Canadian Passport Photos
If you’ve ever tried to get your Canadian passport, you know the photos are the hardest part. They must be taken at a professional photo studio, stamped and dated, and signed by your guaranteer. They must be shadow-free. Mine weren’t, apparently:
Question: I recently applied for a Canadian passport while I was at home over winter break in Phoenix, AZ. My case number is USXXXXX. However, it was denied due to shadows on the photograph. However, I am a senior at Cornell University and cannot have the photos retaken and re-signed by the guaranteer who is my family Dr. in Phoenix because I am in Ithaca, NY right now. How should I proceed?
The Passport Office of Canada kindly replied:
Thank you for your message of March 7, 2006. You may submit new photos without the guarantors signature. Please include your file number on the outside of the envelope. We trust this information is of assistance to you.
How awesome! I will have the photos redone this Friday.
This entry was posted on Thursday, March 9th, 2006 at 7:32 am and is tagged with canadian passport, passport photos, passport office, cornell university, family dr, professional photo, photo studio, case number, winter break, redone, new photos, ithaca, photograph, phoenix, signature, canada. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback.
on March 9th, 2006 at 3:21 pm
grrr.. Canadian passport photos are such an ordeal! I like my old, smiling photos.
It’s going to be a pain to get a guarantor to sign mine as well…
on March 9th, 2006 at 5:34 pm
i hate the process of getting a new passport. I don’t understand how they can’t just extend it if you still have some blanks pages in it.
on March 12th, 2006 at 3:32 pm
Thanks for that infor as well. Getting a new passport is such a pain…
on December 19th, 2006 at 9:20 pm
This is great info, wish I had stumbled on this earlier. We moved from Chicago to Washington DC last year and know nobody in the DC area that can act as guarantor. So we packed our applications up and sent it to a lawyer friend in Chicago to sign and forward to Passport Canada. Of course, all the pictures came back. So we re-took the photos, sent them to Chicago… my wifes just arrived back the second time (don’t even think about wearing glasses). Good to find out from a blog that you don’t have to have your photos re-signed every time.
on January 24th, 2007 at 6:38 pm
Answers to PPT questions
1. Photos are now used with biometric technology. Shadows and glare hamper the cpu technology to compare your photo to a database of criminal photos. Moreover other countries would not be able to use it with their criminals.
2. Criminals can catch up to technology quickly. Ever wonder why we constantly have new bills in circulation. A passport is no different. Thats why a new passport with new technology in it is the safest thing for you. Would you rather rubber gloves at point of entry and paying 500 for a visa to the USA or mexico.
3. Countries are coming down to 5 years from the traditional 10 years on there ppt. Why? Its safer, less visas required. et.
4. Privacy act. Thats what stops goverment departments from sharing your info, cause its protected! Thats why you must resubmit all the time.
on January 29th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
Aargh! Thank you for describing the extremely frustrating Canadian passport photo process! It’s insane. I agree that the solution is for the passport offices to take the photos themselves and provide the exactly required stamp on the back.
on February 17th, 2007 at 1:51 am
Mike and others I am in DC and need to have photos taken
where did you go to have them done properly?
on March 7th, 2007 at 9:47 am
So it’s not just me having these problems! I got my passport photo taken when I was in Canada for Christmas, but it got rejected due to glare on my forehead. So now I’m back in the US trying to get new photos.
I got new photos taken at the little photo studio in Walmart. They had a template already set up for the correct (Canadian) head dimensions. They were able to print out the larger photos that I needed. I also went to Sears, but they didn’t have a setup for specific head dimensions.
I also has a suggestion from someone having similar problems with their foreign country’s passport size, and she suggested that the embassy/consulate might have a setup for taking passport photos, so if you’re in DC that might be a really good option.
I called Passport Canada and found out a couple things:
1) the back of the photo doesn’t have to be stamped…hand writing the photographer’s info on the back is acceptable cause US places don’t use the stamp
2) sending in 2 different sets photos is acceptable, in case one of them gets rejected
3) if your photo gets rejected, make sure that your guarantor signs the new ones (pain in the butt!!
Hope that helps.
on April 17th, 2007 at 4:18 pm
Does anybody know where to get Canadian passport photos done in Phoenix? I am having a hard time finding a place that does them.
J
on May 2nd, 2007 at 1:35 am
I am applying for a Canadian passport right now and had the pictures taken at Lola Photo Studios, 327 E. McDowell Rd, (602) 256-0628. It costs $15. Good luck. All this process is quite an adventure.
on June 2nd, 2007 at 3:38 pm
Thanks or the info, Lidia. I’m currently in the processing of filling out my passport renewal app, but was stumped as to where to get Canadian style photos done in Phoenix.
on June 18th, 2007 at 4:11 pm
Does anybody have the full list of acceptable guarantors? I’m an international student and do not have a doctor, lawer or whatever else they ask for. Thanks a lot!
on June 18th, 2007 at 4:13 pm
Also..if you don’t have a guarantor that is on the list, is the president of the international students or someone you know accepted? What are their requirements? I know that they have a form to fill out ‘in lieu of a guarantor’ but you need on official or something like that. Please let me know!
on June 25th, 2007 at 1:48 am
In lieu of a guarantor, fill the form pptc-132 as well and an official at the embassy will confirm that you are who you are even though you’ve never met him/her before. 50$ charge.
on July 26th, 2007 at 1:11 am
As AL said - in lieu of a guarantor, use form pptc-132 which you have to pick up in person at an embassy (at this date, not available on-line grrr). In Atlanta, meeting with an embassy official meant a 3-month wait for an appointment! However, the receptionist at the embassy told me that a US official would do as well … in other words, any old Notary Public is just fine.
I had to get my 5-year old son’s photo taken about 15 times to try to get rid of shadows. Went to three different places. First set rejected (took more than 2 months just to get rejected). Now I’m re-submitting & sending in two sets AND crossing my fingers. I still see a little shadow behind/under his ears.
on July 27th, 2007 at 7:34 pm
I called the Canadian embassy in LA and for a place to get passport photos done they recommended a place called:
Hassam Photo
44 W Camelback rd.
Phoenix, AZ
85013
602-279-1199
Hope that helps.
on August 5th, 2007 at 4:30 pm
My daughter, who is a Canadian Citizen traveling on a Canadian Passpoert,wants to bring her son, who be traveling on a British Passport, to Canada. British Immigration has assured her that his British Passport with his photo, taken when he was 4 months old, will get her and son back into England. He is now 18 months old. Does she have to get a recent photo i.e. a new British Passport, to satisfy Canadian Immigration or will the “old” photo will do?
She has been unsuccessful at getting an answer through Canadian Immigration.
on August 9th, 2007 at 8:08 pm
You have no idea how upset I am because my application was rejected twice, I had my pictures taken at Costco and WalMart Portrait Studio but both got wasted. Does anyone know where I can have the picture taken at Dallas?
on August 20th, 2007 at 2:38 pm
Wow, so glad I found this site. My wife (an American) and I applied for our passports for our respective countries in March. She got hers in May, I am still fighting the photo process. (In fact I may get my U.S. citizenship and passport before this is over) I cannot seem to get a photo up to the Canadian standards for love or money. I can’t see how they say it’s acceptable to use U.S. acceptable passport photos then reject them. So anyway as mentioned above; don’t wear glasses, and yes even that tiny shadow behind the ears counts (would have been nice if Passport Canada had made that clear!) Seriously what do they expect us to do fly to Canada to get the photo? Oh wait my passport expired in June.
on September 6th, 2007 at 2:03 am
Also, just found this “Providers of Additional Services” page on the Governnment of Canada’s website that has a listing of 3 valley photographers that do Canadian passport pictures… www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=68652
I’m guessing there’s something similar for other cities as well? Maybe using their recommendations might up the chances of the photos getting accepted…
on September 22nd, 2007 at 3:47 pm
I am living in Tampa and got my pictures taken at AAA - they take pictures for US passports. It took THREE months for Canadian officials to process my passport application and then it got rejected b/c my pics had too much glare!! ARGH!! Any ideas where I can get pictures taken in Tampa, Thanks so much.
APL
on September 27th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
If you are looking for a place to get canadian passport photos done in the US, try phoning portrait studios. I work at one in canada and I am able to create any passport photo required though photoshop, as well we remove any glare while sizing photos in photoshop. DO NOT WEAR WHITE. Passport Canada has recently cracked down on accepting photos where you are wearing white. As well do not wear headbands of any kind (even those thin plastic ones I have seen be rejected).
on September 28th, 2007 at 12:05 pm
Hi,
can anyone tell me a place near Philadelphia where I can get Canadian passport photos. Or any other way I can get it done. Would really appreciate it. Thank you.
on September 28th, 2007 at 4:42 pm
Hello,
I called the Canadian Embassy in Washington DC and they recommended Moto Photo. Moto Photo is a franchise and they have stores in about 20 states across USA. Their website is www.motophoto.com
Also, you can try www.passportphotoservice.com because they can send you Canadian passport photos in Mail to any state. Hope this helps because i really had a tough time getting the right photos to Passport Canada.
on September 28th, 2007 at 6:21 pm
Hi, Any idea where I can have my photo taken in city of Chicago?
Please help
on September 28th, 2007 at 6:24 pm
Does anyone know a photo place in Chicago?
Please help.
Thank you
on October 2nd, 2007 at 11:13 pm
Hello all:
I found a Canadian government webpage (Canada in Australia) which includes the PPTC132 form as a pdf. Look for the line - PPTC132 - Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor
geo.international.gc.ca/asia/australia/passport/passports-en.asp
on October 2nd, 2007 at 11:27 pm
Here’s another location for PPTC132 form as a pdf
www.international.gc.ca/canada-europa/united_kingdom/passports-forms-en.asp
on October 16th, 2007 at 1:06 pm
Does anyone know where I can get a “good” passport photo in the Atlanta, GA area? It seems no one around here can or will do it for me. I live 25 miles south of Atlanta but will go almost anywhere to get this done. What a PITA this has become.
Thanks in advance for any and all help.
on October 19th, 2007 at 9:00 pm
I live in Columbus, Ohio. I applied for Canadian passport a couple times and was rejected. First, I went to Fedex Kinkos, second I went to JCPenny Portrait Studio. This is my third attempt and I am getting a bit impatient with the whole process. Can someone please please please help me where to find one who will do Canadian passport. My passport is already expired for 2 years and I am planning to go home next summer.
Thank you so much in advance for any help.
on October 22nd, 2007 at 2:30 pm
having similar problems in detroit, mi. 2 sets of photos rejected so far (kinkos & u.s. post office!) …guarantor is in canada too. simply going across the border is not an easy option. lineups in passport offices have 2 day waits… can’t afford the time off from work to do it all…..
does anyone know a photographer in detroit?
on October 23rd, 2007 at 11:10 am
Some more info from the Canadian passport site in their FAQ for Canadians living in the US.
www.pptc.gc.ca/help/faq.aspx?lang=e&id=325
2×2 image is acceptable but still needs to meet Canadian specs
Stamp on the back of the photo is not required and can be handwritten.
on October 27th, 2007 at 9:46 am
This renewal process is a pain. I finally called the canadian embassy in DC and they recommended Moto Photo on 7th and D St near the Navy Memorial Archive. So if you’re in the Baltimore/Maryland/Virginia area that’s where to go and DO NOT send the 2×2 pics cuz they will send the app back.
on November 6th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
Canadian Passport Shenanigans
I called about my passport in October as I was supposed to travel that month, I wrote that date on my passport application. Do not believe them when they say they will do everything they can to get it to you in time.
I sent my original application to them in May. 10 weeks later they finally wrote to me and said my Guarantor is not in a valid field of employment (She retired, even though she signed my last two or three passport apps) and there was a shadow under my ears. Apparently shadows are the mark of terrorists. I Photoshopped the shadow out from under my ears and printed the photo out a local store here in town. The pharmacy has a stamp of the compay, so I had them stamp across the back and then I just dated it. I brought them home and cut them on a matte board to make sure the images were as square as possible. Put them in one of the little Passport Photos holder give to legitimate customers and sent in the revised application along with a new Guarantor. Seems like it worked. I called
If you do this, take a high quality photo with your digicam, use a white background and flood the background with light. If you use a sheet, try illuminating the back of the sheet with a bright light too. Then put a bright light on the sheet in the foreground, too. When you take the photo, make sure there are NO shadows anywhere. If there are shadows, touch it up in Photoshop. Make sure you keep the same resolution. Duplicate the image when you are done and put your photo right next to the first one.
I also located my old, expired passport, and even though it says you do not have to submit it, I did, showing the EXACT same shadows under my ears. Actually, each of my previous 4 passports has the same shadowing that they are now concerned about. Be warned.
1200 DPI
6000px X 3600px
3” X 5”
Do two or three copies while you are sending these to a printer to do, it is easier if you mess cutting one up than having to redo it all over and going back to the photo lab.
on November 23rd, 2007 at 4:12 pm
Sent my passport application in about 1 month ago. Just received the rejection of the application today - shadow behind my ears, frustrating thing is they are not shadows but my hair - totally clear picture. Called and asked the passport office about what to do since my photos are to their specifications and I took the best photo from about 3 different sets of good photos. They told me that 80% of Canadian passport applied for from the US are rejected due to poor photos and that I should send two sets of photos so that the passport officer can choose the best one. Also they told even if I sent the passport in again with new photos they wouldn’t be able to get me a new passport until the end of February. Totally frustrating. Make sure your photo is perfect!
on November 28th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
Just talked to the local Motophoto and they are discouraging Canadians from even coming in. They receive so many rejections even when follow the the check list meticulously. Of course people are livid because it takes 6 weeks to get rejected.
They’ve seen rejections for things that aren’t even on the check list like a woman’s bangs not being swept all the way off the forehead.
Someone remind me why I live here now and not there - this passport experience isn’t providing enough clarity!
on November 28th, 2007 at 6:57 pm
I thought there were new guarantor guidelines and it can now be anyone that has known you for 5 years and has a valid passport themselves, Is this not correct?
on November 30th, 2007 at 3:26 pm
Hi everyone in need of a perfect Canadian Passport Photo:
I own a photo lab in Boston (Matilde’s Photo & Framing, Inc.) were I specialize in International Passport Photos using the Biometric System.
Every day I take Canadian Passport Photos.
When you call the Canadian Consulate in Boston, for information on this type of pictures they always recommend my Lab because my photos are almost always accepted.
You can go to my website for more information or call me directly at 617 859 8922.
www.matildesphoto.com
Thank You
Matilde
on December 4th, 2007 at 8:03 pm
Does anyone know of a good place in Colorado Springs or surrounding area that take good Canadian passport pictures?
on December 5th, 2007 at 5:32 pm
We’ve had people drive as much as 150 miles (1 way) to have us take their passport photos for Canadian passports because we’re extremely capable to comply with all the nit-picking details.
We’re in Aiken, South Carolina, on the western side of the state. About 15 miles from Augusta, Georgia, where they play the Master golf tournament.
Chris Lydle, CPC
Chris’ Camera Center and Digital Photo
150A Laurens St. SW
Aiken, SC 29801 803 641-0501
www.chriscamera.com
on December 7th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
My application was delivered by UPS on 10/5 from Seattle
Today-12/6th, I called them to track status. A lady told me it was rejected on 10/7th. She also gave me a “UPS tracking number” and told me that I can track my package.
I called UPS to see where the returned package is but it is not their number so they can’t locate the items.
My question is Will Immigration office return package to us when they reject the applcation? or they will hold the package until we submmited new items?
What should I do ?
Thanks,
Connie
on December 19th, 2007 at 7:18 pm
Connie:
I. canada returned my documents via DHL, not uPS. so try them, dhl.
on December 21st, 2007 at 7:11 pm
Connie:
My passport was returned to me via DHL, not UPS. So, try DHL
on January 8th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
I found a great place to get perfect Canadian passport photo’s taken in the South Bay Area (Sunnyvale) California. It’s this tiny shop called I.N.S. Photo and it’s located at the North East corner of El Camino Real and North Fair Oaks Ave. Quality was excellent in the sense that there weren’t any shadows or glare.
The guy has the exact Canadian templates and stamps the back of one of the photos with exactly what you need.
I’m glad the lady at Kinko’s told me to go there when she didn’t feel confident on being able to take a photo without shadows….lol
on January 9th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
I live near Napa Valley California and need to know where to go for a good passport photo?
on January 13th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Hey, I’m in Seattle looking for a place to get passport photos done. Any suggestions? I’m having difficulty locating a place to do it. Thanks
on January 16th, 2008 at 6:00 am
Same old story. Anyone know where to go for Canadian Passport Pictures in MIAMI, Florida? Or anywhere in South Florida?
on January 17th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
can anyone help me - my family has been rejected twice now in the Duluth Georgia area and my daughter lives in another area of Georgia at college. I do not know where to get canadian passport photos at all here or in Carrolton - does anyone have any idea. It is so frustrating as it has to be able to be scanned and be perfect and no-one knows who does that type of photography for Canadian passports
on January 23rd, 2008 at 10:26 pm
If you are living in PHOENIX , ARIZONA and need Canadian Passport Photos, go to HASSAN PHOTOGRAPHY. They do an awesome job! The photos were $15.
Here is their address:
HASSAN PHOTOGRAPHY
444 West Camelback
Phoenix AZ 85013
Phone: 602-279-1199
I got this address from the Canadian Consulate in LA.
on January 24th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Does anyone know of a good place to have a Canadian passport picture taken in the New Haven, CT area?
Thanks,
Danielle
on January 26th, 2008 at 10:06 am
Fort Lauderdale / Miami Canadian Passport Photos
With the stories here, I am not 100% sure that this will work but I called JC Penny Portrait Studios and they made clear that their photos meet the size, stamp and photo quality acceptance requirements for the Canadian passport. I will be taking my photo today - hopefully it’ll be uneventful and get approved.
on January 26th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Washington Dc area
I went to a photography by Madison on Main street in Laurel, MD. The guy know about the subject. Clear picture at the good size with a face cover 75% of the picture. If this doesn’t work, I don’t know what will work.
Easy accessible by bus ( CTC or Metrobus ) ask for the stop near ( PNC-Citizen Bank on main street ) via a metro station or by car.
photography by Madison
401 Main street, second floor
laurel, md
301-498-1466
on February 4th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Thanks for everyone who provided information on where to take Canadian passport pictures in the Phoenix area. Lola Photo Studio was very nice.
Like many of you having problems finding a guarantor, I was happy to find out that as of October 1, 2007, Passport Canada is now accepting family members (and those residing in the same address) to be a guarantor. This was a huge relief for us as now my Canadian husband can be our daughter’s guarantor.
on February 4th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Hi everybody
for those people living on los Angeles,Orange county and arround these are the place you can go for canadian photo passport.
Here are two photographers:
Photo Boutique Irvine, CA 949-854-3456
Kodak Image Center Downtown LA 213-629-4000
Passport SectionCanadian Consulate General Los Angeles
on February 6th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
HEy, I’m in Phx. and just went down to 444 W.Camelback (Hassan Photograpy) this guy knows what he is doing. For $15.00 he goes above and beyond the call of duty. Photo looks great and he has said” He has never had a problem with any of his photos. The Canadian consulate gives out his info. This guy is worth every penny!!!
on February 8th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Just wanted to post for those that might be curious that you can find info on checking the status of your passport application here: dan.matan.ca/Canadian-Passport-Application-Status-Check-Online-Form
Like many are echoing here, it is definitely a good idea to bring a copy of the actual requirements for the Canadian Passports to your photographer, and perhaps even a Canadian Passport that you know had its photos accepted to give them an idea of what is needed.
on February 9th, 2008 at 8:42 am
My photos have now been rejected twice, though it’s only taken about three weeks each time. And this with a photographer who knows the ropes (e.g., how to make a stamp) and who did my previous renewal. I’d appreciate any suggestions for successful photographers in central New Jersey or even in NYC. Thanks.
on February 11th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Just got a call from passport Canada last Thursday, saying that there is shadow behind my ear. I went to four different places trying to get my photo redone. However, it was unsuccessful. Does anyone know a good place to take the Canadian passport photo? I live in Ithaca, NY. Any information will be highly appreciated!
on February 12th, 2008 at 10:06 am
WE TAKE CANADIAN PASSPORT PHOTOS CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP,
AND VISA PHOTOS, AND WE ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY THE CANADIAN CONSULATE IN BOSTON. YOU CAN CALL THEM AT:
617 262 3760
WE ALSO TAKE: GERMAN, IRISH, FRENCH, PORTUGUESE, SPANISH, AUSTRALIAN, BULGARIAN, BRAZILIAN, AND MORE.
YOU CAN CALL US AT: 617 859 8922 www.matildesphoto.com
THANKS
on February 12th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Hi:
In Seattle for a Canadian photo go to
Alpha One hour Photo
CrossRoads Shopping Center
15600 NE 8th Street
Or call the consultate for downtown seattle locations on 1 206 443 1777
on February 14th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
If you’re in Portland OR, the Seattle Consulate just referred me to:
ActionFast Photo
9889 SW Barbur Blvd
Portland, OR
503-245-9898
Gonna try tomorrow and hope I don’t get my application returned a third time…
on February 15th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Does anyone know of a place in South Florida where i could get photos done for a Canadian Visa? Thank you
on February 18th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Got my Canadian Passport photos done at Omega Photo in Bellevue. They did a great job and was approved.
on February 19th, 2008 at 10:49 am
I currently live in Baltimore MD and I cannot find a place around here that can take Pictures for Canadian Passport, really frustrating! Any ideas????
Thanks,
on February 20th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Anyone gotten a Canadian photo done North of Chicago, in Schaumburg / Roselle / Elgin / Hoffman Estates area.
Maybe the govt makes it soo hard, because they don’t want us coming back?
Thanks………..Peter
on February 20th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Anyone gotten a Canadian photo done North of Chicago, in Schaumburg / Roselle / Elgin / Hoffman Estates area.
Maybe the govt makes it so hard, because they don’t want us coming back?
Thanks………..Peter
on February 22nd, 2008 at 1:14 pm
who can i use as my guarantor??? the application clearly states that it must be a canadian citizen who has known me for at least 2 years, but apparently that’s completely untrue…???
on February 27th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
Hi Krysta: If you are in the category of a “Canadian Living Abroad” such as I am, your guarantor here in the USA must have known you for two years and he/she, as guarantor must be from the list supplied in the application, e.g. doctor, venterinarian, etc.) Hope this helps. — Nancy
on March 1st, 2008 at 1:21 am
I have a friend who had the canadian passport pictures rejected x 2 and live in the Bay Area. Will try to go the Sunnyvale I.N.S. to see if they can get the photo done correctly. We are very frustrated. The passport photos that did not pass were from the UPS store and from Costco.
on March 4th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
I live in the San Fernando valley area of Los Angeles, does anyone know of a photographer there.
on March 8th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
I live in the area of Richmond, Va. and would like any information on who is able to take Canadian passport photos.
on March 17th, 2008 at 8:33 am
WE DO NOT ALLOW SHADOWS IN OUR CANADIAN PASSPORT PHOTOS
WE ALSO TAKE GERMAN, COLOMBIAN, FRENCH, IRISH, CANADIAN, PORTUGUESE PASSPORT PHOTOS, ETC.
WE FOLLOW ALL REQUIREMENTS FOR : SIZE, FACIAL EXPRESSION, LIGHTING, ETC.
CALL US AT: 617 859 8922. OR WWW.MATILDESPHOTO.COM
Thank You
Matilde Barbosa
on March 17th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
thankyou whoever suggested the hassam photos in phoenix for my passport photos.
i can’t believe how difficult everything is to do here, you feel like you’re in a real foreign country at times.
on March 21st, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Hi,
Does anyone know a good place to go in Columbus, OH for passport photos?
Thanks, Danielle
on March 22nd, 2008 at 8:20 pm
For Canadian Passport photos in Chicago, go to:
A Aaron Photography/Marshall Photographers
312-782-5151
9 N. Wabash
5th floor
Chicago
It’s an “old world” kind of place in a dusty old building downtown just south of Randolph. The guy is a true craftsman and does a great job. He currently charges $10 for two photos–with proper lighting, NO SHADOWS. I highly recommend this place. The building looks a bit sketchy, with a pawn shop/instant loan place on the ground floor, the studio is secluded up on the 5th floor, but the guy is very nice and professional, and takes his time to produce good photos. You won’t be disappointed.
on March 25th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Does any one know a good studio for Passport photos in New York (manhattan) or in New Jersey (Edison area). My passport application has been rejected and i have tried a couple of photographers without a good photo.
on March 30th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
I am having the same problem with photo rejection. This is getting rediculoud after 4 rejections. Does anyone know a good place that would be acceptable in Sacramento, Californis?
on March 30th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
spelling correctly might help I need a place in Sactramento, California
on April 4th, 2008 at 9:26 am
Does anyone know of a place in Bangor, Maine that does Canadian passport photos. Cant find them anywhere!!
on April 10th, 2008 at 4:04 am
I am also going through the ridiculous Canadian Passport renewal process. To those pro-government posters, I personally have nothing against the stringent criteria for Canadian passport photos. The problem I and most other people have is the inconvence of it all. For such an important document why not make photographing available at the embassies? 4-6 weeks or months waiting is far too long in this day and age where people travel so much because of work etc. This sort of thing is what gives the gov’t a bad name. It just boils down to terrible customer service.
on April 16th, 2008 at 9:42 am
I have read many terrible stories of applications getting rejected due to wrong passport pictures. I live in Washington DC and want to apply for a passport. Has anyone had any approved photo from passport Canada for any photo shop here in the DC area. Please provide the name of the photo shop.
on April 19th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Hi, Does anyone know a good place to go in San Diego, CA for Canadian passport photos? Thanks!! Lily
on April 26th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Hi,
Does anyone know of a good photo studio where I can get photos clicked in Kentucky (KY)
on April 28th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Hi,
Does Anyone Know a photo studion in Dallas, Texas for Canadian Citizenship photographes?
Will really appreciate the reply.
Thanks,
Ken
on April 29th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Hi everyone,
I would like to say thanks to all of you that recommended my store for CANADIAN PASSPORT PHOTOS.
We are located in Boston, across the street from the Canadian Consulate.
Need help, call me at: 617 859 8922, or visit my web site: www.matildesphoto.com
Thanks,
Matilde
on April 29th, 2008 at 11:40 am
I am now into my 3rd round of photos with my CDN passport and the cost is escalating. I admire the flexibility everyone is showing to make Passport Canada happy. And yet this is supposed to be inexpensive and take 4 weeks. Add the lack of knowledge and published standards at the passport office and we have a half baked solution for which we are responsible to resolve one at a time. I don’t think the rules that were passed were meant to create hurdles to maintain your Canadian identity. I’m interested in people’s knowledge of how much publicity this issue has received within Canada.
on May 2nd, 2008 at 4:44 pm
I live in Sunrise Florida and have visited Target,Walgreen and JC Penny
stores trying to get a Canadian passport photo done…these stores can
only do US passport photos…
Please where can I get a Canadian passport photo issued to me…
on May 4th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
If you can find a MotoPhoto, they are all set up to do Canadian passport photos. Just had mine taken athe the one on I-25 & Colorado Blvd in Denver and Sara there did a great job. At least that is my opinion, I guess we’ll see if the nit-pickers can find anything wrong that I don’t see.
on May 10th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Ravenhill….I agree with you. We need to get some of these crazy stories in the news. This is ridiculous. I have TWO stories.
First: my husband was living in Manhattan. He was over in LongIslandCity (where he worked) getting his Cndn Passport photo taken, when photographer told my husband that he couldn’t wear white. So, the photographer kindly offered my husband his jacket. It was a bit weird wearing someone else’s clothing, but anything for the cause. All to no avail as the photo was rejected due to shadows behind the ears. : (
At least we had a good laugh at the picture of my husband in this guy’s jacket.
Second: WE now live in FArgo, ND. Both my daughter’s and my passport need renewing. I called around to all the photo places and many said they would take the photos. When we arrived and explained that they were CANADIAN passports, all said, “No, they are too costly. We need to take too many different photos to get the Cndn PASSPORT PHOTOS ‘just right’ and we end up not making any money on them”. All the shops suggested we go to the main post office in downtown Fargo. We called the post office and went over all the details on the phone. They said they were familiar with the Canadian Passport photos and they would take them. When we got in there, we told them about how shadows get rejected, etc. etc. We paid around $20 for each person’s photos.
We couriered the envelopes to Quebec, which cost almost $60 total. The passports were really needed for vacation to Canada in early june. Well, a couple days ago, DHL in FArgo called and said that they have something for me and had tried to deliver it once, but I wasn’t home, and could I come and pick it up? However, DHL was really far from me, so I negotiated that they would deliver it to my husband’s work the next day. When the package came, (I thought it was going to be two new passports. Yea !!) it contained two REJECTED passports. It turns out, my daughter had her hair in a ponytail, and was rejected for shadows behind the ears. My picture looked the same, but my hair was long and down behind my ears, and so one could not see the shadows. So, remember:: do not wear your hair in a ponytail. Then you can avoid shadow pblms. But, both our pictures were deemed to be “unclear” and so both were rejected.
Besides all this photo rejection stuff, I have other frustrations I need advise on. It turns out that PASSPORT canada sent the two rejected passports to the wrong address. Passport Canada only put our street address [and not our UNIT number] on the envelope. Therefore, when DHL came to deliver them two weeks ago, DHL didn’t know which UNIT we were in and so these envelopes went back to the DHL office and then sat for two weeks. Two weeks ago, DHL had then called the phone number from the front of one envelope, but PASSPORT CANADA had typed in our phone number wrong, and so they did not get through. DHL did not bother calling the number on the front of the second envelope (that number was a correct phone number). They just let the two envelopes sit there for two weeks, until a DHL employee finally searched for us on the internet and found a local phone number for us.
This delay means that we will not have our passports re-submitted and processed in time for our vacation.
I would like to complain to someone senior at Passport Canada about all this. Any suggestions where I can write a letter to? Their employees should be extremely diligent about what address they type in and inevitably send vital passport (and related) paperwork to. By sending all my and my daughter’s passport info. to our address without our UNIT number, it is putting us in a dangerous situation …..all this really important paperwork could have ended up in anyone’s hand.
on May 11th, 2008 at 1:12 am
The solution has already been posted here, but it bears repeating - just ask someone with computer knowledge to digitally remove the shadows! It shouldn’t take them more than ten minutes and if they know what they’re doing with the software, the result will be perfect.
on May 23rd, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Does anyone know of a photo lab that will take the appropriate photos in the Triangle area of North Carolina?
on May 24th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
I am a Canadian living in Los Angeles, and although I do not currently do passport photos, I understand what causes the shadows on the background and how to avoid them.
Those “shadows behind the ears” are unavoidable if you just stand with a wall very close behind you.
One solution is to stand far enough away from the wall, so that your shadow falls lower on the wall behind you, and it’s not in the picture.
A second solution is to ask your photographer to use a separate “background light”.
If you are standing, or preferably seated on a stool, this light would be placed low, behind the stool and aimed up at the middle of the backdrop. It will keep the backdrop light and bleach out any “behind the ears” shadows created by the main light or flash on the camera.
I hope this helps. Thank you all for the useful info.
on May 24th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
*** UPDATE ***
Fort Lauderdale, FL Canadian Passport Photos
My photos were approved and I received my passport thanks to the photos taken at GOLDEN PASSPORT PHOTOS in Fort Lauderdale. (The JC Penny photos DID NOT work.)
Golden PassPort Photos
1891 W Oakland Park Blvd
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33311
Phone: (954) 739-5190
Hopefully this will be of assistance. =)
on June 2nd, 2008 at 2:17 pm
I live in Iowa and have been to two places to get photos taken. The first, Walgreens, would not cut them to the required 2 x 2 3/4 size. They said I would have to do myself. Knowing I have shaky fingers at best, I went to a local photographer who argued with me over what consituted a shadow. His photo was very nice, but I was not looking for a high school yearbook photo. I paid him anyway (grrrr…) and then after some calling around, I was told by Passport Canada to try Walmart. Sure enough, I called Walmart before I drove out there and they have the template on hand for Canadian photos (in Iowa, who knew!). Funny thing is, after reading that Passport Canada will accept 2 x 2 photos (a la US size), when I spoke with Passport Canada they said “absolutely not, it must be 2 x 2 3/4″. But, the consulate general in MN, said “2 x 2 is fine”. Whatever, I am going with the 2 x 2 3/4 to be safe. I am heading to Walmart soon to get the photos taken and hopefully, I will have my passport in hand by the time I travel this fall.
on June 2nd, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Here we go again!! Second set of photos rejected. Will be going to Hassan Photo in Phoenix to get them done right this time…I hope. What a large pain in the ***!! I knew there was a reason I left Canada and their assinine government.
on June 2nd, 2008 at 5:45 pm
thank you nikki
on June 3rd, 2008 at 1:31 pm
No….you are not the only one. I had my photos rejected 3 times. The last time there were NO shadows….IT WAS MY HAIR! Now they want extra proof (drivers license) of who I am. I have been trying to get a new passport since March
on June 16th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
When in the Boston area, and in need for a Canadian Passport Photo, you can visit, MATILDES’S PHOTO & FRAMING, at 441 Stuart St. Boston, MA 02116.
Our photos NEVER have any shadows, and our studio is Canadian Consulate recommended.
We guarantee you the Perfect Picture all the time.
Merci,
Matilde/President & Owner
www.matildesphoto.com
617 859 8922
on June 21st, 2008 at 1:40 pm
hey Everyone
I thought I was the only going through ALL these problems .My husband is in the military and you move around alot its hard to find a guarantors.Guarantors can be other Canadian Passport horlders(good luck finding one close in your area).As for the passport pictures they have given me So much heartburn that I want to give up and write canada a nasty letter.I think that the Canadian Embassy should have ALL the services in the Embassy/Consulate .The other thing that I think is crazy that you have to send all your I.D in too,But I just found out that you can get the Consulate to copy it & fax it to the passport office,But the crazy thing is they dont take the passport apps.There has got to be a way we can change this if we all just put our heads together.
there’s is a place in dallas
ASA Photo & 1 Hour Lab
2215 S Collins St Ste B
Arlington, TX 76010
Phone: (817) 860-7443
on June 25th, 2008 at 12:40 am
We do Canadian Passport Photos on a daily basis at both of our 2 locations $16.99 for 4 photos. We have all the specs and are familar with the complexity of the photos. Come see us soon!
www.wilsoncamera.com
Wilson Camera & Portrait Studio
3142 E. Camelback Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85016
602-955-6773
Wilson Camera & Portrait Studio
4320 N. Miller Rd. #101
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480-990-3150
on June 26th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Anyone know of a good photo shop in Dallas, TX area (Carrollton / Lewisville would be nice!) to get these ridiculous Canadian Passport Photos. I have to travel soon, and I don’t want to risk rejection if possible.
on June 28th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
We are doing Canadian passport photos in California’s Central Valley. We are Magic Moments Portraits and are located in Clovis, California (which runs together with Fresno). We have had great success in following all the rules!
Magic Moments Portraits Inc.
141 W. Shaw Ave.
Clovis, CA 93612
559-323-0597
on June 30th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
I’m an expat and work in Washington, DC and live in NoVa and am having a hard time finding anyone in the area that will do Canadian Passport Photos. Motophoto in Penn Quarter told me flat out they no longer do them as they’ve had too many Canadians return upset that their photos were rejected.
I’m pulling my hair out!
on July 16th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Went to two places in Westchester, NY said they will no longer do Canadian photos because they get rejected despite following the guidelines perfecty. Found a guy in White Plains, NY who photo-shopped out the smidgen of shadow. Just got the call: REJECTED! Lady told me Sears or JC Penney, but I know others have had those photos rejected. Passport Canada is nuts - they must have a deal with US photographers - think of all the money wasted on this.
on July 26th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
This page makes me feel much better - I guess misery loves company. The rest of my family went from Houston to Roatan for a scuba diving vacation today, but Continental wouldn’t let me board the plane because my Canadian passport expires in 70 days, and it must have 90 days left on it (even if you have a return ticket in 7 days). So, I have to get an emergency passport from the office in Dallas on Monday, submit my application by mail to Hull, and hopefully get flights via San Pedro Sula to Roatan on Tuesday. Regarding the ridiculous photo process, FedEx Kinko’s took my pic last time, and it was accepted, but judging from your experiences, I’m not hopeful it will be that easy this time.
on July 27th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
If you are looking for passport photos (Canadian) in the los angeles area, I got my photos done at Prism Photo Imaging a Kodak Store in Downtown Los Angeles (Macys Plaza) . They were cool people and the got the photos right on . Very Helpful too…
I located them through the superpages
www.Prismphotoimaging.com
Tel: 213-629-4000
on July 28th, 2008 at 5:24 am
I am so glad I found this site which also makes me so scared! I live in New Jersey, after I booked my 9/4 air tickets, found out my passport already expired! Waht can I do now? I shopped around last Saturday, no one can guarantee my photo won’t be rejected! since I only have around 5 weeks, I can’t afford to have the rejection. I am planning to go to Canada to get my passport this weekend, do you guys think they are going to let me do the urgent application? I can’t stay there like a week to get my passport.
on July 29th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Are you in Boston?
Need Canadian, British, French, Colombian, Russian, German, Australian, Brazilian, or any other country’s Passport Photos? Yes! We can do it!
Call us: 617 859 8922, or www.matildesphoto.com
on July 30th, 2008 at 10:15 am
I called the local consulate and told them my passport was rejected due to the pictures and if they recommended somewhere in the Denver Metro area. She responded immediately Wolf Camera in the 16th street mall. I imagine they get asked this frequently as she just rattled off the address and the photographer.
Long story short, call your local consulate and ask where to get your pics.
on July 31st, 2008 at 12:23 am
Does anyone know where to get Canadian Passport Photos in the Milwaukee Wisconsin Area?
Thanks
Luz.
on July 31st, 2008 at 1:05 pm
If you are looking to get a canadian passport in PHOENIX go to:
HASSAN PHOTOGRAPHY
444 W.Camelback
phoenix AZ 85013
They are perofessional and I got thire name from counsulat in LA
They Just charge $15.00
on August 2nd, 2008 at 5:18 pm
After the third rejection I finally called the Canadian Consulate in Los Angeles and they gave me the name of the following photo studio in SAN DIEGO:
FOTO FINISH DIGITAL
3525 Del Mar Heights Road
San Diego, CA 92130
Thompson Smith
Tel. (858)755-3686
Cost: $13.95
Voila - it worked. I now have my new passport.
on August 3rd, 2008 at 4:13 pm
I am in the Woodland, TX, which is 40 miles north of Houston. Does anyone know a place to take Canadian passport photo in this area? Thanks.
on August 5th, 2008 at 11:38 am
Hi,
Anyone know of a place in Indianapolis or near it that can do Canadian passport photos well?
Thanks