Camera House · Lower Hutt · Walk-ins welcome
Passport photos in Lower Hutt that don't get rejected.
We shoot to the exact published spec for New Zealand and 50-plus other countries, check it on screen before you leave, and redo it free if it's ever knocked back. No appointment, about fifteen minutes.
How it works
Three steps, one visit
Walk in
No appointment, no form to fill in first. Tell us the country and what the photo is for.
We shoot and check
Plain background, correct lighting, head measured against the official size for that document — checked on screen with you.
Prints, file, or both
Prints in hand before you go. Digital files and online application codes are emailed the same day.
New Zealand
35 × 45 mm · head 32–36 mm · plain light backgroundUnited Kingdom
Digital code for the online application · 35 × 45 mm if printedCanada
50 × 70 mm · head 31–36 mm · date and studio name on the backIndia
51 × 51 mm square · full face, plain white backgroundBabies and toddlers
The hardest passport photo in the world, done in store
Baby photos are where most rejections come from — eyes closed, shadows on the backdrop, a parent's hand in frame. We take them from three months, once your baby can hold their own head up, on a proper backdrop with the lighting already set.
- A parent supports the baby with one hand on the back and one on the chest, out of frame
- Held upright — we don't lay babies down for these
- No shadow behind the head, no dummies or toys in shot
- We keep shooting until we have one that passes
- Trying it at home? We'll talk you through it, and process your photo for $12
Size reference
What each country asks for
You don't need to know any of this before you come in — we shoot to the right spec either way. It's here if you want to check what your application is asking for.
| Document | Photo size | Head height | Background | Usual format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand passport | 35 × 45 mm | 32–36 mm | Plain light grey | Print or digital |
| New Zealand visa | 35 × 45 mm | 32–36 mm | Plain light grey | Print or digital |
| Australia passport | 35 × 45 mm | 32–36 mm | Plain light | Print or digital |
| UK passport | 35 × 45 mm | 29–34 mm | Plain cream or grey | Online photo code |
| United States passport | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) | 25–35 mm | Plain white | Digital JPG |
| Canada passport | 50 × 70 mm | 31–36 mm | Plain white | Printed, signed on back |
| India passport / OCI | 51 × 51 mm | 25–35 mm | Plain white | Print or digital |
| NZ firearms licence | 35 × 45 mm | 32–36 mm | Plain light | Printed |
Before you come in
Common questions
Do I need an appointment?
No. Walk in during opening hours and we'll take it there and then. It's about fifteen minutes start to finish, less if you only need a digital file.
What if my photo gets rejected?
Come back and we'll reshoot and reprint it free. Bring the rejection notice if you have one — it usually says exactly what needs to change.
Can you do photos for babies?
Yes, from three months — once your baby can hold their head up on their own. A parent holds them upright just out of frame, one hand on the back and one on the chest, and we keep shooting until we get one that meets the spec.
Can I wear glasses, a head covering, or make-up?
Head coverings worn for religious reasons are fine as long as your face is clear from chin to hairline. Most countries no longer allow glasses in passport photos — take them off before the shot. Everyday make-up is fine.
I already took a photo at home. Can you use it?
Often, yes — this is common for babies. Ask us first and we'll tell you how to set it up at home, then bring the photo in and we'll crop and format it to spec for $12. If it won't pass we'll say so before you pay, and just reshoot it here.
How do I get a digital photo or a UK photo code?
Digital files are emailed the same day. For UK passport applications we send the photo code you paste into the online form — no print needed.
Camera House Lower Hutt
77 Queens Drive, Lower Hutt, WellingtonWalk-in hours
Open seven days — check current hours before a visit.