Mike H.
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Applying for the DV Lottery is stressful enough, and when it comes to your baby’s photo, the rules are just as strict as they are for adults. Don’t worry, taking a compliant baby photo at home is absolutely possible. Here’s everything you need to know.
Every applicant in the DV Lottery, yes, even your newborn, needs a proper photo. If the baby’s picture doesn’t meet the requirements, the whole entry can get disqualified. The photo is not “optional” and can’t just be a casual snapshot from your phone album.
Format: JPEG file, no larger than 240 KB.
Dimensions: 600x600 pixels, square.
Background: Plain white or off-white only.
Lighting: Clear and even, no shadows.
Color: Full color, no filters or edits.
Lay them flat and keep their head straight.
Use natural light – Daylight from a window works better than a camera flash. It avoids shadows and red eyes.
Get eye contact – Try jingling keys or making a soft sound above the camera to get your baby to look forward. Eyes should be open and facing the lens.
Keep it neutral – A slight smile is fine, but the official rule is a neutral expression. Don’t worry if the baby looks serious. It’s actually preferred.
Hands off – Don’t hold the baby in the photo. No toys, pacifiers, or blankets showing either.
Tilted head or sideways angle.
Shadows across the face or background.
Patterns, pillows, or any background clutter.
Overly bright or dim photos.
After you take the photo, upload it to PassportPhoto.online. Our passport photo tool will remove the background and crop it to meet the size requirements.
WRITTEN BY
Mike H.
Senior Studio Portrait Photographer