Source : www.schweizerpass.admin.ch/dam/data/pass/ausweise/fotomustertafel.pdf

Photo requirements for a Geneva University multiservice card

Format

• if the photo is sent in digital format: o 4/3 (e.g. 600x800 or 480x640) o JPG or JPEG format only.

• if it’s a printed photo, the format must be around 45x35 mm (excluding the frame). • the face must cover most of the photo (i.e. passport photo). • if you have very thick hair, ensure that the size is adjusted to include all of the hair (if

absolutely necessary, some hair may be outside the frame of the photo).

Posture, head positioning, facial expression, direction of eyes

• the person must be sitting in front of the camera (shoulders straight), looking directly into the lens (frontal view).

• the head must be upright (not tilted to one side or downwards, nor turned to one side). • the nose must be on the vertical median line. • both eyes must be open, at the same height and clearly visible (including wearers of

glasses). • the expression must be neutral with the mouth closed (although you can smile!). • no hands or objects in front of the face (e.g. a pipe). • no other person or object should be visible on the photo.

Wearers of glasses

• eyes must not be hidden by the frames of the glasses. • the glass must not reflect the light. • tinted glasses or sunglasses will not be accepted. • dark glass is accepted for seriously visually impaired people.

Lighting, sharpness and contrast

• the photo must be sharp with good contrast. • the lighting must be regular (no shadows on the face). • the skin colour must be natural. • no bright reflections on the skin (hot spots) and the eyes must not be red.

Source : www.schweizerpass.admin.ch/dam/data/pass/ausweise/fotomustertafel.pdf

Backdrop

• the backdrop must be monochrome, uniform and neutral with no shadows. • there must be a clear separation between the backdrop and the head.

Head coverings

• head coverings are not permitted; no visible head bands, glasses on the head, etc. • exceptions will only be granted for certified medical or religious reasons (nuns or people

belonging to a religious community that stipulates the wearing of a head covering in public). In such cases, the face must be clearly visible at least to the point of the chin and the beginning of the hairline; there must be no shadows on the face.

Quality of the photo and other requirements

• photos can be in black and white or in colour. • a printed photo must have a smooth, non-structured surface (shiny or semi-mat). The

surface must not be grainy when touched (beaded or woven paper). • photos must be on paper designed for the purpose. • photos must be recent (less than a year). • photos must not be folded, uneven or dirty. • the corners of the photo must be square and not rounded. • the structure of pixels must not be visible. • photos showing the person in uniform will not be accepted. • some requirements may be waived for disabled persons such as looking directly at the

camera, a neutral expression and the size of the head. Examples

Overexposed, lack of contrast Face too small

Source : www.schweizerpass.admin.ch/dam/data/pass/ausweise/fotomustertafel.pdf

Not full face Eyes look to the side

Eyes closed Hair hides the face

Hand touches the face

The frames of the glasses hide the eyes Light reflects on the glasses

Blurred Lack of contrast, backdrop too light

Source : www.schweizerpass.admin.ch/dam/data/pass/ausweise/fotomustertafel.pdf

Shadow on the face Light reflects on the face

The backdrop is not neutral Shadow over the backdrop

Hat Headband

Face hidden Shadow on the face

Corners of the photo rounded Uneven patches The structure of the pixels is visible