Best Lighting for Document Photos: Natural vs Artificial Light Guide

A 12-megapixel smartphone in perfect light will produce a better document photo than a professional DSLR in poor light. Passport and ID portals reject photos with uneven shadows, harsh highlights, or washed-out faces. Getting the light right is the single most impactful step you can take.

Natural light from a large window is the best option for home passport photos.

• Face the window directly so light falls evenly across your face.
• Shoot on a cloudy day if possible — clouds act as a natural diffuser, softening shadows.
• Avoid direct sunlight streaming through the window, which creates harsh contrast.
• Use a white reflector (a large white cardboard or sheet) on the opposite side to fill in shadows.

The ideal time is mid-morning or mid-afternoon when light is abundant but not too harsh.

If natural light isn't available, use two identical desk lamps or ring lights placed at 45-degree angles on either side of your face. This setup creates even, shadow-free illumination.

• Use daylight-balanced bulbs (5000–6500K colour temperature) to avoid yellowish or bluish tints.
• Diffuse the light by bouncing it off a white wall or using a translucent cloth over the lamp.
• Avoid mixing light sources — don't combine warm ceiling lights with cool desk lamps.

Shadows are the #1 lighting issue in document photos. Here's how to fix them:

• Stand away from the wall — at least 30 cm gap prevents your shadow from appearing on the background.
• Use front-facing light rather than top-down overhead light.
• Add fill light from the opposite side of your main light source.

Already have a photo with shadows? Try our shadow removal guide or use the Background Color Changer to replace the background entirely.

If you must wear glasses, angle them slightly downward to prevent reflection from light sources. For skin glare, blot your face with a tissue before shooting and avoid pointing lights directly at your forehead or nose. See our detailed glare fix guide.