Getting identity photos in the UK
How can I get an identity photo (eg for passports or other kinds of official documents, such as foreign visas) in the UK?
In France, for instance, there is the Photomaton group, which has booths in nearly every city, mostly in train stations and airports (and famously in the Amélie movie).
In the UK, the same group (http://www.photo-me.co.uk) has about 4 of them in the entire London area, all far from the city centre. So I wonder: how do people get this kind of pictures in the UK?
Note: googling for "uk printed identity photo" or something similar leads to several websites proposing how to print such photos, but the real challenge is taking them in the first place: given the number of constraints on such kinds of photos, it's unreasonable to expect people to take them using smartphones or point-and-shoot cameras: you need to control lighting, background, distance, etc. Which is the main advantage of using a photobooth for that.
Best Answer
Most large Post Offices offer this service - search ‘Post Office near me’ for a list of locations and services provided.
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Where can I get digital passport photos UK?
The best option is to use your smartphone or tablet to take pictures with our British Passport Digital Photo Online Tool or through our app, available for download via the App store. In both cases, you can use a photo from your photo gallery (although it must have been taken within the last month) or take a new one.How do I get a flattering passport photo UK?
In your photo you must:How do you get digital passport photos?
How do I access my digital photo? Please visit the passport renewal portal on https://www.gov.uk/apply-renew-passport and enter your digital ID passport code using the format idcode pro xxxxxxxx when renewing your UK passport.Can you take ID photos at home?
Can I take my passport photo at home? Yes, it's quick and easy to take your passport photo at home. You'll need a white background in a well-lit area plus a friend to take the photo for you. You can then upload it to get the correct size and order prints online or get prints from your local store.How to use ID photo machine~ in the UK ~
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Answer 2
Photo-Me operate most photo booths. They don't appear to have a web map search, but you can phone them!
Call 0800 035 66 00 to find the nearest photo booth equipped with digital passport photo services.
says their website. That's a freephone number if you're calling from a UK mobile or landline.
Answer 3
Many large supermarkets have an automated photo booth.
In one supermarket near me, there is an actual photographer who took my picture and printed copies on the spot. They are a better quality than from a booth, and only slightly more expensive.
There are also many independant photographers who may offer a similar service.
Edit:
The photo booths in supermarkets are usually located near the back, perhaps near the cafe or wash rooms. They are easily identifiable, as they proclaim what they do.
An internet seach of "photo booth near me" turned up a useful map showing the locations of different companies' booths.
Answer 4
Timpson stores often provide this service. It has more than 1,000 stores in the UK and Ireland and has a locator tool that lets you search by postcode, town or city and the service, Photo ID and Passport Photos.
Answer 5
If you have a decent camera and some experience with lighting, you can take your own photos, I have done this. However you have to be even more scrupulous about following the rules exactly. In particular
- plain white background - not a wrinkled bed-sheet etc. If you must use a wrinkled bedsheet, allow enough distance behind the subject and adjust aperture to throw it out of focus, also adjust exposure to deliberately blow the highlights and render a flat white background.
- no smiling, mouth shut.
- exact size, no borders.
- exact framing of head. There are precise templates for positioning. This is the hardest to get right.
Generally this produces a boring unattractive photo, you just have to accept this.
If you apply for a passport through a post-office, they will notice if your photo has not been taken by a professional - mainly by looking at the printing on the reverse, they will then be extra meticulous in checking the photo and will reject it for the slightest hint of a possible deviation from their interpretation of the true spirit of the rules.
Answer 6
I personally like Jessops passport photo service despite the high price, especially when trying to get non-standard photos for countries outside the UK. They have various background colours (white, gray, beige, etc) and make sure all the measurements are correct to satisfy whatever crazy requirements need to be met. Most of the booths only do UK photos.
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