Selfies as Passport Photos: Considerations and Limitations for Self-Portrait Passport Images

A selfie is a photographed self-portrait taken with a smartphone. Smartphones often have a camera on both the front and back (front camera) while a digital camera does not. The preview is often in mirror image (the smartphone works as a mirror) so that left and right on the screen match left and right in reality for the person taking the selfie.

The photo is normally saved as seen by an observer facing the person in the photo, so different from the preview.

Rules for Using a Selfie for a Passport Photo

Using a selfie for a passport photo is not recommended. On many smartphones, the selfie view is slightly distorted, making the photo an unnatural representation of reality. It is therefore better to have someone else take the photo.

However, if you still want to use a selfie, it is best to use a selfie stick. A selfie stick allows you to hold the phone at a distance from your face, making it easier to avoid distortions and take a more natural-looking photo.