I thought i would ask here before I make an attempt at this task, in the hope someone could possibly help me (out of sheer desperation)

I need to get 2 passports photos done for my 2 autistic boys.
It would not be the easiest task done.

The 17yr old is agoraphobic, so leaving the house alone is a task in itself, so by the time we get somewhere, he can be a very agigtated and testing manner (as in rude and abrupt (straight to the point and factual)) he isn't happy about photos took on a good day, let alone for a reason. I had to bribe him to have a photo took with his sister when we went to Chester Zoo! (so he can be reasoned with)

And the 5yr old is a very happy but can be a bit OTT with , his understanding skills are very limited though (so asking him to sit still, its not that easy really). So ideally I need somewhere/someone who has a bit of patience (to say the least really).
There isn't any behaviours problems with either of them with myself being there, its just they need alot of encouragement and prompting.

A standard passport photo machine wouldn't work because I would have to tell the boys how to pose and sit still at the same time.

Does anyone have any ideas or know of anyone who could possibly help me? I understand its not a typical every day situation....

Thank you for reading.

Hi Snickas,
Max Spielman do them, they pull down a screen and a member of staff takes them (rather than a machine). They know the regulations of passport photos, so they will keep taking them until you get one that you are satisfied with. The only downside is, it is in the shop, in full view of everyone. Perhaps you could go in and explain your situation prior, they may be able to tell you a quiet time to pop in. Hope this helps

would i be able to get away with taking a serious pose with our own digital camera?
and do the photo machines at Max Spielmans do passport sizes?

Hi,

Thank you so much Blondie
That helps me so much I will nip in and explain and see if they'll help.
I was hoping that really (kinda praying tbh ) lol

Glad to be of help

can these help.
http://www.photobox.co.uk/shop/prints/passport-id-photos

Thats perfect! It tells me how the pose must be, so that helps alot. thank you so much Bert

I'll give it a go with my own camera first and if that doesn't work, I'll nip to Max Spielmans and try negiotiations

You cannot do the photos yourself. Maybe the Passport helpline could help 0300 222 0000 or see Directgov website, or email your query to info4local.gov.uk

I have used the Max Spielman photo machines for passports. More inclined to use my Post Office though I realise from your email this might not be of use to you.

Blondie's suggestion would be good plus a bit of bribery at home.

Hi

Firs Cameras in Rock Ferry take passport photos. We took our little boy when he was about a year old. It was very quiet in there ad they were lovely with my little livewire! May be better than a busy Max Spielmans,,,,,,,

Hope this helps

Nikki x

so I can't take the photo's myself?
On the link Bert gave me it says


so was hoping that would work

Thank you so much for your suggestion Nikki
Rock Ferry's a bit far for us to get to (would have to go on public transport) and it'd be too much for my 17yr old.
BUT i appreciate your idea, thank you

Snickas, if you google, passport photos online, you will see many options.
another option,
https://www.paspic.com/

you're a godsend bert, thank you again! perfect!!!

Your welcome, just a thought are there any local camera shops in Wallasey that might do the same thing??

Max spielman in the cherry tree centre in wallasey where fab when we needed baby passport photos, they were very patient and kept going until we got a suitable photo that met regulations.
Good Luck

@snikas i myself have a austic son and needed passport pictures taken last year and must have had them done at least 5 times because he wears glasses and there was a flash seen on his glasses anyway hun i took him to the gentleman outside the market he is very good very fast there isnt a huge queue and because it was in the open so to speak it realy helped he is just by the ladies toilets in birkenhead marke its worth having a look yourself and see what you think

Never mind that snickas, just noticed your avatar of the tristar from zelda like it!

as for your problem, as everyone else says..Max Spielman is the way forward!

Thank you so much for everyones ideas and suggestions

Will be making an attempt myself and if that doesn't work, I'll try and make arrangments with Max Spielmans for a quiet day.

A Zelda fan too Sanchez?
Yeah its the Triforce, just completed it again the other day on the 3DS, was even better than the original (just when you thought you couldn't get any better that is!)

[youtube]G-4u5L4um0c[/youtube]

I thought it would be the same as the cube version? But yes I too am a big fan, I haven't played the Wii version yet but I can hand on heart say that I have nailed every other format and console.

This (my first Zelda) actually made me cry as I was over whelmed at is sheer greatness)


[youtube]8JU0C_l4aac[/youtube]

Ohhh that brought back memories did you do any of the seasons games?

Yeah the 3D version is exactly the same Ocarina of Time, but its been souped up towards todays standards (why change such an amazing game? it has been rated & voted the best game of all time)

[youtube]5i_hK9zlYMg[/youtube]

with a few added goodies.

I've always loved the games (the whole family do too) and have done most of them (if not all).
Spirit Tracks was my most fav DS game til the souped up Ocarina of Time.

[youtube]tJnmNP5ow[/youtube]

Twilight Princess on the Wii is good, not as big as Ocarina though.

Quote from Passport Agency Website from where I got info that home photos not acceptable:
Caring for someone Disabled people Parents Travel and transport Passport photos and who can certify them Passport photos are a vital part of your application. If the photos you supply are not suitable, your passport will be delayed. For some applications you also need to ask someone to certify a photo. Make sure you know exactly what is needed so you get it right first time.
The rules for passport photos
The photographs you supply with your application must:

show you with a neutral expression and your mouth closed (no grinning, frowning or raised eyebrows)
show you on your own (babies should not have toys or a dummy, and there shouldn’t be other people in the photo)
be in colour, not black and white
be identical
be taken within the last month
be 45 millimetres high x 35 millimetres wide - this is the standard size when you have a passport photo taken in a photo booth or studio (you should not trim a larger photograph to meet this condition)
be clear and in sharp focus, with a clear difference between your face and the background
be taken against a plain cream or plain light grey background
not show you with red-eye
be of you facing forward and looking straight at the camera
not be torn, creased, or marked
be printed on plain white photographic paper
be free from shadows
be taken with your eyes open and clearly visible (no sunglasses or tinted glasses and no hair across your eyes)
be free from reflection or glare on your glasses, and the frames must not cover your eyes - the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) recommends that, if possible, you remove your glasses
be professionally printed (photographs printed at home are not acceptable)
show your full head, without any head covering, unless you wear one for religious beliefs or medical reasons
be taken with nothing covering your face - you should make sure nothing covers the outline of your eyes, nose or mouth
be a close-up of your head and shoulders with a recommended head height (the distance between the bottom of your chin and the crown of your head) between 29 and 34 mm
not have any writing on the front or back, except on certified photos - trademarks or photographic printing on the back must not show through
IPS also produces downloadable information on photos showing examples of what is and is not acceptable. A printed version of this information is sent out with all standard application forms.

Download 'Passport photos' (PDF, 292K) Opens new window Help with PDF files If you are a professional photographer, see the guidance for professional photographers.

Guidance for professional photographers Opens new window Getting your photographs certified
The person who countersigns your application form at section 10 (your ‘countersignatory’) should also certify one (not both) of the photographs. They do this by writing on the back:

‘I certify that this is a true likeness of [Mr, Mrs, Miss, Ms or other title followed by your full name]’
They must then sign and date the statement. It is not enough just to sign and date the photograph.

If the application is for someone under 16 (including babies)

The countersignatory must:

sign the application form at section 10 to confirm that they have known the adult who signed section 9 for at least two years
certify one of the photographs as described above, stating the child’s full name
If you are renewing a passport
You'll only need extra verification when renewing your passport if you look very different from the photograph in your most recent passport. This means that you'll need to get your form countersigned and your photograph certified.

Who can certify your photo
For a list of who you can ask to certify your photos, see 'Who can countersign your application?'.

Who can countersign your application? Changes to your appearance
You must renew your passport if your appearance has changed permanently and significantly, so you can't be identified from the photo in your current passport.

This will apply to you if, since your passport was issued, you have:

undergone significant facial surgery or trauma
had numerous/large facial piercings or tattoos
You will need to supply a new photo and get it certified. You will also be expected to pay for your new passport in the normal way, even if your old one has not expired.

Children
If a child under 16 has changed in appearance due simply to the normal ageing process, they don't have to apply for a new passport.

Minor changes to appearance
If you can still be identified from the photo in your current passport, you don't need to apply for a new one. For example, growing a beard or colouring your hair would usually count as minor changes.

If you wish to get a new passport to reflect your changed appearance, you can do so. You will need to apply and pay in the normal way and include a new photo with your application.

If you are unsure whether this applies to you, call the Passport Adviceline on 0300 222 0000.

Note from paxvobiscum:It says above that photos printed at home are not acceptable