Photo Upload
Requirement Guidelines
of Photograph forPassport
for Indian BCMG
Sample PhotoRequirements
The photograph should be in colour and of the size of 2 inch x 2 inch
(51 mm x 51 mm) and The digital size of file should not exceed 100 KB each and
must not be less than 20 KB. Minimum resolution of the file should be 350 pixels
(Width) X 350 pixels (Height) and maximum 1000 pixels (Width) X 1000 pixels
(Height). Bit Depth of image file should be 24 bit and DPI range should be
between 200 and 300.
The photo‐print should be clear and with acontinuous‐tone quality.
It should have full face, front view, eyes open.
Photo should present full head from top of hair to bottom of chin.
Center head within frame.
The background should be a plain white or off‐white.
There should not be any distracting shadows on the face or on the background.
Head coverings are not permitted except for religious reasons, but the facial
features from bottom of chin to top of forehead and both edges of the face must be
clearly shown.
The expression on the face should look natural.
Sample of the Photo
Do’s and Dont’s for a Proper photo
Thephotoshouldcapturefullface,frontview,witheyesopen.
The head should be in the centre of the frame.
There should be no distracting shadows on the face or background.
Samples
distracting background not centered
Make sure photo presents full head from top of hair to bottom of chin; height of
head should measure 1 inch to 1‐3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm). Make sure eye
height is between 1‐1/8 inches to 1‐3.
Sample
Lighting on face and background
The light should be even and balanced to avoid shadows on the face.
Background behind the face should be properly illuminated to avoid shadows in
the
background.
Samples
shadows behind head
shadows across the face
Photograph PrintProperties
The photograph should be in size 2 inch x 2 inch (51 mm x 51 mm) and in colour.
Print photo on thin photo paper or stock.
Ensure the print is clear and hasa continuous‐tone quality.
Do not retouch or otherwise enhance or soften the photo.
Samples
blurred ink‐marked/creased
Resolution and Printing Quality
High‐resolution photography and printing are strongly recommended.
Both conventional and digital photography are acceptable, and conventional or
digital printing methods may be used.
Resulting print should exhibit a continuous‐tone quality regardless of the print
method used (dye sublimation, ink jet, laser, etc.)
Digitally printed photos should be produced without visible pixels or dot patterns
Fine facial features should be discernible.
Samples
washed out colours pixelated
Contrast and Colour
Brightness and contrast should be adjusted to present the subject and background
accurately.
Photos without proper contrastorcolour may obscure uniquefacial features.
Colour should reproduce natural skin tones.
Fluorescent or other lighting with unbalanced colour may cause unwanted colour
cast in the photo. Appropriate filters can eliminate improper colour balance.
Samples
looking away unnatural skin tones
Head & Eyes‐ Position and Background
Headshould face the camera directly andshould not tilt orturned (portrait style).
Photo must show both edges of the face clearly.
The eyes must be open, level and clearly visible and must not be covered by hairs
or eyeglass frames.
Samples
hairs across eyes eyes closed
Eyeglasses
Glare on eyeglasses should be avoided with a slight upward or downward tilt of the
head.
No tinted or dark glasses.
Samples
dark tinted lenses flash reflection on lenses
Head coverings are not permitted except for religious reasons, but the facial
features from bottom of chin to top of forehead and both edges of the face must be
clearly shown.
Samples
Exposure and Lighting
There should not be any overexposure or under‐exposure which results in an
unusable photo.
There should be a three‐point balanced lighting. Facial features should be clearly
evident in the photo.
Lighting should be adjusted to avoid shadows on the face or background. Diffuse
sources of light, such as umbrella lights, are preferable to point sources.
Samples
too dark too light
Flexibility in Childrens' photographs
As regards the photograph of the children under ten years of age, requirements can
be somewhat relaxed in respect of height of the face, and the position of the eyes in
the photographs; and in case of babies and infants also, the position of the face, the
facial expression, the eyes and the line of sight can havesome relaxation. However,
a frontal photograph with clarity is required for children. It should show the child
alone (no chair backs, toys or other people visible), looking at the camera with a
neutral expression and the mouth closed.
Samples
shows background mouth open and
toy close to face
Photographs taken with a digital camera should be of high quality colour.
Dos and Don’ts for Photographs
Sl. No. Dos DONT's
1. Paste ONLY ONE COLOUR Do not paste black and white
photograph as per the photograph
specifications given below
2. Paste your recent passport Dimensions of photograph should
size photograph of 2 inch * 2 not be smaller than the box of 2 inch
inch (51 mm * 51 mm) in * 2 inch (51 mm * 51 mm) provided
colour in the box meant for in the application form.
affixing the photograph
3. Background of the photograph Photograph with dark background or
should be plain white and the in uniform, or with eyes hidden under
dress should be in dark colour coloured or dark glasses will not be
accepted
4. Photograph should fit within Photograph in computer print will not
the given box be accepted
5. Frontal view of the full face Photograph is NOT to be signed
should be visible in the
photograph
6. Photograph should be printed Distracting shadows on the face or on
on good quality photo paper the background should not be there
7. Print of the photograph shouldEyes must not be covered by hair.
be clear and with a Glares on eyeglasses should be
continuous-tone quality avoided with a slight upward or
downward tilt of the head
8. Expression of the face should Photograph should not be damaged,
be natural (no grinning, for example: torn, creased, or marked
frowning or raised eyebrows)
9. Eyes must be open and both Head coverings are not permitted
edges of face must be clearly except for religious reasons, but the
visible facial features from bottom of chin to
top of forehead and both edges of the
face must be clearly visible
10. Head should be in the centre Photographs cut from group
of the frame and both ears photographs are not acceptable
should be visible