Canadian Passport Photos Near Me —
Los Angeles
If your photo is ever rejected, we retake it at no charge. In 30+ years it has never happened.
Clients drive from across Southern California — most studios in LA have never heard of IRCC requirements.
Karen Vaisman Photography is a listed resource for the Embassy of Canada specializing in Canadian Passport Photos and Canadian Citizenship Photos.
Canadian Passport Photos Near Me —
Zero Rejections in 30+ Years.
Retake Free If It Ever Happens.
What we guarantee:
- Photos that meet every Canadian government specification — or we retake them free
- Correct 50×70mm Canadian size, not the U.S. 2×2 size
- Permanent non-smear studio stamp on the back of one photo
- Shadow-free white background, ready in about 1 hour
Karen Vaisman Photography is an appointment-only professional studio specializing in Canadian passport and citizenship photos — not a kiosk, not a drugstore counter. Canadian passport photos have strict requirements that differ from U.S. passport photos — exact 50×70mm sizing, a commercial studio stamp, and precise head measurements. That is why photos taken at drug stores and shipping counters are so often rejected. Karen prepares adult (PPTC 153) and child (PPTC 054) Canadian passport photos to exact specification.
Clients drive from across Southern California because their photos are done right the first time. Serving Santa Monica, Pasadena, Burbank, Thousand Oaks, Woodland Hills, Ventura, and beyond.
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.
Read this review on GoogleOr call Karen directly: (818) 991-7787 · Mon–Sat, 9am–5pm
Canadian passport photo requirements
Learn exactly what the Canadian passport program requires — the 50×70mm size, the studio stamp, background, expression, and why drug store photos get rejected.
Read the complete requirements guide →🍁 Canadian Passport Photos — What the Government Requires
Canadian passport photos follow strict specifications — different from U.S. passport photos. Here is exactly what is required:
Size
50×70mm — not the U.S. 2×2 inch size
Background
Plain white, completely shadow-free
Expression
Neutral, no teeth showing, both eyes fully open
Studio stamp
Required on back of one photo — non-smear ink, studio name, address & date
Your application form
PPTC 153 (adult passport) · PPTC 054 (child passport, under 16)
Turnaround
Ready in 1 hour · by appointment Mon–Sat
I get calls every week from people who’ve already tried CVS, FedEx, and UPS for their Canadian passport photos — and not one of them could help.
Most don’t have a studio stamp. They write the required information by hand with a ballpoint pen on resin-coated photographic paper — and ballpoint ink won’t adhere to photo paper. The writing smears, becomes illegible, and transfers onto the face of the other photo in the envelope, ruining both copies before they ever reach Ottawa.
Then there’s the lighting. A single flash aimed straight at your face while you stand against a wall — your own body casts a black shadow behind your ears. That shadow alone gets Canadian passport photos rejected, and none of it can be corrected later in a government ID photo.
I can stack one of my photos on top of a drug store photo and you can see it immediately — they may say it is 50×70mm, but the cutting is often imprecise. The Canadian government checks every dimension precisely.
One client had her passport application returned six times before she found me. That’s why people drive from Santa Monica, Pasadena, San Diego, and Bakersfield — because most studios in Los Angeles have never heard of the Canadian passport requirements. That’s when people call me.
Families Drive From Across Southern California
Canadian families travel from Pasadena, Santa Monica, San Diego, Palm Springs, Ventura County, Orange County, San Diego, and beyond for one reason: their photos are done right the first time, accepted by IRCC, and ready in about an hour. Here is what they get that drug stores and shipping counters cannot provide.
Can CVS, Walgreens, UPS, or FedEx Do Canadian Passport Photos?
They will take a photo and hand you a print — but a Canadian passport photo is not a U.S. passport photo. Here is the difference that gets drug store and shipping counter photos rejected by IRCC.
| Requirement | Drug Store / Shipping Counter |
Karen Vaisman Photography |
| Exact 50×70mm size | Often cut to U.S. 2×2 | ✓ Precise to the mm |
| Permanent studio stamp on back | Handwritten stamp or none | ✓ Permanent, non-smear stamp |
| Shadow-free lighting | Single flash, wall shadows | ✓ Pro studio lighting |
| Correct head size & position | Not measured | ✓ Measured to spec |
| Knows IRCC requirements | No | ✓ 30+ yrs, zero rejections |
| If it is rejected | You pay again | ✓ Free retake, guaranteed |
The same applies to Staples, Walmart, Costco, and AAA. They are set up for U.S. passport photos — not the exact Canadian specifications. That is why people drive to Agoura Hills to have it done right the first time.
My mother and I needed Canadian passport photos for our dual-citizenship applications. We had contacted several photographers in our immediate location and none seemed to understand the specific requirements for the photos. Luckily we found Karen Vaisman who specializes in Canadian passport photos. She knew the exact measurements required for the photo as well as the other information required by the Canadian government. My mother just received confirmation of her dual citizenship. I look forward to receiving mine. Karen is a consummate professional in every way and we both highly recommend her services.
Read this review on GoogleNeeded 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.
Karen Vaisman Photography is a listed resource for the Embassy of Canada specializing in Canadian Passport Photos and Canadian Citizenship Photos.
Canadian citizenship & passport photo requirements
Learn exactly what IRCC requires — size, stamp, background, expression, and why photos get rejected at pharmacies.
Read the complete requirements guide →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.
CANADIAN PASSPORT & CITIZENSHIP PHOTOS
Families Travel From Across Southern California
Many Canadian citizens travel from Pasadena, Santa Monica, Santa Clarita, Palm Springs, Ventura County, Orange County, San Diego and beyond for Canadian passport and citizenship photos.
Families often bring multiple relatives for passport, citizenship, proof of citizenship, children’s and infant photo applications — and frequently refer other family members because Canadian photo requirements are much stricter than standard U.S. passport photos.
For many clients, the peace of mind is worth the drive.
Book Canadian Photos
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
- ✓ 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. 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 Stamp 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.
Rejection Cause #1
Shadows on Photo
Meet our Shadow-Free Passport Photo Studio
This is not
a drugstore passport photo.
Karen has prepared Canadian passport photos for 30+ years with zero rejections. Every photo includes professional studio lighting, shadow-free backdrop, precise sizing, and the required studio stamp — the detail most LA photo shops don't even know exists. Most clients find the peace of mind worth every penny.
Cut to Exact 50 × 70 mm — the Canadian Passport Photo Size
The same precise size is also required for Canadian citizenship and visa photos.
Canadian passport photos must be cut to an exact 50 × 70 mm — a different size from standard U.S. passport photos. Karen uses a dedicated Canadian photo cutter so every print meets precise government specifications.
An incorrectly sized photo is one of the most common reasons Canadian passport applications are returned — even when the photo itself looks perfect.
- Printed and cut to exact 50 × 70 mm — not approximated
- Correct for 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
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.
Call Karen at (818) 991-7787 for Canadian Citizenship Photos, Canadian Passport Photos, or any ID photo questions.
Or email here:
Need Professional Canadian Citizenship Photos or Canadian Passport Photos in the Los Angeles Area? Ready in Just 1 Hour.
Need to know what to wear for the perfect passport photo? It is similar to wardrobe for professional headshots.
Canadian Citizenship Example Photo
Our Premier Professional Photography Studio for Canadian Passport Photos:
Karen Vaisman Photography
5624 Silver Valley Ave
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
"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!"
New Canadian Passport Photos Near Me
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 her, 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 GoogleNeed a professional Canadian Passport Photos Near Me or Canadian Citizenship Photos
completed in Just 1 Hour in Thousand Oaks?
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
Professional Canadian Passport Photos for Adults, Baby Passport Photos, Child Canadian Citizenship Photos
10 minute photo session
1 hour turn-around time for your Photos
(818) 991-7787
Have questions?
Canadian Passport Photo FAQ — Near Me in Los Angeles
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.
They will take a photo and hand you a print, but 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
- Shadow-free lighting and precise head measurements
The same applies to Staples, Walmart, Costco, and AAA. That is why people drive to Karen's Agoura Hills studio to have it done right the first time.
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.
You need two identical photos for a Canadian passport application. One of the two must have the commercial studio stamp, complete studio name and address, and the date the photo was taken on the back.
Karen provides both printed photos with the required stamp, ready in about one hour.
Yes. The Canadian government requires a commercial photography studio stamp on the back of one photo. The stamp must include the studio name, complete address, and the date the photo was taken.
Karen applies a permanent, non-smear studio stamp — not handwritten ballpoint, which smears on photographic paper and can transfer onto the other photo, getting applications returned.
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 that contrasts with the plain white background. Jewel tones — navy, emerald, burgundy, deep purple — photograph beautifully. Avoid white or very pale tops, which blend into the 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 or light-colored background and natural skin tones. Black and white photos are not 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.
Yes — sessions are quick and your printed photos with the studio stamp are ready in about one hour. Same-day appointments are often available, including for urgent travel situations.
Call Karen directly at (818) 991-7787 to check today's availability, or book 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.
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 online.
Yes. Canadian citizenship and visa photos use the same 50×70mm size and require the same commercial studio stamp. Karen produces all of them to specification.
If you need Canadian citizenship photos, Karen handles those too — with the same zero-rejection guarantee.
Yes. Karen Vaisman Photography is an appointment-only specialist studio in Agoura Hills, California, with 30+ years of Canadian passport photography and zero rejections. Every session includes professional studio lighting, the required commercial studio stamp, and precise 50×70mm sizing.
Karen holds a BFA in Photography from Syracuse University and is recognized by the Embassy of Canada as a trusted resource for Canadian passport photography. For clients who cannot afford a rejected application or travel delay, it is the right choice. Book online or call Karen directly at (818) 991-7787 — she answers her own phone.
Karen Vaisman Photography is located at 5624 Silver Valley Avenue, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 — just off the 101 Freeway, minutes from Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Calabasas, and the greater Los Angeles area.
Book online here or call (818) 991-7787. Monday–Saturday, 9am–5pm, by appointment only.
Professional Canadian passport photos and Canadian citizenship photos prepared by appointment in Agoura Hills, serving Los Angeles, Ventura County, Conejo Valley, and surrounding areas. Photos are prepared to official Canadian specifications.
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