British Passport Photos Los Angeles
Professional UK Passport Photo Studio - Agoura Hills
Zero rejections in 30+ years —
or your retake is FREE. Ready in 1 hour.
- British Passport, Citizenship & Ancestry Visa Photos
- Digital photo code add-on — delivered same day by email
- Printed 35×45mm — HM Passport Office specifications
- Ready in about 1 hour
How It Works
Book online or call (818) 991‑7787. Karen works by appointment — no walk-in kiosks, no guesswork.
Immediately after your session Karen reviews every photo with you. You pick your favorite before anything is printed.
Printed 35×45mm photos ready in approximately 1 hour. Need an online application code? Add it on — Karen prepares it after your session and delivers it same day by email.
Why British Expats Drive to Agoura Hills
British passport photos are not the same as standard American 2×2 inch passport photos. Karen has never had a passport photo rejected in 30+ years — and she prepares every British passport photo to HM Passport Office exact specifications, not a generic crop.
British expats come from Woodland Hills, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Calabasas, Ventura, and across Los Angeles because Karen photographs to exact HM Passport Office specifications — so it passes the first time.
British Citizenship by Descent & Ancestry Visa Photos
Many U.S.-based applicants need British passport photos for citizenship by descent, British National (Overseas) — BN(O) applications, ancestry visa photos, dual citizenship, first passport applications, renewals, or urgent travel. Karen prepares your photo for the correct format — printed photos or a digital photo code add-on — depending on what your application requires.
British Americans and Hong Kong BN(O) holders travel to Karen's Agoura Hills studio from Woodland Hills, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Calabasas, Santa Monica, Simi Valley, Ventura, and surrounding areas — because British passport and citizenship photos require more precision than a quick drugstore or shipping-store photo.
Northern Ireland residents are entitled to both a British and an Irish passport under the Good Friday Agreement. If you need photos for both, Karen can prepare them in the same session.
Also providing Irish passport photos, Canadian passport photos, and foreign passport photos for many other countries.
Zero Rejections in 30+ Years · Retake FREE if it Ever Happens
Karen Vaisman · BFA Photography, Syracuse University · 30+ Years Experience
Foreign passport and visa photos must meet the exact specifications of your destination country — or your application will be rejected. British passport photos are 35×45mm — a completely different size from the standard American 2×2 inch format. The background must be plain cream or light grey. No glasses. No shadows. A rejected photo means lost fees, missed deadlines, and resubmission delays — and you won't know it's wrong until the HM Passport Office sends it back.
Also serving British citizenship by descent, BN(O) applications, and ancestry visa photos.
Prefer to talk? (818) 991-7787
Karen answers her own phone
Don't risk rejection — get it done right the first time.
British passport photos prepared to exact HM Passport Office specifications — serving Los Angeles, Woodland Hills, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Calabasas and Ventura.
Also offering Irish passport photos, Italian passport photos, Spain passport photos, Schengen visa photos, Canadian passport photos, and foreign passport photos Los Angeles.
See 300+ 5-star reviews on Google ›
I needed to renew my UK Passport, and due to Brexit and the exit from the EU, requirements had changed. My first and second attempts were a dismal failure — wrong size and I looked dreadful. I am 79 with an RBF and cannot recall the last time I looked OK in a photo. I do not do selfies — too bloody scary. While searching I found Karen Vaisman. OK, she is a tad expensive, but for me the time and money were well worth it. One cannot doctor or smile for a passport — but if you need a head shot, check her out.
HM Passport Office Requirements
HM Passport Office Specifications — British Passport Photos
British passport photos are not the same as standard American 2×2 inch passport photos. The UK has its own precise specifications — and HM Passport Office automated scanning systems have no margin for error.
A British passport photo that fails HM Passport Office standards triggers an application rejection — even if it looks perfectly fine to you.
You won't know it's wrong until your passport is denied.
Crown to chin must measure 29–34mm — printed 35mm wide × 45mm tall. Not the American 2×2 inch format.
Eyes must be open, fully visible, and free of glare, reflection, or shadow. Both eyes must face the camera directly.
Zero shadows on the face or behind you — uneven lighting is one of the most common rejection causes.
Plain cream or light grey — no shadows, patterns, or textures behind the subject.
At CVS, Walmart, and UPS, nobody is measuring anything. I know this because clients come to me after rejections every week.
Recently a client arrived with a British passport photo taken at a drugstore — rejected for two reasons: heavy shadows behind one ear, and the photo was cut to American 2×2 inch dimensions instead of the required 35×45mm. When I placed my finished print next to his, the difference was immediate. My photo was the correct rectangular size, precisely cut, shadow-free. The drugstore handed him a photo and sent him on his way.
I hand every client a photo I would stake my 30-year reputation on.
At Karen Vaisman Photography, every British passport photo is prepared to exact HM Passport Office specifications — 35×45mm, cream or light grey background, correct head height, professional studio lighting. The same care goes into every country we serve.
You don't need to know what biometric means.
You just need to know that I do.
What's Included
Your British Passport Photo Session
Every British passport photo session at Karen Vaisman Photography includes professional studio preparation calibrated to exact HM Passport Office specifications.
Printed to exact HM Passport Office dimensions — not the American 2×2 inch format most Los Angeles photo locations use
Per HM Passport Office: cream, ivory, vanilla, or light grey. See official UK passport photo guidance →
Printed photos for paper applications. Digital photo code add-on available for online applications — delivered same day by email. See pricing when booking — book online here or call (818) 991‑7787.
Professional studio lighting eliminates shadows — a leading cause of UK passport photo rejection by the HM Passport Office
Karen reviews every photo with you on an iPad immediately after shooting — you pick your favorite before anything is printed
Printed photos ready in approximately 1 hour. Digital photo code add-on delivered same day by email after your session.
Applying online via gov.uk? A digital photo code is available as an add-on. Karen prepares your code after the session and delivers it same day by email — you enter it directly into your application, no uploading required. Learn how the UK digital photo code works on gov.uk → Call Karen to add this to your session: (818) 991‑7787.
Zero rejections in 30+ years — retake is FREE if it ever happens.
In 30+ years, it has never been needed.
Rejection Cause #1
Shadows on Photo
Meet our Shadow-Free Passport Photo Studio
This is not a drugstore passport photo.
Karen has prepared British passport photos for 30+ years with a 100% acceptance rate. Every photo includes professional studio lighting, shadow-free backdrop, and precise 35×45mm sizing — the level of care most LA photo shops don't even attempt. Most clients find the peace of mind worth every penny.
British Passport Photos Cut to Exact 35 x 45 mm Size
British passport photos require a different size and crop than standard U.S. passport photos. Karen prepares printed British passport photos to the required 35 x 45 mm size.
Each photo is meticulously prepared for accurate sizing, clean presentation, professional lighting, and British passport application requirements, including the correct crown-to-chin head size and visible upper shoulders.
"I have never had a British passport photo rejected by the HM Passport Office — and I intend to keep it that way. British passport photos are 35×45mm, not the American 2×2 inch format most Los Angeles photo locations use. The background must be cream or light grey. No glasses. No shadows. I measure every photo precisely because your passport application depends on it."
Specialist In Infant & Child
British Passport Photos
- Large Studio Softboxes: Gentle professional lighting eliminates shadows while being safe for sensitive infant eyes.
- Expert Flat-Lay Setup: Safe, flat-lay white backgrounds for newborns who can't sit up independently.
- Warm & Relaxed: My studio is kept warm with space heaters to ensure your infant remains comfortable and calm.
- 30 Years of Success: I haven't had a photo rejected in 30 years—if it happens, I'll redo it for free.
British Passport Photo Questions
Do you take British passport photos in Los Angeles?
Yes. Karen Vaisman Photography provides professional British passport photos prepared to exact HM Passport Office specifications. This includes printed photos sized to the correct 35×45mm UK format for paper applications, or a digital photo code add-on for online applications — delivered same day by email. Karen has never had a British passport photo rejected.
Are British passport photos different from U.S. passport photos?
Yes — significantly. U.S. passport photos are 2×2 inches (51×51mm). British passport photos must be 35×45mm — a completely different size. The background must be plain cream or light grey. Expression, lighting, and head position requirements also differ. A standard American passport photo taken at a drugstore will be rejected by the HM Passport Office.
How fast can I get British passport photos in Los Angeles?
Printed British passport photos are ready in approximately 1 hour. Digital photo code add-on is delivered same day by email after your session. Karen works by appointment so each client receives careful preparation to HM Passport Office specifications — helping you avoid the most common problems: incorrect sizing, wrong background color, improper lighting, or shadows.
Need British
British Passport Photos Near Me — Los Angeles & Ventura — UK Passport Photo Studio
I needed a passport photo in a hurry. Not only did Karen provide same day, the photo was stunning. This amazed me as you can't smile and other requirements. Karen is wonderful to work with. She is truly a skilled and passionate artist. Her technical skills are unbelievable as evidenced by her studio. Karen took time to review each photo with me to make a selection. All this was done in under one hour. I highly recommend Karen Vaisman Photography.
Needed my passport photos done and Karen was phenomenal. She took multiple photos and made sure they were up to the rigorous requirements. Not only that, but she knew I was on a deadline and she followed up with me to make sure everything was on track. Karen goes above and beyond and I highly recommend.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
British Passport Photo Studio — 5-Star Review
What a breath of fresh air to have found Karen to do my photo needs! She is everything "no nonsense pro"... efficient and precise in her set up, instructions, tips for the photo shoot and the end result is excellent. She is also everything "genuine and accessible" ... with a wonderfully kind and friendly energy that makes her easy to talk to, ask questions and when you do talk to her you know she hears you! Not enough business folks like her out there these days. Thank you Karen!
— Carol "Kriste" Messal
Need a professional UK Passport Photos Near Me
completed in Just 1 Hour in Los Angeles?
Need to know what to wear for the perfect passport photo? It is similar to wardrobe for professional headshots.
Travel anywhere knowing your passport photo was done right — the first time.
Our Premier Professional Photography Studio for British Passport Photos:
Karen Vaisman Photography
5624 Silver Valley Ave
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Call our Studio Store at
(818) 991-7787
For More Information For British Passport Photos In
Los Angeles Or Email Here:
Professional British Passport Photos for Adults, Baby Passport Photos, Child Passport Photos
and Visa Photos
10 minute photo session
1 hour turn-around time
for your Photos
(818) 991-7787
Schedule your passport photo appointment online
We are located in Agoura Hills
or call
Phone: (818) 991-7787
Your British Passport Photo Done Right — The First Time
The HM Passport Office doesn't give second chances. A rejected photo means lost fees, missed appointments, and weeks of delays. After 30 years and thousands of passport photos for clients from every corner of the world, I have never had a single British passport photo rejected — not once.
When you book with me you get a professional five-light studio session, meticulous preparation to HM Passport Office specifications, and a guarantee that your photo will pass. If it ever doesn't, your retake is free.
Don't leave something this important to a kiosk.
Book Your British Passport Photo Session →Why British Expats in Los Angeles Choose Karen Vaisman Photography
British passport photos are not the same as standard American passport photos. The UK has its own strict specifications — 35×45mm print size, a plain cream or light grey background, and precise head measurements that differ from US standards. A photo taken at a drugstore or pharmacy in Los Angeles will almost certainly be the wrong size and may be rejected by HM Passport Office. Karen Vaisman Photography is one of the very few studios in the Los Angeles area that specializes in British passport photos to exact HM Passport Office specifications. Clients travel from Woodland Hills, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Calabasas, Ventura, Malibu, and across Greater Los Angeles because Karen gets it right the first time — every time.
In 30+ years of passport photography, Karen has never had a photo rejected. Karen's Agoura Hills studio uses five professional studio lights that eliminate shadows — one of the most common reasons UK passport photos are rejected. Every photo is reviewed on an iPad immediately after the session so you approve your choice before anything is printed. Printed photos are available for paper applications. A digital photo code add-on is also available for clients applying online via gov.uk — delivered same day by email.
British Americans, dual citizens, BN(O) holders, and expats from across Southern California trust Karen Vaisman Photography for British passport photos, British citizenship by descent photos, and ancestry visa photos.
Located at 5624 Silver Valley Avenue, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 — just off the 101 Freeway, minutes from Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village. Book online or call (818) 991-7787. Monday–Saturday, 9am–5pm, by appointment only.
British Passport Photos
British Passport Photos — Exact Specs, Professional Studio, Zero Rejections.
British passport photos must meet exact HM Passport Office specifications. The wrong size, incorrect background, or improper lighting means rejection — and most Los Angeles drugstores only offer standard American 2×2 inch photos, which is the wrong size entirely.
1. HM Passport Office Specifications
Karen prepares every British passport photo to exact HM Passport Office requirements — 35×45mm print size, correct cream or light grey background, precise head position, and proper lighting. Printed photos for paper applications. Digital photo code add-on available for online applications — delivered same day by email.
2. Professional Lighting & Accurate Framing
Five-light professional studio setup — calibrated specifically for passport compliance. Zero shadows, correct head size, even background. The same care you'd expect from a commercial photography studio, not a drugstore with fluorescent lighting.
3. Never Had a British Passport Photo Rejected
In over 30 years of professional photography, Karen has never had a British passport photo rejected by the HM Passport Office. Not once. If it ever happens, your retake is free.
Book your British passport photo appointment in Agoura Hills. Printed photos are ready in approximately 1 hour. Digital photo code add-on delivered same day by email after your session. Karen works by appointment — no walk-in kiosk, no guesswork.
Frequently Asked Questions About British Passport Photos
Yes. Karen Vaisman Photography provides professional British passport photos prepared to exact HM Passport Office specifications. For paper applications, Karen prepares printed photos sized to the correct 35×45mm UK format. For online applications, a digital photo code add-on is available — delivered same day by email. You enter it directly into your application.
Karen has never had a British passport photo rejected by the HM Passport Office in over 30 years of professional photography.
Yes — significantly. U.S. passport photos are 2×2 inches (51×51mm). British passport photos must be 35×45mm — a completely different size. The background must be plain cream or light grey. A standard American drugstore passport photo will be rejected by the HM Passport Office.
If you need a standard American passport photo, visit the U.S. passport photos in Los Angeles page.
Yes. Karen prepares British passport photos for citizenship by descent, British National (Overseas) — BN(O) — applications, ancestry visa photos, dual citizenship, and first passport applications. The photo requirements are the same as a standard British passport renewal — 35×45mm, cream or light grey background, HM Passport Office specifications.
If your application has specific digital upload or format requirements, please bring your instruction sheet or email it to Karen before your session so she can prepare correctly.
Drugstores and shipping centers are set up for standard American 2×2 inch passport photos — the wrong size for a British passport. None can guarantee HM Passport Office compliance.
Karen personally prepares every British passport photo to the exact specifications required, which is especially important when a rejected photo could delay your travel, visa, or renewal paperwork.
Yes, depending on your application type. Paper applications require printed photos. For online applications via gov.uk, a digital photo code add-on is available — delivered same day by email. You enter it directly into your application.
- Printed photos sized to 35×45mm HM Passport Office specifications for paper applications
- Digital photo code add-on for online applications via gov.uk — delivered same day by email
- Print and code combinations when your application requires both
Not sure which you need? Call before booking — (818) 991‑7787.
British passport photos must be 35mm wide by 45mm tall — printed on high-quality photo paper. This is different from the standard American 2×2 inch (51×51mm) format. The background must be plain cream or light grey. The head must measure between 29mm and 34mm from chin to crown within the photo.
Yes. Karen photographs babies and children of all ages for British passports. Baby and infant sessions require complete studio lighting reconfiguration and are significantly more complex than adult sessions.
Please call (818) 991‑7787 before booking to discuss your child's age and needs so Karen can prepare the studio correctly.
No cosmetic retouching is done on British passport photos. HM Passport Office rules require that the photo represents your real appearance. Karen may make technical adjustments required for compliance — correct crop, sizing, background preparation, exposure, and print output.
For professional portraits where retouching is allowed, view Karen's before and after retouching examples.
Wear a solid-colored top that contrasts with the cream or light grey background. Avoid white, off-white, or very pale tops. No hats or headwear unless for religious or medical reasons.
For more general wardrobe guidance visit Karen's what to wear for headshots guide.
Bring any official photo instructions from your UK application portal if you have them — especially if your application has specific digital upload requirements.
- Whether you need printed photos, a digital photo code add-on, or both
- Your application type (renewal, first passport, child passport, citizenship by descent)
- Any digital upload requirements including pixel size and file-size limits
- Any instruction sheet from your UK application portal
Printed British passport photos are ready in approximately 1 hour. Digital photo code add-on is delivered same day by email after your session. Karen works by appointment so each client receives careful preparation to HM Passport Office specifications — not a rushed kiosk-style photo.
Karen prepares every British passport photo to exact HM Passport Office specifications. Final acceptance is always determined by the HM Passport Office or the reviewing authority.
If your photo is rejected for a compliance issue related to the way it was photographed, sized, cropped, or prepared by Karen Vaisman Photography, Karen will retake it for free. In over 30 years, it has never happened.
Yes. British passport photos are ready in approximately 1 hour from your appointment. Karen works by appointment Monday–Saturday, 9am–5pm — call (818) 991‑7787 to check same-day availability. If you have an urgent HM Passport Office deadline, call first and Karen will do her best to accommodate you.
For paper applications, most British passport applications require two identical printed photos. For online applications via gov.uk, a digital photo code add-on is available — Karen prepares it after your session and delivers it same day by email. If you are unsure what your application requires, bring your instruction sheet or call (818) 991‑7787 before booking.
Yes. Karen also provides Irish passport photos, French passport photos, German passport photos, Italian passport photos, Spain passport photos, Schengen visa photos, and Canadian passport photos in Los Angeles. Digital photo code add-ons are also available for Irish passport online applications.
Karen also prepares U.S. passport photos and foreign passport photos for many other countries.
Karen Vaisman Photography is a premier photography studio in Agoura Hills, California — serving British expats from Los Angeles, Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Ventura, the San Fernando Valley, and the Conejo Valley.
This is a premium, appointment-based service. Karen answers her own phone Monday–Saturday, 9am–5pm.
Need British passport photos for a UK passport application or HMPO online renewal? Professional British passport photos and digital photo code add-on available by appointment in Agoura Hills, serving Los Angeles and Ventura County.
Book British Passport Photo →