Australian Passport Photo Guidelines for Smartphones (2026): How to Get It Right

Step 1: Choose the Right Background

You need a plain white or very light grey background.

• Use a white wall or blank white paper/sheet
• Stand 1 metre from the wall to avoid shadows
• Avoid cream, yellow, or off-white surfaces — they may look white in person but show colour in photos

Don't worry if your background isn't perfect — our tool removes and replaces backgrounds automatically.

Step 2: Set Up Lighting

Lighting is the biggest variable with smartphone photos:

• Best: Natural light from a window facing you
• Good: Two soft indoor lamps placed to either side
• Avoid: Overhead lights (cause shadows under eyes and chin)
• Avoid: Flash (causes red-eye and harsh shadows)
• Avoid: Backlight from a window behind you

Check that there are no shadows on your face before taking the photo.

Step 3: Camera Position and Settings

• Use the rear camera, not the front (selfie) camera — front cameras have wider lenses that distort faces
• Camera at eye level — use a tripod, stack of books, or ask someone to take the photo
• Stand 1.5–2 metres away from the camera
• Horizontal distance from wall — 1 metre minimum
• Turn off HDR and portrait mode — both can distort or blur backgrounds
• Use grid lines to keep your head centred

Step 4: Framing and Expression

• Head centred and filling 70–80% of the photo height
• Eyes level and looking directly at the lens
• Neutral expression, mouth gently closed
• No glasses
• No hat or head covering (unless religious/medical)
• Shoulders squared to camera

Step 5: Upload and Check

After taking the photo:

1. Upload to our Australian passport photo checker 2. Review compliance results 3. Our AI will crop, resize, and adjust the background 4. Download the compliant 45×35 mm file