Are you a French living in Miami and looking to take photos for your French passport? Luckily, there is more than one way to get a French passport photo in Miami. In this guide, we will delve into several ways to get compliant French passport photos and share useful tips to get a good photo result.
French Passport Photo Size & Requirements
Before you find a place to take the photo, it is important to understand the French passport photo requirements. See the list below:
- Recency
Only 1 photo in color is needed for French passport applications and the photo must be taken no more than 6 months before your submission.
- Size
The required photo size is 35 mm (width) x 45 mm (height). The applicant’s face should occupy 70 to 80% of the photo. The height from the top of the head (hair not included) to the bottom of the chin should be between 32 mm to 36 mm.
- Background
The photo background needs to be plain and in light colors, such as light grey and blue. A white background is allowed according to the Consulate General of France in Miami.
- Shadows
Overexposed or underexposed photos are not acceptable and there should be no shadows cast on the face or in the background.
- Pose
Sit straight with both shoulders relaxed and even. Your head should not be tilted and you should face the front.
- Hair
Your hair should not cover any features of your face, including your ears. If you have bangs, make sure they don’t cover your eyes.
- Facial expression
Look directly into the camera with a neutral expression. Your eyes should be open and your mouth should be closed.
- Accessories
Headwear, such as hats and headbands, are not allowed whereas earrings and piercings are acceptable as long as they don’t affect the recognition of your facial features. Glasses are suggested to be taken off when you take the photo, but if you have to wear them, their frames should not be thick or cover your eyes. Tinted, colored and reflective lenses are not acceptable.
Where to Take Photo for French Passport in Miami
There are mainly 3 ways to get a French passport photo in Miami. You can get one in retail stores or photo studios, or create one by yourself using online services. Each way has its pros and cons.
Retail Stores
Retail stores in Miami offer passport photo services. They are usually chain stores with professional equipment and staff for taking passport photos. You can always get a French passport photo near me and you don’t need to make appointments before you go.
CVS
CVS are chain pharmacies that are located all across the US. They have KODAK Moments Passport & ID Photo System kiosks in most stores. The system is available for taking and printing passport photos of various sizes. You can follow the instructions at the kiosk or ask the staff to help you with the service. The cost of getting 2 French passport-size photos is $16.99. The opening hour of CVS is 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, but it may vary from location to location.
Walmart
Walmart are chain supermarkets in the US that also provide passport photo services. Although either its in-store service or online tool only makes passport photos that follow the US guidelines, you can still have your French passport photo printed at Walmart. Just upload your photo online and pick it up at a nearby Walmart or have it delivered to your home. Printing your own photo for 2 copies will cost you less than $1.00. Most Walmart stores open at 7:00 am to 23:00 pm. Some are available 24/7.
Photography Studios Specializing in Passport Photos
There are many photo studios in Miami that specialize in taking passport photos with the most updated requirements. Whether you need the photo for passport renewal or other applications, they are familiar with the requirements. You can simply follow their instructions and get your passport photo hassle-free.
Postal Annex
Postal Annex is the biggest retail shipping and business service center in the US and it provides professional passport photo service including taking and printing photos. However, the Postal Annex will strictly follow the US criteria when they take passport photos. For French passport photos, you can create a compliant photo at home and have it printed at the Postal Annex store. No appointment is required.
📍Address:
8835 SW 107th Avenue
Miami, FL 33176-1411
⏰Opening hour:
- 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Monday – Friday
- 10: am – 4:00 pm Saturday
- Closed on Sunday
💰Cost: $14.99 for 2 passport photos
Lloyd’s Studio
Lloyd’s Studio provides passport photos for most countries, including France. Before you go, it is necessary to make an appointment. You can send them an e-mail or call at 561-923-8024 or 561-394-8399. Remember to bring your spec sheet when you attend the appointment.
📍Address:
233 South Federal Highway Suite
102 Boca Raton, FL. 33432.
⏰Opening hour:
- 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Monday – Friday
- 10:00 am- 5:00 pm Saturday
- Closed on Sunday
💰Cost: To be comfirmed
Picture Tek Studio
Picture Tek Studio is a photo studio that offers passport photos for all countries. They are familiar with the requirements of a French passport photo so you don’t need to provide the specification. No appointment is required.
📍Address:
242 NW 183rd St
Miami Gardens, FL 33169
📱Phone: (305) 653-0211
⏰Opening hour:
- 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Monday – Friday
- 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Saturday
- Closed on Sunday
💰Cost: To be confirmed
Online Passport Photo Services
Apart from going to a location to have your passport photo taken, you can also take a photo at home and make it compliant with the official requirement using online passport photo services. In this way, you can obtain a passport photo without going out of your house, saving time and cost.
AiPassportPhotos
AiPassportPhotos is an online passport photo generator that can create a compliant French passport photo in 15 seconds.
It will automatically resize your homemade photo and change its background according to the French passport specification. You can have access to the online service 24/7 and downloading a digital photo is completely free. If you need to print the photo, you can take the file to a printing store.
Passport-photo.online
Passport-photo.online is an online photo maker similar to AiPassportPhotos that resizes and removes the background of your selected photo to meet the French passport photo standards. You can download a digital photo at €8.95 or you can pay €11.95 for both the digital and print-out photos with free shipping. The service is available 24/7.
How to Meet French Passport Photo Standards with Online Photo Services
If you choose to use online photo services for your passport photos, you need to make sure the photo you upload meets the French passport standards. Otherwise, your photo will be rejected even with the proper size and background. Here are some suggestions for taking a French passport photo at home:
- Plain background
Although the photo background will be changed by the online photo makers, it is best to set a plain background when you take the photo at home. If possible, you can set up a big white cloth. If not, remove all the unnecessary stuff in the back to create a plain background as much as possible.
- Good lighting
Choose a place near the window with good lighting during the daytime. Having enough natural light is important for the photo shoot because you need to avoid any shadow on your face or in the background.
- Proper equipments
If you are taking the photo by yourself, you need to prepare a tripod and a smartphone. Set the tripod and fix your smartphone on it before you start taking the photo.
- Suitable outfits
You should wear daily outfits with color contrasts to the photo background, such as black and red.
- Relax posture
When you take the photo, stay about 1 meter away from the camera. Make sure you face the camera with your shoulders relax and even.
- Neutral expression
A neutral expression is suggested. Keep your eyes open and your mouth closed. No exagerated expression is allowed, including smiling, grinning, frowning, etc.
What to Consider When Choosing a Passport Photo Service
After going through all the options for getting a French passport photo, you can choose a service based on your personal needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider when making a decision:
- Fee
Getting passport photos at photo studios may result in the highest cost among all options whereas retail stores’ charges are more affordable. Some online services, such as AiPassportPhotos, is completely free.
- Processing time
Online photo makers can be accessed 24/7. You can generate your passport photo anytime you want in minutes. If you choose to get a photo at a retail store or a photo studio, you need to consider the time required for appointments and you may need to take the day off to have the photo taken.
- Location
For retail stores, you can find a location near you in Miami, but for photo studios, they can be far from your home. Check the distance between your selected studio and your home before you make a decision. If you don’t want to go out of your house at all, an online service may suit you.
- Photo quality
Taking your passport photo at a professional photo studio will ensure the quality. Not only will it be compliant, but also you can have a photo outcome that you are satisfied with. That being said, both services online and at the retail stores offer compliance checks as well.
- Efficiency
Taking passport photos at a location may require appointments or it is possible you have to wait in line during rush hour. This can be avoided if you make your passport photo at home online.
Tips for a Beautiful French Passport Photo
Whether you take your French passport photo outside or at home, it is always important to have a good-looking result because a passport photo will stick with you for years. Here are some tips for making a beautiful passport photo:
- Natural makeup
Makeup makes you look better in a photo, but make sure it is light and natural. Only use colors that match your skin tone.
- Neat hairstyle
Go for a simple hairstyle you wear every day. Keep it neat and make sure your hair doesn’t cover your eyes. For men, you can get a haircut a week before you take your photo. It will make you look fresh and smart.
- No white outfits
Since the background color is light grey or blue, wearing white or light colors may make you blend into the background. Dark colors, such as black, are recommended.
- Keep off the accessories
Although some accessories such as earrings are acceptable, it is best to remove them to create a clean and professional image.
- Show a relaxed face
A neutral expression doesn’t mean you have to look serious or angry in the photo. Keep your mouth closed but your jaw loose so that you have a relaxed and friendly face.
- Take a dozen photos
Whether you are taking the photos at home or a photo studio, make sure you have at least a few photos to choose. Among the compliant photos, you can choose the one you like.
FAQ
Where is the cheapest place to get a passport photo?
Some online passport photo makers are completely free, such as AiPassportPhotos.
Can I use my iPhone to take a passport photo?
Yes. You can take a passport photo with an iPhone at home and make it compliant using online photo generators.
What to wear for a French passport photo?
Daily outfits with a dark color are recommended for a French passport photo. Avoid colors that are similar to the photo background.
What color is the background on a French passport photo?
The background color of a French passport photo is blue or light grey.
Conclusion
We have walked you through the main three ways of getting a French passport photo in Miami. Each way has its advantages in terms of cost, efficiency, quality and more. If you want a hassle-free process without studying the requirements, you can reach a professional photo studio or a retail store. If you want to save cost and get a passport photo quickly, an online passport photo service may suit you the most.