identity is accurately represented, adhering to the standards set by Canadian authorities.

Newborn Passport Photo Size

The size of the newborn's passport photo must be 50 mm wide by 70 mm high. Within these dimensions, the baby's face, from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head, should measure between 31 mm and 36 mm. The size requirement is crucial for consistency across all passport pictures.

Face Position

The newborn's face should be centred and facing the camera directly. Both sides of the face must be visible, without any tilt or turn of the head. Ensuring the baby’s face is positioned correctly can be challenging, but it is essential for a valid passport picture.

Background and Lighting

A plain white or light-coloured background is mandatory for newborn passport pictures. The lighting should be natural and even, without shadows on the baby's face or in the background. It helps in clearly defining the baby's facial features without any distractions.

Facial Expression

Facial expressions in infant passport photos are beyond anyone’s control. However, ensure the baby is not crying or upset in the picture. For newborns, a neutral facial expression is ideal; however, slight deviations, like a smile or closed eyes, are usually acceptable. The key is to capture the baby’s natural appearance.

Appearance and Posture

The newborn should be dressed in everyday attire, and the posture should be as natural as possible. If the baby cannot sit unassisted, pictures can be taken while the baby is lying down. Remember, the clothing should not obscure the baby's face.

Photo Quality

The photo must be of high quality, in focus, with no red-eye, and printed on quality photographic paper. It ensures the picture remains a valid and reliable form of identification.

Altered Photo

Any alterations or enhancements to a baby’s passport photo are not permissible. The picture should accurately represent the newborn's appearance and must not be digitally modified.

Recency

Infants and children tend to grow faster. Hence, a newborn passport photo must be taken recently, preferably within the last six months. It ensures that the picture accurately represents the newborn's current appearance.

If your newborn has grown significantly since their last picture, you must get a new photograph instead of using the old one.

Guarantor Signature

The Canadian passport authorities need two sets of identical pictures to be attached to the application. A guarantor must sign and date one of the pictures on the back.

The guarantor’s role is to confirm the identity of the baby. They must be an adult with a Canadian passport and affirm that the photo is a true likeness of the child.

Acceptable Infant Passport Photo Examples

Tips for Taking Children's Passport Photo

Taking a child’s passport photo, especially a young one, can be challenging. To ensure the picture meets the Canadian passport requirements and captures the child's likeness accurately, here are some helpful tips:

Create a Calm Environment

Children, particularly toddlers and infants, respond best in a familiar and calm setting. Hence, children’s passport photos should be taken where they feel comfortable, such as a well-lit room at home. Ensure the area is quiet and free from distractions that might unsettle the child.

Ensure Proper Lighting

Good lighting is crucial for a quality passport picture. Natural light is often the best choice. Position the child in a place where the light is even and soft, avoiding harsh shadows or bright glares. If indoors, near a window with diffused light works well.

Get the Child's Attention

For a child old enough to understand instructions, gently guide them to look directly at the camera. With infants or younger children, use toys, sounds, or gestures to capture their attention and encourage them to face the camera.

Be Patient and Take Multiple Shots

Patience is the key when capturing passport photos for babies. Be prepared to take several shots to get the right one. With digital cameras or smartphones, you can quickly review and retake photos as necessary.

Where to Get a Newborn Passport Photo in Canada?

In Canada, obtaining a kid's passport photo requires careful consideration of the venue, especially since these pictures need to adhere to baby passport photo requirements. Here are some popular options across Canada, including their pricing in Canadian Dollars (CAD):

Pixelied: Pixelied provides a digital service that simplifies taking a newborn's passport photo. Parents can quickly snap a picture of their baby at home. Pixelied then automatically adjusts it to meet passport specifications, eliminating the need for manual editing. It is convenient and cost-effective, as there are no charges for the photo processing service. The only cost involved is printing or downloading, which varies depending on the chosen printing location. The average price of using Pixelied’s service is 12.95 CAD.

Shoppers Drug Mart Passport Photo: Shoppers Drug Mart is a widespread and accessible choice, offering kids passport photo services at approximately CAD 19.99. Their stores are equipped to handle newborn photography with trained staff, following the strict Canadian passport requirements.

London Drugs Passport Photo: Known for quality and professionalism, London Drugs offers passport picture services, including for newborns, at around CAD 15, exclusive of tax. Their stores provide a comfortable setting and skilled staff to capture the necessary photo specifications.

Walmart Passport Photo: Walmart is a budget-friendly option, with passport photo services typically costing CAD 16.97. It’s a convenient choice for many, offering quick service across its numerous locations, though quality might vary slightly from one store to another.

The process of acquiring a passport picture is different. You must order and pay online using Walmart’s online portal. The image is then taken at their location, and prints are given out in a few minutes.

Staples Passport Photos: Staples offers passport photo services for around CAD 21.99. While they may not specialise in newborn photos, they provide standard passport photos that meet Canadian guidelines.

Photography Studios: Professional studios are preferred for their high quality and expertise. Prices can vary significantly based on the studio's reviews and location, typically between CAD 20 and CAD 50. They offer a controlled environment and specialised skills for taking newborn passport photos, ensuring compliance with all requirements.

Digital Baby Passport Photo Guidelines

In Canada, a digital passport photo for a baby involves specific newborn passport photo requirements that cater to the unique needs of photographing infants. These guidelines ensure that the digital image meets the necessary standards for Canadian passports.

• Size and Format: The digital photo should have a high resolution, ideally 1800 pixels high by 1200 pixels wide, and in JPEG format. It ensures the clarity and detail necessary for passport identification.
• File Size: The file size should be between 200 KB and 4 MB.
• Resolution: Minimum resolution should be 600 pixels per inch. High resolution is necessary for clarity and sharpness in the printed version.
• Background Requirements: Use a plain white or light-coloured background. Ensure no patterns, shadows, or other objects in the background distract from a clear view of the baby.
• No Digital Alterations: Avoid using filters or editing tools that alter the baby's appearance. The photo must accurately represent the baby without enhancements or alterations.

How to Take a Toddler's Passport Photo at Home?

Taking a passport picture of a toddler at home can be convenient and comfortable, especially when using tools like Pixelied to ensure the photo meets Canadian passport requirements.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it effectively:

1. Preparation: Before taking a passport photo for the baby, ensure you have a well-lit room with natural light. If possible, avoid harsh shadows on the toddler’s face. Set up a space with a plain white or light-coloured background, free of patterns or textures.
2. Dressing the Toddler: Dress your toddler in everyday clothes, avoiding bright patterns, logos, or extravagant costumes. Their outfit must contrast with the background for clarity.
3. Capturing the Photo: Position your toddler sitting up or lying down, ensuring they face the camera directly. Try to get their attention with a neutral facial expression, mouth closed and eyes open. You might need a few attempts, so patience is vital.
4. Using Pixelied: After capturing a suitable photo, upload it to Pixelied’s passport photo tool. The online tool automatically adjusts the picture to meet the standards for Canadian passports. It crops, resizes, and makes necessary adjustments to ensure adherence to the specified size (50 mm by 70 mm).
5. Checking Photo Quality: Once the image has been uploaded, Pixelied takes care of the entire processing. The tool ensures the image has clarity, focus, and proper exposure. It automatically adjusts to make the toddler's face visible without red-eye or shadows. Pixelied also maintains a natural colour balance in the photo, ensuring it does not appear over-processed.
6. Finalising and Printing: After finalising the picture in Pixelied, you have two options: download the image in JPEG format or order prints via the tool, which will be delivered right to your doorstep.