How to Make Passport Photos in Gimp

GIMP is a photo manipulation software that is free to download yet gives you the power to adjust and tweak your photos. However, when dealing with passport photos, you do not want to manipulate your photographs. Doctored or visually enhanced images are not allowed by the U.S. States Department, so the most you can do in GIMP is make sure all of the image regulations are followed correctly.

Take a pictures of yourself (or have someone else take the pictures). Make sure a white background is behind your. A passport photo is only of your head and shoulders. You can crop this in GIMP later.

Do not smile in the photograph or do anything else that tightens facial muscles. Remove all head wear (unless for religious reasons). Make sure your face is fully lit. You do not want any distracting shadows on your face or on the background. Retake the pictures if it is blurry or you have red eye or a glare on your glasses.

Import the photograph into your computer by connecting it via USB cable. A photo importing software will launch and ask what pictures you would like to import. Select your passport photos.

Launch GIMP. The program will have either a desktop icon or can be found under "Start," "All Programs" (if not in both locations).

Select the "crop" tool and cut out everything except from your shoulders up to just over the top of your head. Your eyes must be as close to the middle of the image as possible. A full list of passport photo regulations can be found in "resources."

Choose the print option. Here you can decide on the size of the image you would like to print. Select "2x2" and print. You will need at least two images printed. Print the pictures onto photo-grade paper and not computer paper.