Mysteries, Chemtrails, Aerosols :: Mysterious NZ

[Melody Anderson]

The new NZ Passport photo regulations are now in force and, by the sounds of it, are pretty strict. Photo labs are finding that Internal Affairs are rejecting passport photos on some very minor technicalities, including smiling (which is obviously not considered a minor technicality at all). The guidelines have been specifically devised to ensure the best chance of facial recognition technology achieving a match. Perhaps with this in mind, the best chance of foiling Big Brother's invasive technology as you go about your business in public may actually be to smile all the time!

Years ago, I used to get compliments on my passport photo from Customs and Airport people. These days, that photo would have been instantly rejected under the 'no smiling' rule. (Note to self: Must try to look more like a criminal next time I renew).

Apparently, getting your baby to photograph successfully for the passport is the most difficult. "The new rules do not allow a baby to be photographed crying, or with its eyes closed or looking away from the camera. The child cannot have its mouth open, have its hands obscuring the mouth or be sucking on a dummy. " :shock: Peanut butter could be a safe alternative to superglue as a handy solution to the 'no mouth open' rule on this one.

The guidelines for Passport Photos (direct from the application form) are as follows:

The photos must be:

- Recent photos, less than six months old

- A full-front view of face, head and shoulders, looking straight at the camera with eyes open and head straight

- Without hat, head band or head covering. If you wear these for religious or medical reasons, please state the reason on the Statutory Declaration on page 13. (In all cases, facial features from bottom of chin to top of forehead and both edges of face must be clearly shown)

- Without sunglasses. Tinted prescription glasses may be worn as long as eyes are still visible. No light reflection on glasses. Thick / heavy rimmed frames must be removed

- A true image and not altered in any way

- Clear, sharp and in focus with minimum reflective light on face

- With a plain, light coloured background (not white or dark) and no background shadow

- Of high quality colour showing natural skin tones (black and white photos are not acceptable)

- On high quality photographic paper of high resolution, instant colour film or low gloss coated thermal papers providing the printers are high resolution printing systems.

- No ink jet printers, extremely high gloss paper or heavily backed thermal paper

- Taken with a neutral expression with your mouth closed

- Shown with your eyes open and clearly visible, and no hair across face or eyes

- Photo size: actual 45mm height x 35mm width

- Head size: max 80% of photo (36mm) / min 70% of photo (32mm)

Something I read recently: If you look like your passport photo, you are too ill to travel :)