Canadian Passport Photos &
Canadian Citizenship Photos — Simi Valley
Canadian Visa Photos Near Simi Valley —
Ready in 1 Hour ·
Zero Rejections
Karen Vaisman Photography is listed by the Embassy of Canada as a resource for Canadian Passport Photos and Canadian Citizenship Photos.
IRCC-compliant, 50×70mm, non-smear studio stamp. Listed by the Embassy of Canada as a resource for Canadian passport and citizenship photography.
Canadian passport and citizenship photos both use the 50×70mm size. Visitor visa, study permit and work permit photos use the 35×45mm size. Karen prepares all of them to the correct IRCC specification.
If your photo is ever rejected, we retake it at no charge. In 30+ years it has never happened. Clients travel from Simi Valley, Moorpark and Chatsworth because most quick passport-photo locations do not specialize in Canadian IRCC photo requirements.
Travel to Agoura Hills
Families from Simi Valley, Moorpark, Chatsworth, Thousand Oaks and the surrounding areas regularly travel to our Agoura Hills studio for Canadian passport, citizenship and visa photos because Canadian photo requirements are highly specific.
- 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 Moorpark, Chatsworth & Thousand Oaks
Zero Known Rejections In 30+ Years
Karen Vaisman Photography
Canadian Passport Photos
Zero Rejections in 30+ Years — or Your Retake is FREE!
•1-Hour Turnaround •
Trusted by 300+ 5-Star Clients in Los Angeles & Ventura
Searching for Canadian passport photos near Simi Valley? Karen Vaisman Photography—based in Agoura Hills—serves clients from across Southern California with expertly lit, government-compliant photos and 1-hour turnaround. Well worth the drive for results you can trust.
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.
The required studio stamp — included on one Canadian passport photo and one Canadian citizenship photo. 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
- ✓ Non-smear ink formulated to adhere to 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
- ✓ Prints and digital files are separate sessions — book either, or both
- ✓ Never had a photo rejected in 30+ years of Canadian passport photography
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. 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
- Anything written on the back afterward may smear
Done Right: Permanent Non-Smear Ink and Room Left on the Back
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 clear on the back of the photo
- Non-smear ink pen provided if you need to write your own name at the studio
Small detail. Big difference. The front of the photo, the back-side stamp and the date 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 & Citizenship 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
"Karen was absolutely wonderful to work with. She was incredibly patient and professional throughout the entire session, and she made sure I looked my best in every shot. Her 30 years of experience truly shows in the way she guides you and pays attention to the small details."
Read this review on Yelp
"Karen is the definition of a true professional photographer. She not only makes you feel comfortable while she is taking your photo, but she understands what is required to get that perfect shot — the correct angle, the right lighting, and most importantly, how to capture the essence of the person in front of the camera."
Read this review on Yelp
"Karen was wonderful to work with, she is a true professional and knows how to take photos at the right angle to make you look good. Once the booking was made and the time set there were no delays, no waiting — just like the Swiss Railway, on time. I was very pleased with my photos."
Read this review on Google
"It was wonderful working with Karen! She was nice and professional. She scheduled an appointment for me right away and got my retouched images back to me in less than a week! Pictures turned out great. Highly recommend."
Read this review on Google
"I was seeking a talented photographer, not just with lighting and lenses and composition, but also with some talent to smooth out any blemishes. Boy, did I score! I am amazed by how flattering, yet true to myself, these photos came out. Karen is truly a talented artist."
Read this review on Yelp"Karen was fantastic and knew exactly what was needed for my professional Canadian Citizenship Photo. I was able to submit my application without any stress about the photos."
Read this review on Google"Karen was fantastic. We got a quick turnaround of photos for our two kids for their Canadian certificate of citizenship digital photos and Canadian passport photos. Highly professional and detail oriented, went above and beyond to ensure the photos would meet the application requirements."
Read this review on Google
Why Canadian Passport Photos Must Be Taken at a
Commercial Photography Studio
The Canadian government requires that passport photos be taken by a recognized commercial photographer or studio — not a kiosk, a phone, or a home setup. This is a stated government requirement, not a preference.
Per the Government of Canada’s official passport photo specifications , photos must be taken by a commercial photographer or photography studio, and the back of one photo must carry the studio name, complete address, and the date the photo was taken.
The citizenship photograph specifications are separate and carry their own certification requirements. Karen prepares both, and applies the correct stamp for whichever application you are submitting.
Printed to exact 50×70 mm with the required commercial studio stamp.
That requirement is why a photo that looks perfectly fine can still come back. The rules govern the photographer and the print, not just the image.
Most quick-photo counters are set up for U.S. specifications, which differ from the Canadian ones in almost every respect — size, head height, background, and the stamp on the back.
We Retake Other Studios’ Failed Canadian Passport Photos
Clients regularly arrive after a rejection somewhere else — on a deadline, needing it right the second time. We have heard from applicants whose photos came back five and ten times: cut to the wrong size, wrong head height, wrong expression, headwear or glasses that were not permitted, or lighting that put a shadow where none was visible to the eye.
In 30+ years, not one photo taken at this studio has ever been rejected. If yours ever is, the retake is free. It has not happened yet, and we work hard to keep it that way.
What Canadian Passport and Citizenship Clients Say
"I went to Karen Vaisman Photography to have Canadian passport photos taken. These photos require a very specific list of guidelines to follow and if they're not met, the passport application gets returned. Karen has years of experience in shooting these photos and knows the importance of every detail. The photos turned out perfect, and her professionalism and fast turn-around made the whole experience excellent. Highly recommended!"
Read this review on Yelp"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."
Read this review on Google"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!"
Read this review on Google"Awesome, straightforward and effective if you need a Canadian Passport photo!"
Rating
Karen Vaisman Photography
What to Wear for Your Canadian Passport Photo
Solid colors and jewel tones — navy, emerald, burgundy, deep purple — photograph beautifully against the required white background. Avoid white or very pale tops, which blend into it.
No hats, no glasses. Because Canadian passport photos cannot be retouched, wear something you feel confident in on camera.
Passport, Citizenship and Visa — All Three
Canadian passport and citizenship photos both use the 50×70 mm size; visitor visa, study permit and work permit photos use the 35×45 mm size. The certification on the back also differs by application. Karen applies the correct size and certification for whichever you are submitting.
If you need more than one type at the same appointment, mention it when you book.
Ready for Your Canadian Passport Photo?
Studio stamp included on one photo
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Never rejected in 30+ years
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Ready in 1 hour
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Free retake guarantee
Monday–Saturday, 9am–5pm
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By appointment only
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Karen answers her own phone
Canadian Passport Photos Near Simi Valley
Serving Simi Valley from Karen Vaisman Photography in Agoura Hills
Need Canadian passport photos near Simi Valley? Karen Vaisman Photography is a professional photography studio in Agoura Hills serving Simi Valley clients who need Canadian passport, citizenship and permanent-resident application photos. Printed Canadian passport photos are professionally photographed, precisely measured and printed to the required 50×70 mm size, with the photographer and studio information prepared for the application. Most printed passport orders are ready in about one hour.
Canadian passport photography is not the same as a standard U.S. passport picture. The photograph must be taken in person by a commercial photographer or photography studio, professionally printed, accurately sized and left unaltered. Karen has specialized in Canadian passport photography for more than 30 years and carefully checks the measurements, lighting, expression and print before you leave.
Coming From Simi Valley?
Simi Valley stretches across a wide area, so travel time depends on where you begin. Clients come from the Wood Ranch and Madera Road area, central Simi Valley around Los Angeles Avenue, and the eastern side of the city near Tapo Canyon Road and Kuehner Drive. The Agoura Hills studio is south of Simi Valley near the 101 corridor, making it a practical option for clients who want a photographer who regularly handles Canadian photo requirements rather than a general passport-photo counter.
Why Simi Valley Clients Make the Drive
- More than 30 years of Canadian passport-photo experience
- Printed Canadian passport photos measured and cut to 50×70 mm
- Professional studio lighting designed to control shadows, glare and skin tone
- Photographer and studio information prepared for the application
- Approximately one-hour turnaround for most printed passport orders
- Free retake if a photograph Karen produced is ever not accepted
"In 30+ years, not one Canadian passport photo I have produced has ever been rejected. I check the measurements, lighting and print carefully because this is not the place to guess."
Passport, citizenship or permanent-resident application? Tell Karen exactly which Canadian application you are submitting. Printed Canadian passport photos follow the current passport requirements, while citizenship and permanent-resident applications have their own current photo instructions. Karen prepares your photographs for the application you are actually submitting rather than assuming one Canadian specification applies to everything.
Canadian Passport Photos Near Simi Valley — nearby areas served:
Moorpark
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Thousand Oaks
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Westlake Village
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Calabasas
Directions From Simi Valley to Karen Vaisman Photography
The studio is located in Agoura Hills, California — not in Simi Valley.
Karen Vaisman Photography
5624 Silver Valley Avenue
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Plan approximately 15–25 minutes from much of Simi Valley, depending on your starting point and traffic. Common routes connect through the 118 / 23 corridor and US-101 toward Agoura Hills.
Convenient for clients from Simi Valley, Wood Ranch, Moorpark and the surrounding Conejo Valley area.
Monday–Saturday, 9am–5pm
By appointment only
Prefer to talk to Karen? (818) 991-7787
Have Questions?
Canadian Passport & Citizenship Photo FAQ — Simi Valley
Canadian photo requirement information reviewed against current IRCC guidance · September 2026
Simi Valley clients can get professional Canadian passport and citizenship photos at Karen Vaisman Photography in nearby Agoura Hills. Karen specializes in Canadian application photography and prepares the photograph for the specific passport or citizenship application you are submitting.
Clients travel from Wood Ranch, central Simi Valley, the Madera Road area and eastern Simi Valley because they want a professional photographer who regularly works with Canadian photo requirements rather than a general passport-photo counter.
The studio is located at 5624 Silver Valley Avenue, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 .
Plan approximately 15–25 minutes from much of Simi Valley, depending on your starting point and traffic. Travel time varies because Simi Valley stretches from Wood Ranch and Madera Road to the eastern side of the city near Tapo Canyon Road and Kuehner Drive.
Common routes connect through the 118 / 23 corridor and US-101 toward Agoura Hills. Check the live map and directions before leaving for current traffic conditions.
No. Canadian passport and citizenship applications have separate photo instructions. IRCC specifically states that citizenship photos do not use the same specifications as passport photos.
Citizenship requirements can also depend on what you are applying for and whether the application is being submitted online or by mail. Karen therefore asks which application you are filing and prepares the photographs for that application rather than assuming one Canadian specification applies to everything.
See the official IRCC citizenship photo specifications .
Same-day appointments may be available. Karen Vaisman Photography is an appointment-only studio, and most printed Canadian passport orders are ready in about one hour.
Before driving from Simi Valley, check current appointment availability or call Karen directly at (818) 991-7787. Karen answers her own phone.
Tell Karen exactly which Canadian citizenship application you are submitting and whether you are applying online or by mail. For example, the IRCC citizenship photo instructions distinguish between becoming a Canadian citizen and obtaining proof of citizenship, as well as digital and paper submissions.
Karen uses the requirements for the application you are actually submitting instead of treating every citizenship photograph as though it were a passport photograph.
See Karen's Canadian Citizenship Photos page for more information.
The photographer-identification and certification requirements depend on the citizenship application and submission method. That is why Karen asks whether you are filing a citizenship grant, proof-of-citizenship application or another citizenship application, and whether it is online or on paper.
Karen prepares the photograph and applicable studio information for the current IRCC instructions you are submitting.
A printed Canadian passport photograph must measure 50 mm wide by 70 mm high. The face is also measured from the chin to the crown of the head to make sure it falls within the current Canadian passport specifications.
Karen uses a dedicated Canadian photo cutter and measures the finished photograph specifically for the Canadian format.
See the official Canadian passport photo requirements .
For a printed Canadian passport application, the photographer must write or stamp the date the photograph was taken and the name and complete address of the photography studio on the back of one photograph.
Karen uses a permanent non-smear studio stamp so the photographer information remains clear on the photographic paper and does not transfer onto the second print.
No. A standard U.S. passport photograph is 2×2 inches, while a printed Canadian passport photograph is 50×70 mm and uses different head-size and photographer-information requirements.
A photograph prepared only to U.S. specifications should not be submitted as a Canadian passport photograph.
Canadian application photos can require different dimensions, measurements, certification and submission details than a routine U.S. passport picture.
Before using a CVS, Walgreens or other quick-photo counter, confirm that the location understands the specific Canadian application you are submitting rather than simply producing a standard U.S. passport print.
Karen has more than 30 years of Canadian passport-photo experience and checks the photograph, measurements and finished print before you leave.Canadian passport photos require a neutral facial expression with the eyes open and clearly visible, the mouth closed, and the face looking directly at the camera.
Karen guides your expression and positioning during the session so you do not have to guess what will meet the requirements.
Regular eyeglasses may be worn when your eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare on the lenses. Tinted lenses are not accepted.
A head covering worn daily for religious beliefs or medical reasons may be permitted as long as the full face remains visible and the covering does not create shadows on the face.
No beauty retouching is performed on Canadian application photos. Karen creates a flattering, professional result with controlled studio lighting, camera technique and careful positioning rather than changing facial features afterward.
For passport photographs, IRCC specifically requires the photograph to be original and unaltered. Karen follows the current requirements for whichever Canadian application you are submitting.
Yes. Karen photographs infants, toddlers and children for Canadian passport and citizenship applications and adjusts the setup to the child's age and the requirements of the application.
Please mention the child's age and the type of Canadian application when booking so Karen can prepare the studio appropriately.
Karen Vaisman Photography has more than 30 years of professional photography experience and has been included as an Embassy of Canada photographer resource for Canadian passport and citizenship photography.
Karen has zero known rejections in 30+ years from Canadian passport photographs she has produced. If a photograph Karen produced is ever not accepted because of the photograph, she will retake it at no charge.
Karen Vaisman Photography is a specialist appointment-only photography studio, not a quick-photo kiosk. Your session includes professional studio photography, application-specific preparation and Karen's personal review of the photographs before you leave.
Current session options and pricing are shown when you check appointment availability . You can review the options before booking.
Karen Vaisman Photography is located at 5624 Silver Valley Avenue, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 . The studio is in Agoura Hills, not Simi Valley.
Appointments are available Monday–Saturday, 9am–5pm, by appointment only. Book your Canadian passport or citizenship photo appointment or call Karen directly at (818) 991-7787.
Need a Canadian Passport or Citizenship Photo?
Professional Agoura Hills studio serving Simi Valley · 30+ years of Canadian photo experience · Most printed passport orders ready in about one hour · Karen answers her own phone
Check Appointment Availability Call Karen — (818) 991-7787