Passport photo warning

[gold1953]

I chose Staples for photos and the agent at the passport office looked at them and said 'good' . Glad you didn't go to Wal-Mart. While I was sitting waiting for the next step I overheard a conversation at the counter  where a person had photos rejected. They were from Wal-Mart. Of they went to get new photos and the guy said  " don't go back to Wal-Mart" I would be marching in for a refund!    So fellow Canucks.. don't go to Wal-Mart

[*Miss G*]

I always use CAA.

[CDNPolar]

Good information - thank you.

 

I guess that it comes down to training.  Passport photos are not just snap the pic... they have their requirements.

 

We have used Costco before - not sure if they do that now?

[Fouremco]

We've used Shoppers Drug Mart for our last two renewals with no issues. It's the closest company to home that does passport photos, the price is good, and they are quick.

[Senga]

We use CAA but....the newest location in Shops at Don Mills has their photo lighting installed in the wrong location resulting in so much SHINE on your face that they even admitted some of the photos have been rejected.  They give you lots of face powder sheets but we were still apprehensive.  Went to a different location and, after showing them the photos, they redid them n/c.

[Ex-Airbalancer]

20 hours ago, gold1953 said:

I chose Staples for photos and the agent at the passport office looked at them and said 'good' . Glad you didn't go to Wal-Mart. While I was sitting waiting for the next step I overheard a conversation at the counter  where a person had photos rejected. They were from Wal-Mart. Of they went to get new photos and the guy said  " don't go back to Wal-Mart" I would be marching in for a refund!    So fellow Canucks.. don't go to Wal-Mart

That is a bit of a silly recommendation to back ball all Walmarts stores 

Just because one person screwed up does not mean everyone that is employed by Walmart will screw up 

[gold1953]

2 minutes ago, Ex-Airbalancer said:

That is a bit of a silly recommendation to back ball all Walmarts stores 

Just because one person screwed up does not mean everyone that is employed by Walmart will screw up 

no , they said it was a regular thing to reject them

[Barwick Cruiser]

I’ve actually heard that about Walmart as well. I’m another who uses Shoppers for passport pics…never had it rejected from there. 

[Travelswithmycamera]

Had good experience at UPS Brooklin, did our photos and packaged up our applications and sent them off.  Returned in 10 days.   Not all UPS offices will do photos.  

[mrgabriel]

I've used Shoppers, too but for the last batch, I went to a photo studio that specialised in passport photos. They cost a bit more but I felt confident that they would be accepted and in that instance, we didn't have time to waste. The requirements are so precise I'd rather trust someone with some experience. 

[gold1953]

1 hour ago, mrgabriel said:

I've used Shoppers, too but for the last batch, I went to a photo studio that specialised in passport photos. They cost a bit more but I felt confident that they would be accepted and in that instance, we didn't have time to waste. The requirements are so precise I'd rather trust someone with some experience. 

my grandson had his done at Shoppers and after he says " wasn't this supposed to be without my hat" The gal said they were fine and then another employee looked over and said " Let me do them again for you"

[CDNPolar]

On 9/8/2024 at 7:04 PM, gold1953 said:

my grandson had his done at Shoppers and after he says " wasn't this supposed to be without my hat" The gal said they were fine and then another employee looked over and said " Let me do them again for you"

 

Training.... lack of training.  Not good when we as the consumer know more than the person doing the job.

[Fouremco]

2 hours ago, CDNPolar said:

 

Training.... lack of training.  Not good when we as the consumer know more than the person doing the job.

Based on the many posts across all of the forums, that seems to be a very common lament when people contact their cruise line looking for information! A real pity...

[gnome12]

1 hour ago, Fouremco said:

Based on the many posts across all of the forums, that seems to be a very common lament when people contact their cruise line looking for information! A real pity...

Except this complaint was about people taking passport pictures not being aware of the rules for the photos.

[Fouremco]

2 hours ago, gnome12 said:

Except this complaint was about people taking passport pictures not being aware of the rules for the photos.

I was simply agreeing with @CDNPolar that complaints like this stem from a lack of training, a problem not restricted to taking passport photos.

[K32682]

On 9/8/2024 at 6:00 PM, mrgabriel said:

I've used Shoppers, too but for the last batch, I went to a photo studio that specialised in passport photos. They cost a bit more but I felt confident that they would be accepted and in that instance, we didn't have time to waste. The requirements are so precise I'd rather trust someone with some experience. 

 

I also use a local photo shop for my passport and firearms licence. They know the requirements, use good equipment and proper lighting. It's a little extra cost but their pictures are worth it.  

[SilvertoGold]

London Drugs has given us no problems over the years. The rules seem quite simple so I wonder what the problem with that particular Walmart is.

[Middleager]

On 9/8/2024 at 1:19 PM, Senga said:

We use CAA but....the newest location in Shops at Don Mills has their photo lighting installed in the wrong location resulting in so much SHINE on your face that they even admitted some of the photos have been rejected.  They give you lots of face powder sheets but we were still apprehensive.  Went to a different location and, after showing them the photos, they redid them n/c.

 

I used this CAA at Don Mills just a few weeks ago.  No problem.  Got my new passport.

 

 

On 9/8/2024 at 6:31 AM, CDNPolar said:

We have used Costco before - not sure if they do that now?

Costco used to be good, and the cheapest.   Sadly they haven't been doing photos for many years.

[Sprocket]

My husband just renewed his this week and had the photo done at London Drugs.  It  came with a multi item check list which covered all the requirements.  First time I've seen that, and he had no problem with the photo at Service Canada.

[TheShag]

I went to shoppers to get my photo. It turns out when they stamped the back of the photo it became smudged. When I went to the Service Canada location, they rejected it. Even though it was a date stamp!