APPLICATION PHOTO GUIDELINES

Capture Quality Images

  • Use a mobile phone camera and ensure the lens is clean.

  • Photos must be recent, sharp, high‑resolution, and well‑lit (natural light preferred).

  • Do not use flash, filters or effects — the images must be unedited.

Position & Background

  • Get down to the child’s eye level; avoid taking photos from an angle to prevent feature distortion.

  • Use a plain background with no clutter or other people in the frame.

    • Babies: Lay on a white or neutral‑coloured blanket if they cannot sit yet. If they can sit unaided, place in front of a plain white or neutral wall.

    • Children: Stand in front of a plain white or neutral‑coloured wall indoors, or a simple fence/brick wall outdoors.

Expressions & Variety

  • Ensure children are looking toward the camera (or in the direction of the camera if too young to follow instructions).

  • Take a mixture of shots: close‑ups, mid‑length, full‑body. Capture a variety of expressions: serious (passport‑style), smiling (with and without teeth), laughing, and natural poses.

  • Use real interaction—talk to your child, engage them, let their expression be authentic.

Hair, Styling & Clothing

  • Hair: Keep it natural for some shots; for other shots tuck behind ears or tie in a loose style/top knot (especially for long hair). Avoid styling products.

  • Clothing: Choose simple, neutral‑toned fitted tops (black, white, or neutral) and jeans, denim shorts or skirt for older children. Babies should wear a basic plain sleepsuit or popper vest.

  • Avoid bright colours, visible brand logos, pajamas, heavy makeup, hair accessories or jewellery (earrings are okay for older children).

  • No food, dummies/pacifiers, toys, or visible dribble/snot for babies/toddlers.

Framing & Submission

  • Do not crop your images outside of standard photo sizes (the typical industry headshot size is 8 × 10 inches).

  • Submit unedited, raw images as captured.

Final Tip:
Set up in natural light, at your child’s level, with a plain background. Use simple styling, and encourage genuine, varied expressions for a strong application photo.