Job Discussion Forums

[chinesecanadian2004]

hi all.

i've read that it's a must to bring a bunch of passport sized photos w/ you. i was wondering if there are strict guidlines that pertain to them. i ask this in light of reading this

http://www.ppt.gc.ca/passports/get_photo_specs_e.asp#dimensions

(i.e. dimensions, stamp, signature, paper, etc)

if all they need are simple pictures of me, then i can just print them off myself from my computer. i'd rather do this than getting it done professionally.

btw, i'll be using them in china if that helps.
thanks.

[bukowski1234]

The photo must be a Polaroid. This is requisite because (theoretically) Polaroids cannot be manipulated to disguise your appearance. If you're having your passport photo made, go to someone who knows what he's doing, because there IS a size requirement as well as an appearance requirement. (One of the ears must be visible).

I've never been able to see any standard sizes among the requested sizes for visas. The Chinese consulate does not specify a size, but a wallet-sized one is what they're looking for.

For the visa, your best bet is to go to a local camera store that actually ADVERTISES that it can produce passport photos. Most of the time, they're REALLY BAD but they meet the specifications of INS and will satisfy the Chinese consulate.

I had my recent photos taken at a local walgreen's drug store.

I needed 1 to accompany my medical exam (make sure the doctor or the clinic stamps the back of it with the doctor's or the clinic's name).

I needed 1 for my visa (which I submitted to the consulate along with my visa application and my medical survey).

When i arrive, i understand that i will need 2 more for my residency permit.

Passport cameras usually take TWO photos at once, so when you have them made, tell the photographer that you will need a total of FOUR Polaroids.

One more thing: when you get your pictures made, swallow your pride. At best, the pictures will look like a good driver's license photo. At worst, they'll look like those mugshots in the post office.

[naturegirl321]

In China, you can get 8 for 8 kuai, a little more that a US dollar. Get them done here, they give you the reprints as well.

[bukowski1234]

Well, okay, that's good to know. That's a heck of a lot less than what they cost here.

A photo is still needed for the medical exam. I imagine that would have to be taken in the home country rather than in China.

[lajzar]

Bukowski, I suspect a lot of the details you gave are only relevant to one authority. Different countries may well have different expectations of these photos.

[chinesecanadian2004]

thanks for the replies. passport photos are quite expensive here so i'll wait until i get there.

[bukowski1234]

Lajzar,

What makes you suspect that?

If you think you can use a photo from an inkjet printer, go ahead, use one. Polaroid is being kept alive primarily by documentary photography like that which is used on visas and passports.

Why? because the likelihood of producing a manipulated image with the peel-apart technology image is next to nil.

Why? Because it makes processing quick and easy, especially when the photo is taken on-premises or close to the agency which issues the paperwork.

Why? Because Polaroid Passport cameras are the standard for this type of photography. The cameras allow inexperienced photographers produce photos to most country's immigrations specifications. There's a template inside the camera which tells the operator where to place the head so that it is exactly 1" high. It also produces a 2x2" finished image, which is what you'll find on most, if not ALL passports.

Why? because the film used for passports does NOT require nor does it create a usable negative. (Type 54 B&W will produce a negative similar to conventional silver halide process films, but this type of film is usable ONLY in 4"x5" film holders which are used in view cameras. B&W film is available for passport cameras, but it is not used often. It would make more sense to use a B&W print because of the prevalence of document copying at consulates ).

Why? Because Polaroid now produces a verification stamp on the back of the photos to show that it is a proof type of image which is an original and not a copy.

Why? Because Polaroid Pasport film's archival qualities are deliberately short-lived.

Why? Because polaroid is cost-effective for the professional photographer.

Go ahead. Use your yearbook picture or anything except Polaroid. See what happens. The Embassy specs may not say Polaroid, but if you submit something else, it'll be rejected, especially if you use a Visa service to handle your paperwork. I just got off the phone with a Visa service in Washington and was told that "conceivably" someone could get away with something other than a Polaroid, but it wasn't likely unless you were applying in a country like Nigeria.

Chinese Canadian, when you get your pics in China, they'll probably be Polaroids. If not, the beer's on me.

Bukowski1234
25 year attendee of Photokine
30 year sponsor/attendee of PhotoExpo

[chinesecanadian2004]

wow, we just got schooled.

i'll take you up on that beer tho

[Gordon]

Bukowski,
If you`re bluffing, then I`d hate to play poker with you.
BTW I believe you.

[bukowski1234]

I've led double and triple lives at times out of economic necessity. I've worked as a professional writer for twenty years and a commercial photographer for over twenty-five. I've been through the passport photo phase. I know that market pretty well.

I know my stuff in photography. Just don't ask me to talk baseline curves for developers and all of that darkroom stuff. I did darkroom work for a few years and hated it. It's a totally different art.

The peel-apart Polaroid is nearly universal mainly because it produces only positive, original images and it is cost-effective. This could change, however. Anyone who owns any of those wonderful, cheap I-Zone cameras knows what I'm talking about. The technology of that film rivals anything on the market-- similar or dissimilar. Put that in a larger format and you've got a very high quality film.

The acceptance of the standard peel-apart film is a bit weird considering the fact that it has a poor exposure latitude, and the film tends to produce greenish images as it ages. If you get your passport photos done and they look green, you know why.

Sorry if i came on too strong. I had spent the better part of the morning nailing down the requirements for a Z visa from the PRC and finally got the paperwork out the door. I HOPE I got it all right. I'll find out next week.

Cheers

[Louis]

Wow. Not to contradict our photo expert, but all my Chinese work permit/visa/whatever pictures were done in town, regular film, 11 kuai. Perhaps the Chinese authorities aren't as picky...

[naturegirl321]

[bukowski1234]

FOR YOUR PASSPORT!?

I can believe that the photos for the resident permit would be traditional film photos.

Unless you saw the negatives and saw the lab guy cut the "regular" picture to size (or did it yourself) don't be too sure of that.

There's always the first, and there's always the untapped market. I just can't believe that some enterprising guy in China hasn't gotten hold of a used polaroid camera and set up shop. A polaroid camera and a case of film ( $600.00) about is a LOT cheaper than a standard 35mm camera and a film processor (about $5,500.00).

Bukowski1234

[lajzar]

The main point I had issue with was about one of the ears must be visible. I wasnt thinking of polaroid at all when I posted.

[zaneth]

Russian authorities use regular film. Polaroid's for foreigners in a hurry. Some even use digital, printed to photographic film (which surprised me). I was recently told by the US embassy that the picture for my daughter's passport could be printed off a computer or whatever. They said the exact resolution specifications are listed on the website. Not sure if I believe them, but I'll give it a try, as getting my daughter into a polaroid place will be a major hassle.

I heard two ears from somebody. One will be a relief, much easier to get a one eared pic of a little kid, you know?

The government offices here always have some photo place nearby. The photoplaces always seem to know what the requirements are. Hang on to your extras, you never know when they'll come in handy.