Zero rejections — ever. Every US passport photo Karen has produced has been accepted. Karen is meticulous about every technical detail — correct dimensions, shadow-free white background, precise head sizing, and current State Department specifications.

In the unlikely event your photo is ever not accepted, Karen will retake it for free. No questions asked. Read what clients say on our reviews page.

The difference is everything:

• Multiple shots — Karen shoots until she knows she has a great one, not just a compliant one
• You choose your favorite — every shot is shown on an iPad so you pick the one you love
• Expert posing guidance — Karen shows you exactly how to angle your chin, relax your shoulders, and position yourself for the most flattering result
• Five studio lights — positioned to eliminate shadows and flatter every face, every age, every skin tone
• Private studio environment — not a pharmacy counter with strangers walking by

Since passport photos cannot be retouched, getting it right in camera is everything. That is what a professional photographer does that a machine never can.

Always. Immediate iPad viewing after every session — you see every shot Karen took and choose your favorite before anything is printed. You will never leave with a photo you have not approved.

If something isn't right — an expression you don't love, a stray hair, anything — Karen will reshoot. No rushing. No one-and-done.

Most clients come because they want to look genuinely great in a photo they will carry for ten years — not a harsh drugstore flash shot they will regret every time they open their passport.

Karen brings over 30 years of professional photography experience to every session. Expert studio lighting and posing flatters every face, every age, every skin tone. Compliance is never in question — but looking great is the whole point.

Read 300+ five-star reviews or book online. Learn more about Karen.

Wear a solid colored top that contrasts with the white background. Jewel tones — navy, emerald, burgundy, deep purple — photograph beautifully under studio lighting. Avoid white or very pale tops. No glasses, hats, or uniforms.

One tip Karen shares with clients who want to look their most confident: since passport photos cannot be retouched, what you wear matters more than most people realize. Many women find that a turtleneck, mock neck, or higher neckline is the most flattering choice — it keeps the focus on your face and reads beautifully in the final photo.

For more wardrobe guidance visit our What to Wear page. Karen is also happy to advise before your session — just call (818) 991-7787.

The session itself takes about 5 minutes. Karen shoots until she knows she has a great photo, you choose your favorite on the iPad, and you are done.

• Prints: Ready within one hour. Karen asks clients to grab a coffee nearby and come back to pick up their prints — no waiting around in the studio.
• Digital files: Delivered via WeTransfer within one hour of your session, straight to your inbox.

Need something urgent? Call Karen directly at (818) 991-7787 — same-day appointments are often available. Book online here.

Karen handles every technical detail for you. For reference, here is what goes into a compliant photo:

• 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) print size
• Head between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from chin to top of head
• Plain white background — no shadows
• Neutral expression — mouth closed, both eyes open
• No glasses, hats, or headwear (unless religious with signed statement)
• Taken within the last 6 months
• Printed on photo-quality paper

Every one of these is handled precisely — that is why there have been zero rejections, ever.

Yes. US citizenship and immigration photos require the same 2×2 inch format as a US passport photo — plain white background, correct head size, and taken within the last 30 days. Karen's studio produces fully USCIS-compliant photos with professional studio lighting and a shadow-free white background.

Whether you are attending a naturalization ceremony, renewing a green card, or need photos for any USCIS immigration document, Karen handles it with the same zero-rejection guarantee. Digital files formatted to USCIS specifications are available for online applications.

Book your citizenship photo session online or call (818) 991-7787.

Yes — and Karen specializes in exactly these clients. Infants, young children, seniors, and clients with mobility needs are all welcome. Karen's studio is deaf-friendly and fully mobility-accessible.

Call ahead for infant sessions so Karen can prepare: (818) 991-7787.

Yes. Digital files are available and meet the exact pixel dimensions and file specifications required for online US passport applications and renewals. See full details on our booking and pricing page or call (818) 991-7787.

No — they are completely different. Canadian passport and citizenship photos require different dimensions, a mandatory commercial studio stamp on the back, and precise head measurements that differ from US standards. A US passport photo will not be accepted for a Canadian application.

Karen specializes in both. If you need Canadian passport photos or Canadian citizenship photos, Karen handles those too — with the correct commercial studio stamp and all required specifications.

• British passport photos — UK biometric specifications
• Irish passport photos — Irish government specifications
• Canadian passport photos — including the required commercial studio stamp
• Other foreign passport photos — many additional countries served

Not sure which specifications apply to your country? Call Karen at (818) 991-7787 before booking.

Karen Vaisman Photography is located at 5624 Silver Valley Avenue, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 — just off the 101 Freeway at Reyes Adobe, minutes from Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, and Calabasas. Serving clients across Los Angeles, Ventura County, and Malibu.

Book online here or call (818) 991-7787. Monday–Saturday, 9am–5pm, by appointment only.