Passport pictures

Why can't you smile on a passport picture ?

Re: Passport pictures

I guess people going through customs aren't usually smiling Patsy so it is easier to compare them with their photographs

Re: Passport pictures

Ooo yes - you don't see people smiling do you - all that queuing I guess

Re: Passport pictures

I could be wrong of course Patsy I am just guessing

Re: Passport pictures

This should explain it:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/3541444.stm

It's to do with digital facial recognition and avoiding shadows, it seems...

Re: Passport pictures

Apparently you are not to wear glasses on your passport photo, how ridiculous if that is how you normally appear!

Re: Passport pictures

I guess machines can't do iris recognition through glasses, so presumably you also have to take them off when being scanned.

Re: Passport pictures

I often wondered myself Patsy, I mean what difference does it make to the authorities, besides it would make the customs officers job a bit more pleasant if they didn't have to look at grumpy faces all day.
I think it may have something to do with the old days of portrait photography when everyone had to stay stiff and no moving, not even your lips, come to think of it you don't see any smilers in mug shots either.

Re: Passport pictures

Well that's how I feel - we look so much better when we're smiling don't we - look .......
As for the old days of photography - me an Fabs wanted a picture like that so we set up the camera and took one, came out well it did

Re: Passport pictures

Thanks for that info - I guess some do have 'broad' smiles that could cause a shadow ............