Skip to content
Technology

Customers and photographers describe "initial difficulties"

From May 1, official identity documents (ID card, passport, and residence title) can only be generated and issued using digital photographs. Previously accepted self-owned photographs on paper or digital files are no longer valid, causing dissatisfaction among local photographers and customers,...

,   and  Administrator
3 min read
Digital identity documentation, including identity cards, passports, and residence permits, can now...
Digital identity documentation, including identity cards, passports, and residence permits, can now exclusively be created and distributed electronically. Traditional paper photos or files will no longer be valid starting May 1. This transition has not been met with universal approval, as both local photographers and customers express dissatisfaction.

Customers and photographers describe "initial difficulties"

E-Passport Photo Dilemmas: A Photographer's Perspective

In the heart of Rheydt, Volker Tietze, a seasoned photographer, has been gearing up for the new E-Passport photo requirements, just like his fellow photo trade buddies around the globe. Equipped with a certified IT system and cutting-edge software, they aim to securely transmit passport photos to the registration authorities, preventing identity document misuse.

"Biometric passport photo production has been our bread and butter for years," Volker declares, adding that he's part of the Central Association of German Professional Photographers. Every shot features rigorous security checks, in line with the biometric testing procedures of the Federal Printing Office. The images are stored in a high-security cloud and sent to the authorities with a Data-Matrix code. Customers receive a printout containing their photo and a QR code which they can use for their identity document applications.

Yet, Volker is puzzled by the rejection of photos from city administration employees, despite the system's approval. His peers have experienced similar instances. "Should we stick to the Federal Printing Office's requirements or the city administration's preferences?" he ponders, causing frustration and uncertainty among customers.

Volker challenges the practice of directing applicants for passport photo production to drugstore chains. "Every photographer, utilizing the latest software and hardware, has years of experience and is trained and licensed for this e-passport procedure," he explains, advocating the seemingly rational move to refer citizens to professional studios over pharmacies. On-site passport photo machines in authorities might not ensure picture quality either.

Volker has vocally advocated for better communication between the local photo trade and the city administration to alleviate citizens' concerns regarding the new passport photo regulations. Despite trying, he sighed in regret, expressing that he and his peers have faced limited success in their attempts to reach out to the citizen service or offices.

In a public statement, the city emphasized that applicants could choose to have their digital light image produced either by private service providers (photographers, drugstores, etc.) or directly at the registration offices. Adamant that staff are barred from recommending external service providers, City Press Spokesman Dirk Rütten shed light on the recent delivery and setup of the PointID devices. Although installed in Rheydt and Vitus-Center, they're yet to be commissioned by the Federal Printing Office. Devices for other registration offices are still pending delivery.

Unexpected acceptance issues with e-passport photos could not be confirmed by the city spokesperson. "Regardless of the digital photos, there have been photos in the past decades that didn't meet the requirements," explained Dirk. Generally, no other objects, body parts, or individuals should be depicted in the biometric photos; shadows are also prohibited.

The registration office is notified if the photo complies with the requirements, although minor deviations might be accepted unless the applicant is traveling to countries with stringent entry controls like Dubai or the United States. "In rare cases, we ask the applicant to sign a statement acknowledging that the photo doesn't entirely meet the requirements, and they are responsible if issues arise at entry," Dirk concluded.

Passport Photo Stipulations

  • Size: The photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches (51mm x 51mm).
  • Quality: The photo must be clear and in focus, free of pixels or printer dots.
  • Background: The background must be uniform, plain, and either white or off-white.
  • Head Position and Size: The head should be positioned between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
  • Facial Expression: The subject should have a neutral facial expression, with both eyes open.
  • Head Coverings: Head coverings are generally not allowed, with exceptions for religious reasons.
  • Glasses: Eyeglasses are typically not allowed in passport photos.
  • Current Appearance: The photo should reflect the subject's current appearance, taken within the last six months.

Failure to adhere to these stipulations can result in the photo being rejected by authorities, a challenge experienced by photographers worldwide as they navigate this evolving landscape of passport photo regulations.

"With the implementation of data-and-cloud-computing technology, Volker Tietze and his colleagues aim to securely transmit passport photos to the registration authorities, ensuring smooth compliance with passport photo stipulations."

"In an effort to enhance communication and mitigate confusion, Volker has advocated for better dialogue between local photo trade professionals and the city administration, utilizing technology to streamline the passport photo production process and better serve citizens."

Read also:

    Related

    Latest