Set up a plain white or off-white backdrop in a well-lit indoor space. Use a plain wall that is not textured, a piece of cardboard or a bed sheet. Adjust the lighting in the room until the backdrop is evenly lit. Place a stool in front of the backdrop.
Place a tripod in front of the stool. Screw your digital camera onto the tripod. Aim it at the backdrop. Turn on the camera. Look through the viewfinder or at the screen to see what the camera is focusing on. Move the tripod and camera until it is focusing on the area where your head and shoulders will be when the photo is taken.
Wear everyday clothing. Do not wear a uniform, hat or shaded glasses. Religious apparel is acceptable if you wear those clothes every day. Do not wear a hat or cover your head unless you wear a head covering daily for religious purposes. The head covering cannot obstruct or cast a shadow over your face.
Wear natural-colored makeup, or none at all. Style your hair so it does not cover your face.
Turn on the camera's flash. Set the color, brightness and contrast of the shot to natural levels that resemble what you see with your eyes. Look at the image preview or take a test shot to check the levels.
Set the camera's shot timer to 10 seconds or more. Sit down on the stool. Face the camera's lens without tilting your head. Use a neutral, closed-mouth expression. Do not smile, frown or close your eyes. Take photos until you are happy with the result. The final photo should be evenly lit with no shadows over your face. Your entire head, including your hair, should be in focus.
Upload your favorite photo to your computer. Launch your photo-editing software.
Create a document that is 2 inches by 2 inches if you are submitting a paper application. Create a document that is 600 pixels square if you are submitting your application online.
Add your photo to the document. Resize the photo until your entire head and neck fit inside the document.
Measure your head using the guides and other measuring tools in your software. Resize the photo until the distance from the top of your head to your chin measures between 22 and 35 millimeters.
Save the photo as a JPEG file. If you are submitting an online application, the file's size must be 240 kilobytes or less. Print the photo on photo paper if you are submitting a paper application. The K nonimmigrant visa requires one photo, while the immigrant visa requires two identical photos.
