Save $10 with this Passport Teplate

[eric]

Here is a US Passport Photo template I created to help compose my son's picture.

I got 6 pictures on a single 4x6 print at my local pharmacy for $0.20.

[2 for the passport; 2 for visas; 2 for the Grandmas]

It is intended to help beginner paint.net users.

Step 1: Use the guidelines found at the official US DoS site:

http://travel.state.gov/passport/guide/ ... n_874.html

Step 2: Open the attached "PTemplate" file in Paint.Net.

Step 3: Press F4 and set Opacity to 150.

Step 4: Add your portrait using pull-down "Layers" then "Import From File..."

Step 4b: Add portrait by creating new layer (Ctrl+Shift+N) then paste image copied to clipboard.

Step 5: Highlight the portrait layer.

Step 6: Using the "Rectangle Select" tool, scale and center your portrait.

-Eyes should be positioned inside the blue box.

-Head should be about as tall as the red circle.

Step 6: Be sure you have a properly scaled & positioned 2x2in. portrait.

Step 7: Select the "Background" layer (this is the template layer)

Step 8: Delete this layer using the "red X" icon in the layers pop-up window.

Step 9: Save file as (Ctrl+Shift+S); Enter name file; Choose JPEG in "Save as type" pulldown.

[step 9 is important if you plan to print at a pharmacy's Do-It-Yourself workstation.]

Step 10: Print your photo and review guidelines again at UD DoS site.

I have attached the template and my son's "composed" photo as an example that you can open as a layer and practice with.

IMPORTANT UPDATE!!!

If you are printing at a Pharmacy's do-it-yourself workstation, YOU MUST paste your 2x2 portraits to the 4x6 grid that I included. (Otherwise your 2x2 inch picture will be automatically scaled to the print paper size -a 4x4 portrait on a 4x6 inch print- you don't want this!) I figured this out the hard way and made 2 trips, but I still got 6 prints for $0.20! (Save time and money!) Just bring your file saved as "*.JPG" on a SD card, USB flash drive; Memory Stick; or CD.

[mcamp14]

Is this legal?

[Frontcannon]

You're not creating a fake passport here, it's just for making sure the portrait fits the guidelines, I think.

[mcamp14]

You're not creating a fake passport here, it's just for making sure the portrait fits the guidelines, I think.

Ok then. I am trusting you. If the FBI finds this post and sees that we posted here who knows what could happen!

[eric]

Nothing illegal; You still have to submit the photo with your Passport application.

This is just to help with composition.

It allows you to print it out yourself for $0.20 cents rather than shelling out $10.

I added the USDoS "layout" from the application. (It doesn't provide guidance on "eye placement"

PS- If you are printing at a Pharmacy's do-it-yourself workstation, paste your 2x2 portraits to the 4x6 grid that I included. (otherwise your 2x2 inch picture will be automatically scaled to the print paper size -you don't want this!) I had to make 2 trips, but I still got 6 prints for $0.20! (save time and money!)

[mcamp14]

It is a lot easier just to get your passport photo taken, and there is no worrying whether or not it is right.

[david.atwell]

Yeah, I'd rather spend the $10 and know it's done right the first time than waste the time mailing back and forth to get it right.

[Rick Brewster]

It allows you to print it out yourself for $0.20 cents rather than shelling out $10.

... Assuming you have the $100 printer and everything Good intentions though, and it could help some people out.