Canadian Passport Photos &
Canadian Citizenship Photos — Santa Clarita
Canadian Visa Photos Near Santa Clarita —
Ready in 1 Hour · Zero Rejections
Karen Vaisman Photography is a listed resource for the Embassy of Canada specializing in Canadian Passport Photos and Canadian Citizenship Photos.
IRCC compliant,
Canadian passport, citizenship and visa photos — visitor visa, study permit and work permit — all require the same exact
If your photo is ever rejected, we retake it at no charge. In
to Agoura Hills
Families from
- ✓
5 studio lights —shadow-free photo - ✓Exact
50×70mm cut — dedicated Canadian cutter - ✓Permanent
non-smear studio stamp - ✓Children & infant photos welcome
- ✓Ready in 1 hour
Trusted by 300+ 5-Star Clients
Serving Valencia,
Zero Known Rejections In
See 300+ 5-star reviews on Google ›
We had a Canadian passport rejected that we had done at FedEx due to a shadow on my face. We could not see a shadow whatsoever but needed a new one done ASAP. Karen got me into her studio that same day and had the photos processed in 35 minutes with the correct stamp for the Canadian passport. She was excellent. We strongly recommend her work.
Why Santa Clarita Families Travel to Agoura Hills
Many Canadian citizens travel from Santa Clarita, Valencia, Newhall, Canyon Country and Stevenson Ranch to our Agoura Hills studio for Canadian passport and citizenship photos.
Families often bring multiple relatives for citizenship grants, proof of citizenship certificates, passport applications, children’s applications and infant photos. Many later return for Canadian passport photos after their citizenship is approved and frequently refer family members, friends and relatives.
Canadian photo requirements are much stricter than standard U.S. passport photos, which is why many clients tell us the peace of mind is worth the drive.
For many families, the peace of mind is worth the drive.
The required studio stamp — included on one Canadian passport photo and one Canadian citizenship photo. Permanent non-smear ink, studio name, address and date.
Canadian Passport Photo Studio Stamp — The Rejection Reason Nobody Warns You About
Most photo locations don't know the stamp exists. If it's missing or written in smearable ink, your application comes back — even if the photo itself looks perfect.
- ✓ Required commercial studio stamp — studio name, address & date
- ✓ Permanent non-smear ink formulated for resin-coated photographic paper
- ✓ Space left for any additional required information or signatures
- ✓ Digital text file with all required studio information included with every digital file order — ready to upload alongside your photo
- ✓ Non-smear pen provided at the session for anything you need to write
- ✓ Stamp on second photo available for an additional fee if your application requires it
- ✓ 30+ years photographing Canadian passport and citizenship photos with zero known government rejections
REAL CLIENT EXPERIENCE
Why Santa Clarita Families Travel To Our Agoura Hills Studio
Many Canadian citizens travel from Santa Clarita, Valencia, Newhall, Canyon Country and Stevenson Ranch to our Agoura Hills studio for Canadian passport photos, citizenship certificates, proof of citizenship applications and children's passport photos.
Families often bring multiple relatives for citizenship grants, passport applications, proof of citizenship certificates and infant passport photos. Many later return for Canadian passport renewals after their citizenship is approved.
Canadian photo requirements are significantly stricter than standard U.S. passport photos. Clients tell us the peace of mind is worth the drive because they know their photos will be prepared correctly the first time.
✓ Proof of citizenship certificates
✓ Multiple family members
✓ Children & infant photos
✓ Ready in about 1 hour
For many families, the peace of mind is worth the drive.
Canadian Passport Photos Can Be Rejected From the Back — Not Just the Front
For Canadian passport applications, the back of one photo must include the photo studio name, complete address, and the date the photo was taken. For new adult and child passport applications, a guarantor may also need to sign and certify one photo. If the wrong pen or ink is used on resin-coated photo paper, that required information can smear, transfer, or become unreadable.
Done Wrong: Standard Ink Can Smear on Resin-Coated Photo Paper
What can go wrong: drug stores may use standard ink or ballpoint pens on resin-coated photographic paper. That ink can smear, rub off, or transfer when the photos are stacked in the envelope — from the back of one photo onto the face of the other. Many people do not notice the damage until they get home.
- Ink can transfer from the back of one photo onto the face of the other
- Studio information or date may become illegible
- Guarantor writing or signature may smear when required
Done Right: Permanent Non-Smear Ink and Guarantor Space
How Karen does it correctly: the studio name, complete address, and photo date are applied with permanent non-smear stamp ink designed to stay clean and readable on photo paper.
- Permanent non-smear stamp ink used for the studio address and date
- Space left for guarantor certification and signature when required
- Non-smear ink pen available if the guarantor section is completed at the studio
Small detail. Big difference. The front of the photo, the back-side stamp, the date, and the guarantor section all need to stay clean and readable before the photos go into the envelope.
Specialist In Infant & Child
Canadian Passport Photos
& Canadian Citizenship Photos
- Large Studio Softboxes: Gentle professional lighting eliminates shadows—perfect for strict Canadian standards.
- Expert Flat-Lay Setup: Safe, white backgrounds for newborns—the gold standard for Canadian Passport Photos.
- Warm & Relaxed: Studio space heaters ensure your infant remains comfortable and calm.
- 30 Years of Success: Redos provided at no charge if a government rejection ever occurs.
Rejection Cause #1
Shadows on Photo
Meet our Shadow-Free Passport Photo Studio
This is not a drugstore passport photo.
Shadows on the face or background are one of the most common reasons passport photos are rejected — and one of the hardest to fix at home. Drugstore lighting creates shadows. Phone cameras create shadows. Even well-intentioned DIY photos often fail because the lighting isn't controlled.
Karen's studio uses 5 professional lights specifically to eliminate shadows — because a shadow-free photo is a compliant photo. Every passport photo is reviewed on an iPad before you leave so you can see exactly what's being submitted with your application.
Shadow-free lighting. Accurate sizing.
Ready in 1 hour.
Canadian Passport Photos Canadian Citizenship Photos Canadian Visa Photos Cut to Exact 50 x 70 mm Size
Canadian passport and citizenship photos must be cut to an exact 50 x 70 mm — a different size from standard U.S. passport photos. Karen uses a dedicated Canadian photo cutter to ensure every print meets precise government specifications.
An incorrectly sized photo is one of the most common reasons Canadian applications are returned — even when the photo itself looks perfect.
- Printed and cut to exact 50 × 70 mm — not approximated
- Covers Canadian passport, citizenship and visa applications
- Clean edges, accurate crop, proper head-size framing
- Zero known rejections in 30+ years
Or call Karen — (818) 991-7787
Mon–Sat, 9am–5pm
We are often asked to retake photos from applications that have failed to pass inspection by the Canadian government. We are PROUD to say that we have NEVER had a photo rejected. We have heard horror stories of applications being rejected 5 or 10 times because the photo was cut wrong, the size of the head was wrong, the person’s expression was incorrect or they were wearing inappropriate headwear or glasses, or the lighting was wrong. WE ARE METICULOUS about following the regulations and we have had a 100% PASS rate for all of our years in business (over 20 years.) We are very proud of our record. We understand no one is infallible, but we try REALLY hard to keep our perfect record. We will retake your photo for FREE if it fails, though it never has. Check our 5-Star reviews! We offer premium quality and the best customer service. Our turn around is in just one hour! We look forward to working with you!
Needed my Canadian Passport Photos done and Karen was phenomenal. She took multiple photos and made sure they were up to the rigorous Canadian 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.
New Canadian Passport Photos Near Me
Need a professional Canadian Passport Photos Near Me or Canadian Citizenship Photos
completed in Just 1 Hour in Thousand Oaks?
Passport Photos - and Canadian Citizenship Photos, ID and Immigration Photos - Quality that Speaks for Itself
When it comes to passport photos, the stakes are high. The Canadian government is strict about photo specifications for the official citizenship application for Canada citizenship, and rightly so. A quick glance at the Canadian passport official government site reveals the requirements on just how intricate these guidelines can be. Everything from the lighting and facial expression to the position of your head and eyes has to be just right in your passport photo, immigration photos, international passport, passport visa and official passport photographs.
Karen Vaisman Photography, a premier studio and master retouch artist, prides itself on its attention to detail. They ensure that your passport application photos aren’t just compliant; it's flattering. Their state-of-the-art equipment captures you in the best light, both metaphorically and literally.
Serving Santa Clarita, Valencia & Newhall
Many Canadian citizens from Santa Clarita, Valencia, Newhall, Canyon Country, Saugus and Stevenson Ranch choose our Agoura Hills studio because Canadian passport and citizenship photos have stricter requirements than standard U.S. passport photos.
Families often visit for:
✓ Canadian passport renewals
✓ First-time Canadian passports
✓ Proof of Citizenship Certificate applications
✓ Citizenship grants
✓ Children's passport photos
✓ Infant passport photos
✓ Multiple family member applications
Many clients tell us the peace of mind is worth the drive when the photos need to be done correctly the first time.
Travel in Canada knowing you have the highest quality Canadian Passport Photo possible!
Our Premier Professional Photography Studio for Canadian 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 Visa, ID, Canadian Citizenship Photos or
Passport Photos Near Me in
Santa Clarita, California
(Los Angeles) Or Email Here:
Professional Canadian
Passport Photos
10 minute photo session
1 hour turn-around time
for your Photos
(818) 991-7787
Canadian Passport Photo Example
Need to know what to wear for the perfect passport photo? It is similar to wardrobe for professional headshots.
Schedule your passport photo appointment online
We are located in Agoura Hills
or call
Phone: (818) 991-7787
Canadian Passport Photos Near Santa Clarita
Serving the Santa Clarita Valley from Our Agoura Hills Studio
Santa Clarita is about 25 minutes from Karen Vaisman Photography's Agoura Hills studio via the 101 and 23. Clients from Santa Clarita, Valencia, and Newhall come to Karen because they know their Canadian passport and Canadian citizenship photos will be done correctly the first time — measured, stamped on one photo, and printed to exact Canadian government specifications.
"In 30+ years, not one Canadian passport photo has ever been rejected. I am meticulous about every measurement — because Canadian passport photos must meet exact biometric standards, and there is no margin for error."
Whether you need a Canadian passport photo, Canadian citizenship photo, or Canadian permanent resident card photo, every session includes the required non-smear ink studio stamp on the back of one photo — a specification many photo locations have never heard of.
Also offering: British passport photos and foreign passport photos for all countries — UK, Irish, German, Israeli, Australian, Indian, and more.
Canadian Passport Photos Near Me — also serving:
Palmdale & Lancaster ·
Burbank ·
Los Angeles ·
Woodland Hills ·
Westlake Village
Professional Canadian passport photo examples — Karen Vaisman Photography, Agoura Hills
See Karen's full wardrobe guide →
"Awesome, straightforward and effective if you need a Canadian Passport photo!"
Rating
Karen Vaisman Photography
Have questions?
Canadian Passport Photo FAQ — Santa Clarita
Yes. Karen Vaisman Photography is recognized by the Embassy of Canada as a trusted resource for Canadian passport photography in the Los Angeles area — one of very few studios to hold this distinction.
Karen holds a BFA in Photography from Syracuse University and has produced Canadian passport photos for 30+ years with zero rejections. In the unlikely event a photo is ever not accepted, Karen retakes it for free.
Santa clarita and the santa clarita valley clients come to Karen Vaisman Photography in Agoura Hills — an appointment-only specialist studio with zero rejections in 30+ years of Canadian passport photography, recognized by the Embassy of Canada.
Karen is located at 5624 Silver Valley Avenue, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, just off the 101 Freeway, serving Santa Clarita, Valencia, Newhall, and the Santa Clarita Valley. Photos are ready in about one hour.
See the Canadian Passport Photos Near Me page, book your appointment online, or call (818) 991-7787.
A Canadian passport photo must be 50×70mm — that is the exact size the Canadian government requires. This is different from the U.S. 2×2 inch size, which is one of the most common reasons a Canadian application gets returned.
Karen uses a dedicated Canadian photo cutter to print every photo to the precise 50×70mm size, with correct head height measured to specification. For the full official breakdown, see the Canadian Passport Photo Requirements guide.
No — they are completely different. A U.S. passport photo is 2×2 inches. A Canadian passport photo is 50×70mm, requires a commercial studio stamp on the back, and uses different head-size measurements. A U.S. passport photo will not be accepted for a Canadian application.
Karen specializes in the Canadian specifications — with zero rejections in 30+ years. If you also need a U.S. passport photo, Karen handles those too.
Canadian passport photos have requirements those locations rarely meet:
- The exact 50×70mm Canadian size — not the U.S. 2×2
- A permanent commercial studio stamp on the back of one photo
- A plain white background — required by the Canadian government
- Shadow-free lighting and precise head measurements
- Accurate, natural skin tones — fluorescent drug store lighting causes yellow and green color casts that get photos rejected
- Clear definition of the top of the head — bald or closely shaved heads can reflect fluorescent lighting, making the scalp indistinguishable from the white background and causing rejection
The same applies to Staples, Walmart, Costco, and AAA. That is why Santa Clarita and the Santa Clarita Valley clients come to Karen’s Agoura Hills studio to have it done right the first time.
Yes — one photo must have the stamp. The Canadian government requires a commercial photography studio stamp on the back of one of the two photos. The stamp must include the studio name, complete address, and the date the photo was taken. The second photo is submitted without a stamp.
Karen applies a permanent, non-smear studio stamp — not handwritten ballpoint, which smears on photographic paper and can transfer ink onto the other photo, getting applications returned.
If you would like a stamp on the second photo as well — for your own records or a copy application — a second stamped photo is available as an upgrade when you book, by email, or at your session.
The Canadian government requires a plain white background for passport photos. The background must be evenly lit with no shadows, patterns, or objects behind the subject. Shadows on the background are the number one reason Canadian passport photos are rejected.
Karen’s studio uses five studio lights specifically to eliminate all shadow — on the background, under the chin, and around the face — producing the clean, evenly lit white background the Canadian government requires for acceptance.
No. Canadian passport photos require a neutral expression — mouth closed, no smiling, with both eyes open and looking straight at the camera. A smile or open mouth will get the photo rejected.
Karen guides you through the exact expression and posture during your session so the photo passes the first time.
Wear a solid-colored top with no patterns or logos that contrasts with the white background. Jewel tones — navy, emerald, burgundy, deep purple — photograph beautifully. Avoid white or very pale tops, which blend into the required white background.
No hats, no glasses, and no head coverings (except for religious reasons). Karen is happy to advise before your session — just call (818) 991-7787.
Yes. Canadian passport photos must be in color, printed on high-quality photographic paper, with a plain white background and natural skin tones. Black and white photos are not accepted.
No — retouching is not permitted. The Canadian government requires that passport photos accurately represent your current appearance. Digital editing, retouching, filters, and alterations to skin tone, features, or background are not allowed and will result in rejection.
Karen produces natural, unretouched photos under professional studio lighting — which is the correct way to ensure your application is accepted.
Canadian passport photos must have been taken within the last 6 months of your application. If your photos are older than that, you will need new ones — even if your appearance has not changed.
Karen’s studio is by appointment only. Sessions are quick and your printed photos with the studio stamp are ready in about one hour. Same-day availability depends on the schedule — call ahead or check availability online before making the trip from Santa Clarita and the Santa Clarita Valley.
Call Karen directly at (818) 991-7787 to check availability, or check availability and book your appointment online here.
Yes — and Karen specializes in exactly these. Infants and young children have their own Canadian passport photo rules (form PPTC 054 for children under 16), and Karen handles them with gentle studio lighting, safe flat-lay setups for newborns, and a warm, calm studio.
Please call ahead for infant sessions so Karen can prepare: (818) 991-7787.
Zero rejections in 30+ years. Karen is recognized by the Embassy of Canada as a trusted resource for Canadian passport photography and is meticulous about every specification — size, stamp, background, expression, and head measurement.
In the unlikely event a photo is ever not accepted, Karen retakes it for free. Read 300+ five-star reviews or book your appointment online.
Yes. Canadian citizenship photos use the same 50×70mm size as Canadian passport photos — but the stamp on the back is different. The citizenship application requires its own specific studio certification stamp. Karen applies the correct stamp for whichever application you are submitting.
Visit the Canadian Citizenship Photos page, or read the Canadian Citizenship Photo Requirements guide for full details.
Yes — Karen produces passport and visa photos for any country, each prepared to that country’s official specifications. The list below is not exhaustive — if you do not see your country, call (818) 991-7787 or book a foreign passport photo appointment and Karen will confirm the exact requirements.
Yes — Karen produces U.S. passport and citizenship photos to the standard 2×2 inch government specification, with professional studio lighting.
Clients come to Karen’s Agoura Hills studio from all over Southern California. Every client receives the same zero-rejection standard regardless of where they travel from.
Need Canadian citizenship photos? Karen handles those too — same 50×70mm size, different stamp, same zero-rejection guarantee.
Karen Vaisman Photography is located at 5624 Silver Valley Avenue, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 — just off the 101 Freeway, serving Santa Clarita, Valencia, Newhall, and the Santa Clarita Valley.
Book your appointment online here or call (818) 991-7787. Monday–Saturday, 9am–5pm, by appointment only.
