AnswerUnited States passportchecked November 10, 2026
Too dark or washed out
The State Department asks for a photo that reproduces skin tones accurately and is neither too bright nor too dim. A white background can fool the camera into making the face too dark; strong light or flash washes it out.
Why it happens
- A bright white wall makes the camera darken the whole image.
- Low indoor light makes the face dark and grainy.
- Direct sun or flash makes the face look white and flat.
- HDR or beauty modes change contrast and skin tone.
How to fix it
Light the face from the front
Face a window or a soft lamp.
Tap on the face
On a phone, tap your face on the screen to set exposure there, not on the wall.
Turn off HDR, beauty and portrait modes
Use the standard photo mode.
Check exposure
The checker measures face brightness and warns when it is too dark or too bright.
Check your photo now, free
Checks
- Add a photo to see the crop and the checks.
Bought your photo here and it was still rejected? You get a free redo or a refund. See the guarantee
Questions
Can I brighten the photo afterwards?
No. Adjusting the photo is a digital change. Retake it with better light.