AnswerUnited States passportchecked November 10, 2026
Shadows on the face in a passport photo
The State Department asks for uniform light on the face with no shadows. Shadows come from light that is above you or to one side. Face the light source directly, and add a second light or a white surface on the darker side.
Why it happens
- A ceiling light directly above casts shadows under the eyes, nose and chin.
- A window or lamp to one side leaves half of the face darker.
- Strong sun creates hard shadows and makes people squint.
- A phone flash close to the face creates glare and a hard shadow behind the head.
How to fix it
Face a window
Stand facing a window in daylight, not with the window beside or behind you.
Turn off overhead lights
Switch off ceiling lights directly above your head.
Fill the dark side
Hold a white sheet of card or a pillowcase just out of frame on the darker side to bounce light back.
Avoid direct sun and flash
Use soft daylight on a cloudy day or indirect light. Turn the flash off.
Check the balance
The checker on this page compares the left and right half of your face and tells you if one side is darker.
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 remove the shadow with an app?
No. Editing the photo is not allowed, and the State Department checks for digital changes. Retake it with better light.