USCIS ANNOUNCES CHANGE IN PHOTO STANDARD TO TAKE EFFECT AUGUST

USCIS ANNOUNCES CHANGE IN PHOTO STANDARD TO TAKE EFFECT AUGUST
August 2ND, 2004

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Digital Photography and Printing
Using digital photography to produce passport and visa photos involves more
than just photographing subjects with a digital camera. That is just the first
step, the image capture step, of a multi-step process that also includes image
display and image printing using computer and printer equipment. Each of
these components — can influence either positively or negatively — the final
printed photo that will be ted for the passport or visa. The following
recommendations for each of these digital components will ensure high-quality
photos.
Digital Camera
Digital cameras are principally characterized by their image resolution or megapixel
capacities; from low-resolution (less than 1 mega-pixel) to high-resolution
(greater than 1 mega-pixel) to advanced high-resolution (4 mega-pixels or
more). The camera''s resolution is the most critical feature in producing highquality
photographs. For U.S. passport and visa photographs, a digital camera
with a resolution of 1 mega-pixel will be more than adequate for capturing the
image and producing the final photo that conforms to the dimensions specified
on this web site.
These cameras generally have automatic features for controlling many of the
photographic qualities emphasized on the preceding web pages. Care should
be taken not to rely totally on these controls since each subject — facial
characteristics, clothing, facial movement, etc. — can vary and may not be
accommodated for by the automatic settings.
Cameras with a direct electronic camera-to-computer interface are preferable
to those requiring the use of an external memory card. Data transfers will
occur much faster and allow for verification of a good image being stored in
the computer. If a retake is required because the subject blinked or moved, it
would be more convenient than taking several shots to be sure of a good one
and then downloading them via the memory card.
Computer
The computer is the central component in digital photography. It stores and
displays the digital images from the digital camera and enables those images
http://travel.state.gov/passport/guide/digital/digital_880.html (1 of 3) [5/2/2007 4:43:14 PM]