[Passport Online Application] 5 Reasons Why You Should Take Your Photo at a Studio

August 21, 2026 August 21, 2026

スタッフA

The "Online Application" for passports, which started in March 2023, allows you to apply easily using your smartphone. While it has become very convenient, cases where applications fail the screening process due to photographic flaws are occurring one after another.

You might think that taking a photo by yourself is sufficient because it's free, but this mindset can actually be risky. In this article, we will explain in detail the "concrete reasons why you should leave your passport online photo to a professional," broken down into 5 key points.

Summary of common failures & solutions ↓

【パスポートオンライン申請】スマホ写真で落ちる人急増中！よくある失敗10選と対策まとめ | 就活写真の19Studio 新宿店｜当日予約OK・最安値

2025年3月から、パスポートのオンライン申請が全国的にスタートしました。スマートフォンで撮影した写真をそのまま使えるようになり、これまでよりも手続きがずっと手軽に…

就活写真の19Studio 新宿店｜当日予約OK・最安値

Reason 1: Clear the Strict AI Screening
Reason 2: Data Format and File Size Compliant with Regulations
Reason 3: A Beautiful Finish You Won't Regret for 10 Years
Reason 4: Total Cost Efficiency Considering Resubmissions and Effort
Reason 5: Peace of Mind with a Re-shooting Guarantee
Summary │ Prepare a Passport Photo That Passes the Screening

Reason 1: Clear the Strict AI Screening

In the passport online application, an AI-like system conducts a strict check during the initial stage.
Therefore, slight shadows or discrepancies in standards that would be overlooked by human eyes are not permitted.

The Role of Professionals

At a studio, we accurately meet screening standards—down to the millimeter—that are impossible to measure at home, such as the size of the face and the margins above the head and below the neck.

Difference from Photo Booths

With ID photo booths, the lighting and shadow processing are often insufficient, creating a high risk that the AI will judge it as "unevenness" and reject it. Professionals reduce this risk with uniform lighting.

Reason 2: Data Format and File Size Compliant with Regulations

One of the most hassle-filled parts of the online application is adjusting the photo's data specs (pixel size, file capacity) to match the regulations.

Automatic Compliance with Data Specs

Studios deliver digital data that perfectly meets the pixel size and file capacity required by the system.

In addition, issues such as file size becoming too large when shot in high quality at home, or image quality dropping when exported for the web, will not occur. You will be freed from the hassle of resubmitting due to data flaws.

Reason 3: A Beautiful Finish You Won't Regret for 10 YearsA passport photo is an important piece of personal identification information that you will use for 5 or 10 years. It is important not only to pass the screening, but also to look as good as possible, isn't it?

A passport photo is an important piece of personal identification information that you will use for 5 or 10 years. It is important not only to pass the screening, but also to look as good as possible, isn't it?

Professional Look

At a photo studio, proper angling and light adjustment bring out a healthy and natural expression, even in an otherwise impersonal ID photo. At 19Studio, you can check the photo after shooting, and re-shooting until you are satisfied is totally OK. There is no need to compromise on the final result.

Natural Retouching That Passes Screening

It is also possible to apply natural image retouching to make skin blemishes, dark circles under the eyes, and wrinkles less noticeable, within a range that does not affect the screening.

Reason 4: Total Cost Efficiency Considering Resubmissions and Effort

While studio photography may seem expensive at first glance, considering the overall cost performance, it ultimately turns out to be the cheaper option.

Avoiding Loss of Time and Expense

You can eliminate time costs such as re-shooting time and re-application effort caused by failing the screening. We eliminate the risk of spending extra time and money on multiple resubmissions, providing the shortest route for your application in terms of total value.

Reason 5: Peace of Mind with a Re-shooting Guarantee

With ID photo booths, you won't get your money back even if you fail the screening. However, studio photography comes with a quality guarantee service in the unlikely event that you fail the screening.

19Studio offers free re-shooting and photo size adjustments, so you can rest assured even if something happens.

If You are Taking a Passport Photo in Tokyo, 19Studio is Recommended!

At 19Studio in Shinjuku, passport photo shooting is available! Our staff will advise you on posture and facial expressions from an objective perspective while taking a shot you'll be satisfied with.

Specialized lighting technology illuminates the entire face brightly, and professionals carefully support you so that your eyes, ears, and face line are not hidden. Retouching completely removes background shadows, resulting in a clear, sharp finish. Furthermore, we precisely match the size and position of the face down to the pixel, preparing high-quality photos that comply with passport regulations!

Same-day booking and same-day delivery are also possible, making it recommended for those who need an ID photo in a hurry!

Click here for details!

Summary │ Prepare a Passport Photo That Passes the Screening

While online applications have become extremely convenient, it is not uncommon to hear people say that "the photo regulations are too strict to pass the screening."

A passport is an important document for international personal identification. Because of this, even slight differences in shadows, size, or background can lead to a resubmission, which may ultimately delay your application by several days to several weeks.

To ensure you have a photo that passes the screening, requesting it from a photo studio offers the greatest peace of mind. Please consider it!

Click here for the passport online application procedure ↓