Arrange the camera around the person

Begin in a comfortable, supported position. There is no reason to stand or transfer out of a wheelchair just to bring the face level with a camera. Ask a helper to lower or raise the camera to the seated person’s eye level instead.

Allow room for the helper to move back and include the head and shoulders. Place a suitable plain background behind the person without interfering with their chair or supports. Check that light reaches both sides of the face.

A visible head support may be allowed

US passport guidance includes an acceptable example with part of a wheelchair head support visible. It asks applicants to include a note explaining why the wheelchair means the background is not completely white.

UK passport caseworker guidance also allows disability-related exceptions, including visible medical aids. The explanation or evidence needed depends on the circumstances. Read the guidance for the actual document instead of removing a necessary support to match a standard example.

Explain a pose that cannot be changed

If looking straight at the camera or holding a standard pose is not possible, contact the receiving authority about its exception process. Describe the requirement that cannot be met and ask what explanation or evidence to include.

Leave the person’s appearance and medical aids intact. Editing posture, opening eyes or erasing a support can make the photograph less faithful to the applicant.

Check access before an appointment

When a photographer or agency must take the photo, contact the location before visiting. Ask whether the camera can be positioned for a seated portrait, whether the space accommodates the chair and whether a companion can assist.

If you use an automatic preview at home, inspect the crop yourself. Face detection may not handle every posture well; a poor suggested crop does not mean the person cannot have a suitable document photograph.

Sources and further reading

US Department of State · Passport photos ↗HM Passport Office · Photo standards and disability exceptions ↗

Requirements can change. Check the official instructions for your application before submitting.

Merodim is an independent photo-preparation service, not a government agency. Find your document →