DIY EU Schengen Visa 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Photos: Equipment and Setup

Requirements

• Camera equipment: use a digital camera or smartphone with at least 5 megapixels and manual exposure settings for sharp, noise-free images
• Tripod setup: mount camera on a stable tripod at subject’s eye level 5–2 m away to prevent tilt and ensure proper framing
• Lighting arrangement: position two diffused daylight (5000–5500 K) softbox lights at 45° angles to eliminate facial shadows and background hotspots
• Background material: hang a plain matte non-reflective backdrop (light grey or light blue) free of patterns sized at least 5 m×2 m
• Subject placement: mark floor and backdrop to align the subject’s head centrally with eyes at 30–35 mm from top to cover 70–80% of photo height
• Camera settings: set white balance to daylight, ISO to 100–200, aperture f/6–8, shutter speed 1/125 s to control exposure and depth of field
• Photo editing software: use GIMP or Photoshop with grid and measurement tools to crop to 35×45 mm, adjust brightness, contrast, and color balance
• Color calibration: calibrate camera and monitor to 5500–6500 K and use printer ICC profiles for accurate real-life skin tones and background color
• Printing specifications: print on matte photo paper using a 300 dpi inkjet or laser printer, then trim precisely to 35×45 mm with a guillotine cutter
• Dimension verification: use a printed ruler overlay or on-screen grid to confirm final print dimensions (35×45 mm) and head size (32–36 mm chin-to-crown)

Step-by-Step Process

• Gather equipment: Use a high-resolution digital camera or 12 MP+ smartphone, sturdy tripod, plain white/off-white backdrop (at least 2 m×5 m), two adjustable LED softbox lights, measuring tape, level and color calibration card.
• Select location: Choose a small room with controlled lighting and no mixed light sources, position backdrop at least 1 m from walls to prevent spill shadows and allow even light spread.
• Hang backdrop: Securely mount backdrop on a stand or wall, stretch taut to remove wrinkles, ensure bottom edge reaches floor and side edges extend beyond subject’s shoulder width.
• Position lights: Place two softboxes at 45° angles to subject, at equal distances (~1 m) and height, use diffusers to soften shadows, adjust brightness to eliminate background shadows and ensure even face illumination.
• Set up camera: Mount camera on tripod at subject’s eye level (approx. 5 m), position 5–2 m from backdrop, use 50 mm lens or smartphone’s default portrait lens, activate manual mode: ISO 100–200, aperture f/4–f/8, shutter speed 1/125 s, white balance set to daylight.
• Frame and focus: Use live view grid to center subject’s head vertically and horizontally, adjust zoom so head height occupies 70–80 % of frame (31–36 mm in the 45 mm height), autofocus on eyes or manual focus for sharpness.
• Mark subject position: Place tape markers on floor for feet placement (about 1 m from camera), mark chin and top-of-head height with a reference to verify consistent framing across test shots.
• Conduct test shots: Take 3–5 test images, review histogram (no clipping), inspect shadows, background uniformity, head size and position, adjust lighting distance, camera height or exposure settings until specifications are met.
• Final preparations: Ask subject to remove glasses and headwear (unless for religious reasons), ensure natural expression and posture, hair off face, ears visible, collar not blending with background.
• Capture final photos: Shoot a burst of 5–10 images, verify each against EU Schengen 35×45 mm requirements (head size, background, lighting), select the best, then export as high-res JPEG (min 600 dpi) without compression artifacts.

Tips and Best Practices

• Camera choice: use a high-resolution DSLR or mirrorless camera (minimum 8 MP) instead of a front-facing phone lens for crisp facial detail and accurate color, because low-res images blur key features and risk rejection
• Stable setup: mount your camera on a tripod with a built-in level and use a remote shutter or self-timer to eliminate motion blur and ensure perfectly straight framing, because handheld shots often tilt or shake and fail biometric checks
• Uniform neutral background: position a smooth, wrinkle-free light gray or white backdrop at least 1 m behind the subject to remove shadows and distractions, because uneven or colored backgrounds conflict with Schengen requirements
• Even diffused lighting: place two continuous softboxes or LED panels at 45° angles with diffusers around the subject’s face to banish harsh shadows and hotspots, because direct flash or uneven light distorts skin tones and casts unacceptable shadows
• Correct distance & framing: set the camera about 5–2 m from the subject, enable the live-view grid to align the eyes 16–20 mm from the top edge and ensure the head occupies 70–80% of the 35×45 mm frame, because improper sizing or off-center portraits are routinely rejected

Conclusion

In summary, creating a compliant 35 × 45 mm EU Schengen visa photo at home hinges on having the right gear, a controlled environment, and meticulous attention to detail:

• Camera: use a digital camera or smartphone with at least 6 MP resolution and manual-focus capability
• Tripod & Level: mount your camera on a tripod with a bubble level to ensure straight, repeatable framing
• Background: choose a plain, light-grey or white backdrop free of shadows and texture
• Lighting: employ two diffused light sources at 45° angles for even illumination and minimal facial shadows
• Subject Setup: position the subject 1–5 m from the background, with the head centered and eyes level with the camera
• Framing & Focus: capture the full head and upper shoulders, leaving 2–5 mm of white space above the top of the hair
• Measurement & Crop: verify the 35 × 45 mm dimensions on-screen, then crop precisely using photo-editing software
• Quality Check: print a test shot, confirm dimensions with a ruler, and inspect for glare, red-eye, and correct exposure

By following these core steps you’ll ensure your DIY photo meets EU Schengen requirements, avoids costly rejections, and keeps your visa process on track.