How to take Photo ID and Passport pictures using a Photo Id or Passport Camera.  
 

These instructions are designed to help with how to take photo ids or passport pictures using a photo id or passport camera.  To compare camera features, please review our Photo ID Camera Comparison Chart.   
 

1. Load either photo id film (up to 4 pictures) or passport film (2 pictures) according to film package instructions.
2. Have person stand or sit in front of solid, light-colored background either blank wall, backdrop, or projection screen.
3. Steady camera on a (non) power pedestal or tripod.
4. Select number of exposures.
5. Set exposure control usually 13 - 14 for color and 3 - 5 for black and white.
6. Hold camera with both hands and press aim button.  Two aiming lights will extend from camera and should be located on the subject’s mouth/nose.  Move camera and pedestal or tripod forward or back until aiming lights meet as one, then camera is at the correct distance from the subject.  Remove finger from button and lights will extinguish.  Note: older models may only have one aiming light.
7. Depress booster button if extra light is needed to brighten subject’s face.  Only push button once to activate, LCD or LED will indicate activation.  The booster will automatically reset when film is pulled from camera.
9. Press the shutter button and take picture.
10. Follow instruction lights or screen directions.  For LED panel, indicator lights will illuminate and show progress through each step of the photo taking process.  For LCD (liquid crystal display) panels, words and characters will appear providing photo taking instructions.
11. Pull film.  Pull first tab all the way out in one continuous motion then pull second tab in same fashion.
12. Wait for film to develop.  Either wait specified amount of time or for timer to beep indicating film is done processing.
    

Dark band with triangle notch in picture ::
The white tab was pulled out of sequence. If the white tab is pulled before taking the photo, the first print will be totally black (unexposed). When normal tab-pulling sequence is resumed, the picture will have a double-image area with darker band and triangle notch at one end. Please take photo, pull white tab then pull black tab (film leader).

U-shaped pattern in photo id pictures ::
This U-shaped pattern is caused when the film is loaded incorrectly and a white film tab gets tucked under the film pack during loading. To load correctly, hold white tabs flat between thumb and forefinger of one hand while inserting the film pack into the film cavity of the camera with other hand.

Missing corner to one of the photo id pictures ::
There are two reasons this could have occurred. The first, and most frequent, cause is that the film leader was pulled at an angle causing the developer to spread unevenly – usually missing one corner. Or if this is an isolated occurrence, the film cartridge has a broken front seal and is defective. To prevent this from happening, avoid pulling the film leader to the right or left or toward the front or back of the camera.

Streaks and marks on photo id pictures ::
In most instances, this is caused when the film leader is pulled crookedly or at an angle causing the positive to separate from the negative immediately after the film exits the camera. Otherwise, the film may have curled while in storage if the pack was stored in heat/humidity.

White specks on photo id pictures ::
White specks are caused when air is mixed with the developer causing voids (white specks) in the image. This is caused by (a) the film being pulled too rapidly from the photo id or passport camera or (b) the film being pulled too slowly from the photo id or passport camera. Film should be transported from the camera using a smooth, moderate pull speed.

Yellow area appearing on photo id images ::
The appearance of a yellow area on photo id images is due to the misalignment of the positive and negative and by insufficient developer coverage. This is caused, in most cases, by the film leader being pulled crookedly. To prevent this from happening, avoid pulling the film leader to the right or left or toward the front or back of the camera. Grasp film leader between thumb and forefinger and pull the film straight.

Foggy (hazy) pictures ::
The hazy or white fogginess of the images indicates that the film was pre-exposed to light before the picture was taken. This can be caused by a light leak in the photo id or passport camera when the camera back is not properly mounted. To prevent this from happening, avoid opening the back of the camera. If it is necessary to open the camera for any reason i.e. cleaning the rollers, be careful not to dislodge the film.

Pictures too light/too dark ::
Photos that are too light are caused by an overexposure to light. Conversely, images that are too dark are underexposed to light. An incorrect aperture setting, shutter speed or strobe (flash) output can cause either of these two results. Check each of these items and adjust the lighten/darken control accordingly.

Reddish and mottled appearance ::
Pictures with a reddish and mottled appearance have been underdeveloped and were developed for a shorter time than needed. Be sure to develop pictures for the recommended amount of time as indicated on the film boxes, camera back, or when the camera indicates the image is developed sufficiently.

Totally white/ totally black picture ::
The film has either been exposed to too much light (totally white image) or not exposed to enough (if any) light (black image). For totally white image, a partially used film pack may have been inserted causing the first image to be white or the shutter stayed open too long or did not close. Opening the camera and accidentally dislodging film pack can also cause the totally white image. In the case of a totally black image, the shutter may not have opened and prevented any light from hitting the film.

Evenly spaced marks on pictures ::
Dirty rollers cause this problem when dust, plastic particles or dried developer stick to the rollers. Clean camera rollers. Cleaning rollers regularly as preventive maintenance is help prevent this from happening.

Greenish color and appear faded or mottled ::
Heat and humidity are the major causes of this problem. The film was either stored at a temperature above 105 degrees (40 degrees Celsius) for an extended period of time or the film was exposed to high heat before taking the picture. In order to avoid this problem, check that the film is being stored in a cool, dry (not humid) location away from radiation and direct sunlight.

Blue (blue/green) and too dark ::
Pictures that are too dark and have a blue (blue/green) coloring are caused when the picture is taken with a film temperature below 55 degrees F. This can occur if the film was stored in a cold area and not allowed to return to room temperature prior to use or if the film was kept at room temperature but pictures were taken and developed in cold surroundings. Freezing or chilling film does not preserve the film.

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