Your ID photo makeup guideCan you wear eyeliner, brow makeup, or eyelid tape? 8 tips for your ID photo look

Passport photos can be a source of anxiety, but there's no need to worry about the cost, whether you can wear makeup, or how to look your best. Twosevenths has teamed up with HOLO+FACE, the passport photo experts, to answer all your questions and ensure your next passport photo is perfect the first time!

Your ID photo makeup guide|Eyeliner, brow makeup, and eyelid tape are all acceptable for your ID photo. Here are 8 tips for your ID photo look.
01

ID Photo Sizes and Regulations

ID Photo Sizes and Regulations

Commonly used ID photo sizes in Taiwan include those for passports, driver's licenses, and various visas. The general rules for official ID photo shoots are:

  • White or light-colored background, free of shadows or other objects
  • Background must be uniform and clean, without patterns or designs
  • Head should be centered in the photo, with the length from the crown to the chin meeting regulations
  • Appropriate space should be left at the top of the photo, with the crown of the head not too close to the edge

Common ID Photo Sizes in Taiwan

2-inch passport photo 2-inch half-body photo 1-inch ID photo Square
Photo size 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm 4.2 × 4.7cm 2.8 × 3.5cm 5 x 5cm
Photo usage Taiwan ID card / Taiwan passport / Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents / Thailand tourist visa / Vietnam tourist visa NHI card / Visa on arrival / International driving permit / Most resume photos / Student ID card Driver's license / Most professional licenses and certificates / Disability handbook US visa / US passport / Green card application

Still wondering what size ID photo you need?

The HOLO+FACE ID photo package provides three sizes of photos (including 2-inch headshots, 2-inch half-body shots, and 1-inch ID photos), meeting all your needs for various scenarios!

02

What to Wear for ID Photos

What to Wear for ID Photos

There are no strict rules for what to wear for ID photos, but since the background is typically white, we recommend the following attire for your ID photo shoot:

  • Formal and tidy clothing: A shirt or a plain, solid-colored crew-neck top. Avoid revealing too much skin.
  • Dark-colored clothing: Choose single-color garments such as black, dark blue, or dark gray.

When taking ID photos, avoid wearing white, light-colored, or high-collared clothing.

  • Soft-collared shirts or collarless garments: Soft collars are difficult to arrange symmetrically, which can detract from the overall look. While crew-neck tops are a safe bet, they can stretch out and lose their shape after extended wear.
  • Patterned or graphic clothing: Excessive patterns or graphics can be visually distracting and make it challenging to achieve symmetry during post-production. Solid-colored clothing is recommended.
  • Hoodies or bulky clothing: Similar to soft-collared items, hoodies are difficult to style symmetrically, and the hood can make shoulders appear hunched, affecting the overall proportion in photos.
  • High-neck clothing: High necks or high-collared garments can shorten the appearance of the neck and impact facial proportions. V-neck styles or similar necklines that flatter the neck are recommended.

For ID photos, wear solid colors that contrast with your skin tone and the background.

  • Dark clothing is best: Wearing dark clothing such as black, dark blue, or dark gray creates a sharp contrast against a white background, highlighting your facial contours and adding depth to the photo.
  • Avoid white and light colors: White or light-colored clothing can blend into the background, making you appear washed out and affecting the overall photo quality. If you want to wear white, consider pairing it with a dark jacket to project a professional and composed image.
  • Solid colors are preferred: For ID photos, it's best to wear solid-colored clothing and avoid patterns or prints that can be distracting. If you feel it's too plain, you can add a bow tie or necktie for an extra touch of sophistication.

Here are the special requirements for China Travel Permit and U.S. visa photos.

A classic collared shirt is an ideal choice, and HOLO+FACE offers a selection of basic attire for complimentary on-site styling.

Please note:

  • For Taiwan Compatriot Permits, avoid white, sleeveless tops, spaghetti straps, or vests.
  • For US visas, uniforms (such as police or military uniforms) are not permitted for photography.
03

ID Photo Hair Guide

ID Photo Hair Guide

Your hairstyle choice for ID photos can significantly impact the overall result, so opt for a simple, natural look styled to your preference. Here are some key considerations for ID photo hairstyles:

  • Keep hair neat: Avoid messy or greasy hair, especially bangs that might cover your forehead and eyebrows.
  • Ensure features are visible: Hair should not obscure your ears or facial contours; your ears must be fully exposed.
  • Choose an appropriate style: If you have long hair, consider tucking it behind your ears or tying it up to prevent it from scattering around your shoulders or face, which can affect photo clarity.
  • Avoid overly dramatic styles: Steer clear of exaggerated hairstyles like excessively high buns or very voluminous looks, as these can disrupt your overall proportions in the photo.

If your ears don't show in your ID photo, don't worry—it's not a problem! The key is to ensure your facial features are clearly visible and that your hair doesn't obscure your face.

When taking ID photos, the photographer may take extra shots of your ears to digitally add them if they don't show in the main photo. While this might look slightly unnatural, it can help ensure your application is approved.

If you genuinely cannot show your ears, it's best to apply for your ID in person. When submitting your documents, explain the situation to the counter staff, who will then compare your photo with your actual appearance.

04

ID Photo Makeup Guide

ID Photo Makeup Guide

Yes, you can wear makeup for ID photos, but you should avoid colored contact lenses or thick-rimmed glasses, covering any prominent facial features, or makeup that dramatically alters your appearance (such as heavy false eyelashes).

HOLO+FACE Korean-style ID photos offer "delicate makeup and hair" and "professional makeup and hair" services, ensuring everyone looks their best while meeting all official requirements!

You can wear colored contact lenses for ID photos, but they must not alter your original eye color or shape.

It's generally not recommended to wear colored contact lenses (circle lenses) for ID photos. Circle lenses alter the natural appearance of your eyes, which can compromise the recognizability of your ID photo, especially for documents like passports, ID cards, or driver's licenses that require clear identification. Most official regulations require eyes to be clearly visible in the photo, and wearing colored contact lenses may lead to your photo being rejected.

Yes, you can wear eyeliner for ID photos.

You can wear eyeliner for ID photos, but it's best to keep your makeup natural and simple. Avoid heavy eyeliner or dramatic eye makeup to ensure your features are clear and recognizable, meeting ID photo requirements. Overly heavy eyeliner can make the photo look unnatural and might even be deemed by official regulations as too different from your actual appearance.

You can wear eyelid tape for ID photos.

When taking ID photos, it's best to avoid using eyelid tape. While eyelid tape might make your eyes appear larger, it alters their natural look, which may not meet official ID photo requirements, especially for documents like passports and national ID cards that emphasize an authentic appearance.

If you must use it, opt for eyelid tape that adheres well and is discreet, but be aware of the potential risk that altered appearance could lead to your photo being rejected.

05

ID Photo Accessories

ID Photo Accessories

For ID photos, your face must be clearly visible. We recommend removing all accessories before your shoot; if you do wear any, they should be simple, understated, and not interfere with the photo's clarity. If you're unsure about specific requirements, it's best to check the guidelines for the particular ID photo you need to ensure it meets all standards.

You can wear glasses for ID photos.

When taking ID photos, we recommend not wearing glasses, as they can cause glare or obstruct your eyes, potentially leading to your application being rejected. If you must wear glasses, opt for lightweight frames and avoid thick-rimmed styles.

You can wear earrings or other accessories for ID photos.

While most countries' ID photo regulations don't explicitly prohibit accessories, you should still be mindful of the following guidelines:

  • Earrings, necklaces: You may wear them, but we recommend choosing small, understated pieces to avoid obstructing the outer contours of your ears, earlobes, or other facial features used for identification.
  • Prohibited items: Nose rings, scarves, hats, and similar items are generally not permitted (exceptions may apply for religious reasons, such as head coverings).
06

ID Photo Shoot

ID Photo Shoot

To take a great ID photo, you need to look vibrant and alert! Here are five simple steps to help you capture a fantastic ID photo:

  1. Keep your head and shoulders straight, whether sitting or standing.
  2. Close your eyes and take a deep breath through your nose to relax.
  3. Slowly open your eyes, allowing your gaze to be soft and natural.
  4. Hold your breath; this helps your expression look more focused.
  5. Capture that moment by pressing the shutter to get your best look.

To ensure a natural expression in your ID photo, relax your facial muscles and avoid a forced smile.

When taking ID photos, a natural, understated, closed-mouth smile is ideal. To help you relax your expression, try loosening your facial muscles beforehand and visualize a pleasant scene to avoid looking too tense or serious.

Yes, you can use beauty filters for ID photos.

Yes, simple skin smoothing and lighting adjustments are acceptable, as long as they don't alter facial features or prominent characteristics.

To check if your ID photo meets the requirements, you need to ensure it adheres to several key specifications.

  • Photo Clarity: Ensure people are clearly visible in photos, without shadows or overexposure.
  • Facial Features: Check that eyes, nose, and mouth are clear, glasses have no glare, and ears are fully visible.
  • Head Position and Size: The head should be centered in the photo, with the length from the top of the head to the chin between 3.2-3.6cm. The entire face should occupy 70% to 80% of the photo.
07

ID Photo Retouching

ID Photo Retouching

The main purpose of an ID photo is identification, so when retouching, only minor blemishes like acne or redness are lightly removed. Excessive airbrushing that erases skin texture is avoided. Important identifying features such as moles and birthmarks must be retained to ensure the photo meets regulations and maintains authenticity.

ID photo retouching primarily involves subtle symmetry correction, as everyone's facial features typically have some asymmetry. To enhance the photo's appearance, minor adjustments like slightly altering eyebrow or mouth corner height are permissible, but over-retouching should be avoided to maintain a natural look and ensure identifiability.

You absolutely cannot alter your facial features, skin tone, or head size in a passport photo.

Facial features are key to identification, so you cannot arbitrarily alter eye size, nose shape, or facial contours. These characteristics affect personal identification, and any changes could result in a non-compliant photo.

HOLO+ FACE offers one-on-one photo editing services that ensure you look your best while adhering to professional regulations. We also provide a guarantee: if your photo is rejected during the ID application process, you can return for readjustment.

08

ID Photo Services

Taiwan offers a diverse and convenient range of ID photo services, primarily divided into three main categories, so you can choose based on your specific needs:

  • Traditional Photo Studios: Professional photographers provide high-quality shoots, adjusting lighting and composition to your requirements, and are familiar with all ID photo regulations. You can view photos immediately and request simple touch-ups, making this ideal for those seeking premium quality.
  • Self-Service Photo Booths: Located near convenience stores and MRT stations, these offer quick shooting and printing. They are more affordable and include basic editing functions, perfect for consumers who need instant photos.
  • Online Photo Platforms: You take photos with your phone, then upload them for automatic background and size processing. This is suitable for those with limited time or who prefer not to go out. Photos can be downloaded or mailed to you.

How much does it cost to take a passport photo?

Photo booth pictures typically cost $150–$200, while traditional photo studios charge $300–$500. The popular Korean-style ID photos, however, range from $500–$1,000.

You can get ID photos taken at a variety of places.

There are many options for printing ID photos, with convenience stores like 7-11's ibon and FamilyMart/Hi-Life's Likoda systems being the most convenient. Traditional photo studios also offer photo printing services.

HOLO+FACE has nearly 10 venues across Taiwan, located in Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, and Kaohsiung. It's also the only photo studio chain to be found in department stores, allowing you to shop while waiting for your retouched photos.

Yes, you can receive your ID photos on the same day.

When you use a photo booth for ID photos, you get them instantly, but the quality can be inconsistent. Traditional photo studios usually require a wait of at least 1-2 days after your session. However, many photo studios now offer expedited services, with photos ready for pickup in as little as 30 minutes.

You can pick up your ID photos in person.

You can get your ID photos directly from a photo booth, whereas traditional photo studios require you to pick them up in person. Some studios also offer mail delivery in addition to in-store pickup.

You can use your digital ID photo file in several ways.

Digital ID photos are typically used for important online applications, such as the new online passport application system launching in 2024. These digital files must meet specific size requirements to complete the application process.

HOLO+FACE provides not only a set of physical photos but also crops the necessary digital files for you, making it easy to upload them. They also keep your digital files online for six months, during which you can visit any venue to order additional prints.

How to take baby and child ID photos

For children's ID photos, parents typically wear white clothing while holding the baby or standing nearby, and the photo is taken from above to reduce the child's anxiety. After shooting, professional retouching and background removal are performed.

09

We recommend the following venues for ID photo shoots.

We recommend the following venues for ID photo shoots.

Yes, there is! We recommend HOLO+FACE Photo Studio, which offers a one-stop service with "1-on-1 hair and makeup styling," "professional photography," and "exquisite retouching" to give every customer a celebrity-like photography experience. Whether you need professional headshots, ID photos, various portrait styles, or even custom-designed photos, HOLO+FACE can meet your needs! Appointments can be made through their official website, prices are transparent, and you can have a 1-on-1 discussion with a retoucher on the same day. Electronic files can also be conveniently reviewed and communicated online.

HOLO+FACE Photo Studio has branches throughout Taiwan and is currently the only photo studio located in department stores, which is very convenient for those who need parking! The studio's interior is stylish and bright, offering private changing rooms and password-protected lockers to make the shooting process more comfortable and relaxed. In addition, there are many clothing options available for free rental, and they are disinfected in real-time, ensuring every customer can use them with peace of mind.

You can book a HOLO+FACE appointment online, by phone, or in person.

Step 1: Visit the official website.

Step 2: Click "Online Booking" and select the ID photo service.

Step 3: Click "Next," then select your preferred venue and shooting time.

Step 4: Fill in your "Detailed Information."

Step 5: Confirm your booking!

Editor's Note

Final Thoughts

This is your ultimate guide to ID photo shoots. Twosevenths invited HOLO+FACE, an expert in ID photos, to share essential tips for your shoot, including ID photo dimensions, what to wear, hairstyles, and makeup. We believe this guide will answer most of your questions about ID photos.

If you're looking for an ID photo studio, check out Twosevenths' curated lists of studios in different areas: Taipei ID Photo Recommendations, Banqiao ID Photo Recommendations, Xindian ID Photo Recommendations, Kaohsiung ID Photo Recommendations, Tainan ID Photo Recommendations, and Taichung ID Photo Recommendations. For professional portrait photography, you can refer to: Taipei Portrait Photography, Taichung Portrait Photography, and Kaohsiung Portrait Photography.

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