Passport Photo Too Dark or Shadowed? Retake and Fix Guide

Lighting Problems Are Hard to Fix Afterward

The best passport photos start with soft front lighting. If the image is too dark, over-brightening can create noise, blur, and unnatural skin tones.

• Face a window or soft light source.
• Avoid overhead lighting that creates eye and nose shadows.
• Retake if the face is blurry or heavily underexposed.
• Some authorities, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, do not accept a passport photo with an edited background. Check your document's page first.