French Passport Photos —
Los Angeles
Professional French Passport Photo Studio — Agoura Hills
French Visa, French Citizenship &
French Identity Card Photos — Los Angeles
French passport photos require a 35×45mm format with a light grey or light blue background — not the standard US 2×2 inch white-background format. Karen Vaisman Photography prepares French passport photos, French long-stay visa photos, and French citizenship photos to exact French consulate and ANTS specifications in Agoura Hills, serving Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Ventura County. In over 30 years of professional photography, Karen has never had a French passport photo rejected — and printed photos are ready in one hour.
Photos d'identité françaises — conformes aux exigences du consulat de France.
Zero rejections in 30+ years —
or your retake is FREE. Ready in 1 hour.
- French Passport, Visa, Citizenship & Identity Card Photos
- Printed 35×45mm — accepted by the French consulate
- Digital JPEG for ANTS online applications
- 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. Digital JPEG for ANTS delivered promptly. Guaranteed to pass — or your retake is free.
Why French Expats Drive to Agoura Hills
French 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 French passport photo to exact French consulate specifications, not a generic crop. Most Los Angeles photo studios only offer white backgrounds — French passport photos require light grey or light blue, and the French consulate will reject white.
French expats come from West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, West LA, and across Los Angeles because Karen photographs to exact French consulate specifications — so it passes the first time.
French Visa & French Citizenship Photos
Many U.S.-based applicants need French passport photos for French visa applications, French citizenship by descent, dual citizenship, first passport applications, renewals, or urgent consulate appointments. Karen prepares your photo for the correct format — printed photos or a digital JPEG for ANTS online applications — depending on what your application requires.
France is a Schengen Area country — French visa photos meet Schengen biometric photo requirements. French Americans and dual nationals travel to Karen's Agoura Hills studio from West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Malibu, Studio City, Encino, and surrounding areas because French passport and visa photos require more precision than a quick drugstore photo.
Also providing British passport photos, Irish passport photos, German passport photos, Italian passport photos, Spanish passport photos, Schengen visa photos, Australian passport photos, Polish citizenship photos, Canadian passport photos, Canadian citizenship 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. French passport photos are 35×45mm — a completely different size from the standard American 2×2 inch format. The background must be light grey or light blue — white is not accepted by the French consulate and will be rejected. No shadows. A rejected photo means lost fees, missed deadlines, and resubmission delays — and you won't know it's wrong until the French consulate sends it back.
Also serving French visa photos, French citizenship photos, and Schengen visa photos.
Prefer to talk? (818) 991-7787
Karen answers her own phone
Don't risk rejection — get it done right the first time.
French passport photos prepared to exact French consulate specifications — serving Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Woodland Hills, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Calabasas and Ventura.
Also offering foreign passport photos in Los Angeles and Canadian passport photos near me .
See 300+ 5-star reviews on Google ›
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
French Consulate Requirements
French Consulate Specifications — French Passport & Visa Photos
French passport and visa photos are not the same as standard American 2×2 inch passport photos. Whether you need a French long-stay visa photo, a French D visa photo, or a Schengen visa photo for the French consulate in Los Angeles — France has its own precise specifications, and the consulate's biometric scanning systems have no margin for error.
A French passport or visa photo that fails French consulate standards triggers an application rejection — even if it looks perfectly fine to you.
You won't know it's wrong until your application is denied.
Crown to chin must measure 32–36mm — printed 35mm wide × 45mm tall. Not the American 2×2 inch format.
Eyes must be open, fully visible, and free of glare 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.
Light grey or light blue only — white is not accepted and will be rejected by the French consulate.
At CVS, Walmart, and UPS, nobody is measuring anything.
I know this because clients come to me after rejections every week — professionals applying for French long-stay visas, families relocating to France, retirees who need their Schengen visa photo done right for the French consulate on Santa Monica Blvd.
Recently a client called me in a panic. He had a French consulate appointment and needed photos urgently. He had called around Los Angeles and nobody could produce the correct grey or light blue background — every drugstore and shipping store handed him a photo with a white background, rejected by the French consulate.
When he found Karen Vaisman Photography, I set up the correct background, photographed him to exact French consulate specifications, and had his prints ready within the hour.
I hand every client a photo I would stake my 30-year reputation on.
At Karen Vaisman Photography, every French passport photo and visa photo is prepared to exact French consulate specifications — 35×45mm, light grey or light blue 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.
"Karen was absolutely amazing, I would highly recommend her for any photo shoot. She made me comfortable, laugh, and my photos looked the way I've always imagined I could look — but better!"
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"Karen was the consummate professional. She made my experience easy and comfortable. Her attention to detail was extraordinary and my photos turned out amazing. I would definitely recommend her services to anyone, especially if you want perfection!"
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"If you are looking for a top-notch photographer with the professional experience and artistic ability to create outstanding results, look no further. Karen Vaisman gets you where you need to be in an effortless manner with incredible artistry, an eye for minute detail, and extraordinary patience for the camera-shy among us. I cannot recommend her more highly."
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"Karen is the ultimate professional and a joy to work with. She guided me through the process and the results were beyond my expectations. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to my friends and family."
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"Karen's experience shines from before the photo shoot. The quality, preparation and clarity she takes in her prep message is just the beginning of your professional experience. She has all the equipment needed to make the results impressive. And the results are impressive."
Read this review on GoogleFrench Visa Photos — Los Angeles
French Visa Photos — Los Angeles
French Consulate Visa Photos — 35×45mm — Printed & Digital JPEG for ANTS
Anyone applying for a French visa in Los Angeles needs a 35×45mm photo — the same format as a French passport photo, and completely different from the standard American 2×2 inch format.
Whether you need a tourist visa, student visa, work visa, or long-stay visa for the French consulate — the photo specifications are the same.
The French D visa — France's long-stay visa category — is the most common visa Karen prepares photos for. It covers Americans relocating to France for work, study, retirement, or extended stays. The French consulate in Los Angeles, located at 10390 Santa Monica Blvd, is strict about specifications. A rejected visa photo means a delayed departure, a missed enrollment date, or a postponed move — and you won't know it's wrong until the consulate sends it back.
Every photo prepared to exact French consulate specifications — 35×45mm, light grey or light blue background. Printed photos, digital JPEG for ANTS, or both — ready in one hour.
Relocating to Paris or another French city for work. French long-stay visa photo prepared to exact French consulate specifications — on your timeline.
Applying for a French long-stay visa as a freelancer or self-employed professional. Same 35×45mm format, light grey or light blue background — done right the first time.
Starting a new chapter in Provence, Paris, or the south of France. French long-stay visa photo ready in one hour.
Enrolling at Sciences Po, HEC, the Sorbonne, or another French university. French student visa photo prepared to exact French consulate specifications.
Your move to France starts with one photo.
Get it right the first time — book your French visa photo session online or call (818) 991‑7787.
French Citizenship Photos — Los Angeles
French Citizenship Photos — Los Angeles
Many Americans in Los Angeles are discovering they qualify for French citizenship through ancestry — a French parent or grandparent is enough to apply for French citizenship by descent. Others are pursuing dual citizenship after years of living and working in France.
French citizenship photos use the same 35×45mm specifications as French passport photos — light grey or light blue background, correct head height, professional studio lighting. Karen prepares French citizenship photos to exact French consulate specifications, printed and ready in one hour — or as a digital JPEG for ANTS online applications.
Whether you are applying for French citizenship by descent, dual citizenship, or naturalization — bring your official photo requirements or the link to your application guidelines and Karen will prepare your photos to exact specifications.
- ·35×45mm format
- ·Light grey or light blue background
- ·Neutral expression
- ·Eyes open and fully visible
- ·Face height 32–36mm chin to crown
- ·Printed photos for consulate applications
- ·Digital JPEG for ANTS online applications
French citizenship photos — exact French consulate specifications — ready in one hour.
Book your French citizenship photo session online or call (818) 991‑7787.
French National Identity Card Photos — Los Angeles
French National Identity Card Photos — Los Angeles
French citizens living in Los Angeles renew their carte nationale d'identité — French national identity card — at the French consulate on Santa Monica Blvd. The carte nationale d'identité is a biometric identity document issued by the French government and accepted as travel ID throughout the European Union.
French national identity card photos use exactly the same 35×45mm specifications as French passport photos — light grey or light blue background, correct head height, professional studio lighting. Karen prepares French identity card photos to exact French consulate specifications, printed and ready in one hour.
- ·35×45mm format
- ·Light grey or light blue background
- ·Neutral expression
- ·Eyes open and fully visible
- ·Face height 32–36mm chin to crown
- ·Printed photos for consulate applications
French national identity card photos — exact French consulate specifications —
ready in one hour.
Book your French identity card photo session online or call (818) 991‑7787.
What's Included
Your French Passport Photo Session
Every French passport photo session at Karen Vaisman Photography includes professional studio preparation calibrated to exact French consulate specifications.
Printed to exact French consulate dimensions — not the American 2×2 inch format most Los Angeles photo locations use
French consulate requires light grey or light blue only — white is not accepted and will be rejected. See official French photo requirements →
Printed photos only · Digital JPEG for ANTS online applications · Prints and digital together. See pricing when booking — book online here or call (818) 991-7787.
Professional studio lighting eliminates shadows — a leading cause of French passport photo rejection by the French consulate
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 JPEG files for ANTS online applications delivered promptly after your session.
Most Los Angeles photo studios only offer white backgrounds. The French consulate will reject a white background photo. Karen is one of the very few studios in the Los Angeles area that sets up the correct grey or light blue background required for French passport, visa, and citizenship photos. See all foreign passport photo services → Call Karen to book 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 French passport photos for 30+ years with a 100% acceptance rate. Every photo includes professional studio lighting, shadow-free backdrop, precise sizing — the detail most LA photo shops don't even know exists. Most clients find the peace of mind worth every penny.
French Passport Photos Cut to Exact 35 x 45 mm Size
French passport photos require a different size and crop than standard U.S. passport photos. Karen prepares printed French passport photos to the required 35 x 45 mm size.
Each photo is meticulously prepared for accurate sizing, clean presentation, professional lighting, and French consulate application requirements, including the correct crown-to-chin head size, light grey or light blue background, and visible upper shoulders.
French Passport Photos — How We Compare
| Drugstores & Shipping Centers | Karen Vaisman Photography |
|---|---|
| Standard US 2×2 inch (51×51mm) format only — wrong size for French passport and visa applications | Correct 35×45mm French consulate format — printed and cut to exact French government specifications |
| White background — not accepted by the French consulate and will be rejected | Light grey or light blue background — the only backgrounds accepted by the French consulate |
| Single flash causes shadows behind the ears — a leading cause of French passport photo rejection | Five-light professional studio — zero shadows on face or background |
| Fluorescent lighting turns skin green and yellow — unfixable in a government ID photo | Color-corrected studio lighting — accurate, natural skin tone every time |
| No 35×45mm digital JPEG formatted to ANTS online application specifications | Digital JPEG prepared to exact ANTS specifications — for online French passport and visa applications |
| No precise head measurement — crown-to-chin not verified to French consulate 32–36mm requirement | Every photo measured precisely — crown-to-chin verified to exact French consulate specifications before printing |
* Drugstore and shipping center services described based on standard offerings as of 2025. Services may vary by location and are subject to change. Always verify current offerings with your provider. Karen Vaisman Photography has never had a French passport photo rejected by the French consulate or ANTS in over 30 years.
Specialist In Infant & Child
French Passport Photos
- Large Studio Softboxes: Gentle professional lighting eliminates shadows while being safe for sensitive infant eyes.
- Expert Flat-Lay Setup: Safe, flat-lay setup for newborns who can't sit up independently — prepared to exact French consulate specifications.
- 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.
I have never had a French passport photo rejected by the French consulate or ANTS — and I intend to keep it that way. French passport photos are 35×45mm, not the American 2×2 inch format most Los Angeles photo locations use. The background must be light grey or light blue — white is not accepted by the French consulate and will be rejected. No shadows. I measure every photo precisely because your passport application depends on it.
”French Passport Photos Near Me — Los Angeles & Ventura — French 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.
French passport photo — prepared to exact French consulate specifications. Agoura Hills studio.
Need French Passport Photos in Los Angeles?
Ready in 1 Hour.
Need to know what to wear for the perfect passport photo? It is similar to wardrobe for professional headshots.
Our Premier Professional Photography Studio for French Passport Photos:
Karen Vaisman Photography
5624 Silver Valley Ave
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Book Your French Passport Photo Session — Call (818) 991-7787 or Email Below
Schedule your passport photo appointment online
We are located in Agoura Hills
or call
Phone: (818) 991-7787
French 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
"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."
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"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."
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"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."
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"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."
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"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 YelpYour French Passport Photo Done Right —
The First Time
The French consulate 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 French passport photo rejected — not once.
When you book with me you get a professional five-light studio session, meticulous preparation to exact French consulate specifications — 35×45mm, light grey or light blue background, correct head height — 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 French Passport Photo Session →French Passport Photos · French Visa Photos · French Citizenship Photos
French Passport Photos — Exact Specs, Professional Studio, Zero Rejections.
French passport photos must meet exact French consulate specifications. The wrong size, white background, or improper lighting means rejection — and most Los Angeles drugstores only offer standard American 2×2 inch photos with white backgrounds, both of which are wrong for French applications.
1. French Consulate Specifications
Karen prepares every French passport photo to exact French consulate requirements — 35×45mm print size, light grey or light blue background (white is not accepted by the French consulate), precise head position, and professional lighting. Printed photos, digital JPEG files for ANTS, or both.
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 French Passport Photo Rejected
In over 30 years of professional photography, Karen has never had a French passport photo rejected by the French consulate or ANTS. Not once. If it ever happens, your retake is free.
Book your French passport photo appointment in Agoura Hills. Printed photos are ready in approximately 1 hour. Digital JPEG files for ANTS online applications delivered promptly. Karen works by appointment — no walk-in kiosk, no guesswork.
Frequently Asked Questions About French Passport Photos
Yes. Karen Vaisman Photography provides professional French passport photos prepared to exact French consulate specifications. This includes printed photos sized to the correct 35×45mm format, digital JPEG files for ANTS online applications, or both — depending on your application type.
Karen has never had a French passport photo rejected by the French consulate or ANTS in over 30 years of professional photography.
Yes — significantly. U.S. passport photos are 2×2 inches (51×51mm). French passport photos must be 35×45mm — a completely different size. The background must be light grey or light blue — white is not accepted by the French consulate and will be rejected. A standard American drugstore passport photo will be rejected by the French consulate.
If you need a standard American passport photo, visit the U.S. passport photos in Los Angeles page.
Yes. Karen prepares French visa photos and French citizenship photos to the same 35×45mm French consulate specifications. France is a Schengen Area country — French visa photos prepared at Karen Vaisman Photography meet Schengen biometric photo requirements.
For French citizenship by descent applications, simply bring your official photo requirements or the link to your country's guidelines and Karen will prepare your photos to exact specifications.
Drugstores and shipping centers are set up for standard American 2×2 inch passport photos with white backgrounds — both the wrong size and the wrong background color for a French passport. White backgrounds are not accepted by the French consulate.
Karen personally prepares every French passport photo to the exact specifications required, which is especially important when a rejected photo could delay your consulate appointment, visa, or renewal.
Yes, depending on your application type. Consulate applications require printed photos. ANTS online applications require a digital JPEG upload. Some applications require both.
- Printed photos sized to 35×45mm French consulate specifications
- Digital JPEG files prepared to ANTS online application requirements
- Print and digital combinations when your application requires both
Not sure which format you need? Call Karen before booking — (818) 991-7787.
French 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 light grey or light blue — white is not accepted. The face height from chin to crown must measure between 32mm and 36mm within the photo.
French consulate passport applications typically require 2 identical printed photos. French visa applications also typically require 2 photos. For ANTS online applications, a digital JPEG file is required instead of printed photos. If you are unsure what your specific application requires, bring your instruction sheet or call (818) 991-7787 before booking.
Yes. French 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 French consulate appointment, call first and Karen will do her best to accommodate you.
Yes. Karen photographs babies and children of all ages for French 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 French passport photos. French consulate 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 light grey or light blue background. Avoid 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 French consulate or ANTS application if you have them — especially if your application has specific digital upload requirements.
- Whether you need printed photos, a digital JPEG file, or both
- Your application type (passport renewal, first passport, visa, citizenship)
- Any digital upload requirements including pixel size and file-size limits
- Any instruction sheet from your French consulate or ANTS portal
Printed French passport photos are ready in approximately 1 hour. Digital JPEG files for ANTS online applications are delivered promptly after your session. Karen works by appointment so each client receives careful preparation to exact French consulate specifications — not a rushed kiosk-style photo.
Karen prepares every French passport photo to exact French consulate specifications. Final acceptance is always determined by the French consulate or ANTS reviewing your application.
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 — French visa photos and French passport photos use exactly the same specifications: 35×45mm format, light grey or light blue background, face height 32–36mm from chin to crown. France is a Schengen Area country and the EU Visa Code unifies photo requirements across all Schengen member states.
Whether you need a photo for a French passport, a French long-stay visa, a student visa, or a Schengen short-stay visa — Karen prepares every photo to the same exact French consulate specifications.
The photo specifications are identical — 35×45mm, light grey or light blue background. The difference is the application they're submitted with:
- French passport photo — for renewing or applying for a French passport at the French consulate
- French visa photo — for applying for a French visa, including long-stay, student, work, or Schengen short-stay visas
- French citizenship photo — for French citizenship by descent or naturalization applications
Karen prepares photos for all three. Not sure which you need? Call before booking — (818) 991-7787.
French national identity card (carte nationale d'identité) photos use the same 35×45mm format as French passport photos — light grey or light blue background, face height 32–36mm, neutral expression. French citizens living in Los Angeles renew their carte nationale d'identité at the French consulate on Santa Monica Blvd.
Karen prepares French identity card photos to exact French consulate specifications — printed photos ready in approximately 1 hour. Call (818) 991-7787 to book.
No — and this is one of the most common sources of confusion for French expats in Los Angeles. The 22-digit ANTS e-photo code is only generated by government-approved photographers inside France for domestic online applications like French driver's license renewals.
When French citizens living abroad renew their passport or carte nationale d'identité at the French consulate in Los Angeles, the e-photo code is not required. The consulate requires compliant 35×45mm printed photos — which Karen provides and guarantees to pass consulate inspection. The consulate staff scan your printed photos into the ANTS system themselves.
If you are unsure what format your specific application requires, call Karen before booking — (818) 991-7787.
Yes. Karen also provides British passport photos, Irish passport photos, German passport photos, and Italian passport photos in Los Angeles. Karen also prepares Canadian passport photos, 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 French expats from West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Malibu, Studio City, Encino, and across Los Angeles and Ventura County.
The French consulate in Los Angeles is located at 10390 Santa Monica Blvd. Karen's studio is just off the 101 Freeway — a straight shot from the Westside. Karen answers her own phone Monday–Saturday, 9am–5pm.
Need photos for a French passport, French visa, or French consulate application? Professional biometric French passport and visa photos prepared by appointment in Agoura Hills, serving Los Angeles and Ventura County.
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