Frequently Asked Questions

Come well-groomed, in something you would wear to an important meeting in your field. Skip busy patterns and visible logos. We talk through your options before the session starts.

Most sessions run 20 to 30 minutes, which is enough time for several poses and expressions without feeling rushed.

Neutral greys, whites and a few subtly textured backgrounds. The lighting is set for flattering, consistent results on any of them.

Your finished images arrive within 48 hours. Rush service is available if you need them sooner.

One high-resolution digital photo for every pose in your package. You can add poses during the session and the total adjusts as you go.

At Photo Jovial, the price of a professional headshot depends on the number of poses, and current prices are on the professional headshots service page. Every package includes the studio session and one high-resolution digital photo per pose.

Wear a solid colour you would put on for an important meeting in your field. Avoid busy patterns and visible logos, and bring a second top if you want more than one pose.

Most headshot sessions run 20 to 30 minutes. That is enough for several poses and expressions without feeling rushed.

Finished images arrive within 48 hours. Rush service is available if you need them sooner, the same day if necessary.

You get one high-resolution digital photo for every pose in your package. One pose is included in the base price, and you can add poses during the session.

A plain, neutral background such as grey or white keeps the attention on your face and works at thumbnail size. If the photo also goes on a company website, match the background your colleagues use.

Photo Jovial takes professional headshots at its Jean-Talon studio, 683 Rue Jean-Talon O in Montreal. Sessions last 20 to 30 minutes and the images are delivered within 48 hours.

No. Walk in any time during business hours. Most people are finished within ten minutes, and mornings are usually the quietest.

Wear a solid colour that contrasts with the white or light background. Dark blue, green and burgundy all work well. Avoid white tops. Head coverings worn daily for religious or medical reasons are permitted; other hats are not. Simple jewellery is fine.

No. Canadian passport photos require a neutral expression with your mouth closed, a relaxed face, eyes fully visible and looking straight at the camera. Our photographers will talk you through it.

Yes, as long as your eyes are clearly visible, the lenses are not tinted and there is no glare. Sunglasses are not accepted. Our lighting is set up to keep reflections down.

Your photo must be taken within six months of submitting your application, so we date-stamp every print.

A Canadian passport photo is 50 mm wide by 70 mm high (2 x 2¾ inches). The face must measure 31 to 36 mm from the chin to the crown of the head, and you submit two identical prints.

Yes. Glasses are accepted in a Canadian passport photo if your eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare on the lenses. Sunglasses and tinted lenses, including tinted prescription lenses, are not accepted.

No. A Canadian passport photo requires a neutral expression: mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible, no smile and no frown.

No. A Canadian passport photo must be taken in person by a commercial photographer or photo studio and printed professionally on photographic paper. Photos printed at home are not accepted.

The back of one photo must show the date the photo was taken and the studio's name and complete address, written or stamped by the photographer. When a guarantor is required, they add "I certify this to be a true likeness of (your name)" and sign.

No. An adult passport renewal does not need a guarantor, so nobody has to sign the back of your photo. A guarantor signs one photo for a first adult passport and for a child's passport.

Photo Jovial takes Canadian passport photos at its Jean-Talon studio in Montreal, at 683 Rue Jean-Talon O. No appointment is needed and the photos are ready in about ten minutes. Current prices are on the Canadian passport photo service page.

Wear a dark, solid-coloured top such as dark blue, green or burgundy. White and pale clothing blends into the white or light background, and the official rules require clear contrast.

You do not have to. Glasses are accepted in a Canadian passport photo if your eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare on the lenses. Tinted lenses and sunglasses are refused, so take those off.

No. A Canadian passport photo requires a neutral expression, with your mouth closed and your eyes open, looking straight at the camera.

About ten minutes at Photo Jovial. The photo is taken, measured, printed and stamped on the back with the studio name, address and date while you wait.

Current prices for two identical Canadian passport photos, and for the package that adds a digital file for an online renewal, are on the Photo Jovial Canadian passport photo service page.

A Canadian passport photo must be taken no more than six months before you submit your application. The date it was taken is written or stamped on the back of one print.

No. Photo Jovial takes walk-ins at its Jean-Talon studio in Montreal, at 683 Rue Jean-Talon O, from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

No. A Canadian passport photo must be an original photo taken in person by a commercial photographer, and the official rules say AI tools, filters and editing software all count as alteration. An application with an altered photo is rejected.

No. Removing shadows, blemishes, scars, wrinkles, glare or red eye all count as altering the photo. If something is wrong with the photo, it has to be taken again.

No. Changing the background, or cutting your face out and pasting it onto a white background, is listed in the official rules as an alteration. The plain background has to be real, in the original photo.

No. A Canadian passport photo must be taken in person by a commercial photographer or photo studio. That applies to printed photos and to the digital photo for an online renewal.

No. Filters are named in the official rules alongside editing software and AI tools. Beauty mode, skin smoothing and portrait blur are all filters, so a photo taken with them on counts as altered.

No. The digital photo for a Canadian online passport renewal must be saved directly from the original file captured by the camera, and cropping counts as alteration. Upload the file exactly as the photographer gave it to you.

Photo Jovial takes Canadian passport photos at its Jean-Talon studio in Montreal, with no appointment needed. Most people leave about ten minutes later, and if a passport office refuses the photo, it is reshot free.

They must be in colour on a plain white or light-coloured background, with a neutral expression and specific size dimensions. Both photos must be identical, unaltered, and taken within the last six months. We check yours against every specification before you leave.

Two identical photos go with a Canadian citizenship application. Our packages give you exactly that, with extras available if you want them.

Yes, as long as your eyes are clearly visible, the lenses are not tinted and there is no glare. Our photographers will guide you through positioning either way.

Walk in and walk out. Citizenship photos take about ten minutes at our Jean-Talon studio, and no appointment is needed.

Yes. Our Digital Citizenship Photos package delivers files sized for online submission. The Standard package covers prints, with a digital copy available for five dollars more.

A Canadian citizenship photo is 50 mm wide by 70 mm high (2 x 2 3/4 inches), with the face measuring 31 to 36 mm from chin to crown. For an online application, the digital photo must be at least 420 by 540 pixels and no more than 4 MB.

Only if it meets the citizenship rules. The size is the same, 50 x 70 mm, but a citizenship print must show your first and last name on the back along with the studio's name, address and the date, and it must be less than six months old.

A paper application sent by mail needs two identical colour prints. An online application needs one digital photo.

Yes, if your eyes are clearly visible, the frames do not cover them and there is no glare on the lenses. Sunglasses and tinted glasses are not accepted, even with prescription lenses.

The back of the print must show your first and last name (or the child's), the name and complete address of the photographer or studio, and the date the photo was taken.

Photo Jovial takes citizenship photos at its Jean-Talon studio in Montreal, at 683 Rue Jean-Talon O. No appointment is needed, prints are ready in about ten minutes, and a digital file is available for online applications.

PR photos must be 50mm x 70mm, taken no more than 12 months before you apply, show your full face with neutral expression, and meet specific lighting and background requirements set by IRCC.

Most PR applications require 2 photos, but we recommend getting 4 photos to have extras for future use or in case of application updates.

Photos must be taken no more than 12 months before you apply. If your photos are older than that, you'll need new ones for your renewal.

Yes. The Digital PR package includes a high-resolution file that meets IRCC specifications for online submission.

Wear clothing that contrasts with the white background. Avoid white, very light colors, patterns, or uniforms. Business casual attire works best.

Glasses are allowed if your eyes are clearly visible. They must not have tinted lenses, and there should be no glare on the lenses.

Most visits take 15 to 30 minutes from walking in to prints in hand.

We guarantee acceptance of our photos. If they're rejected due to technical specifications, we'll retake them at no charge.

A PR card photo is 50 mm wide by 70 mm high (2 x 2 3/4 inches), with the head measuring 31 to 36 mm from chin to crown. For an online application, the digital photo must be between 715 x 1000 and 2000 x 2800 pixels, in JPEG format, 4 MB or less.

A PR card photo must be taken no more than 12 months before you apply. That is longer than the six months allowed for a Canadian passport photo.

Only if it has a plain white background and the back shows your name and date of birth along with the studio's name, address and the date. The size is the same, 50 x 70 mm, but passport photos may use a light-coloured background and do not carry your name and birth date.

Yes, as long as your eyes are clearly visible behind the glasses and there is no glare on the lenses. Tinted glasses are not suitable.

No. You do not need to sign the back of a PR photo or have it signed by a guarantor. The back of one print only needs your name and date of birth, the studio's name and complete address, and the date the photo was taken.

Photo Jovial takes PR card photos at its Jean-Talon studio in Montreal, at 683 Rue Jean-Talon O, with walk-ins welcome. You can get two prints or prints plus a digital file, and most visits take 15 to 30 minutes.

Tell us your destination country and we take it from there. Over 20 years of international requirements.

Yes, for the countries that accept electronic submissions. Not all of them do, so we check against your destination first. Files come properly sized and formatted for upload, and we can put them on a USB drive if you prefer.

Usually 10 to 15 minutes, with no appointment needed. Call ahead if your application is time-sensitive.

Requirements vary by country, but solid colours generally work best. Avoid white or very pale tops, since most backgrounds are white or light. Glasses rules differ: some countries refuse them, others allow clear lenses without glare. We will advise you when you arrive.

Yes. Passports, visas, citizenship, work permits and ID cards each have their own specifications, and we work to all of them.

The most common size is 35 x 45 mm, used by the United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, Belgium and Germany. The United States uses 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), and Canada uses 50 x 70 mm.

No. A Canadian passport photo is 50 x 70 mm, and no country in this guide uses that size. Have a separate photo taken to the rules of the country you are applying to.

No. The paper size is the same, but the head size changes: 29 to 34 mm for a British passport, 32 to 36 mm for a Japanese passport, 31 to 36 mm for a Belgian one. Background colour and the age limit of the photo differ too.

Most countries require a photo taken within the last six months, including the United States, Ireland, Japan and Belgium. The United Kingdom requires a photo taken in the last month.

It depends on the country. Glasses are not allowed on a US visa photo, and the United Kingdom asks you to remove them unless you have to wear them. Ireland, Belgium and Germany accept clear glasses if your eyes are fully visible and there is no glare.

It varies. The United States requires plain white or off-white, the United Kingdom cream or light grey, Ireland light grey, white or cream, and India white. In every case the background must be plain and free of shadows.

Photo Jovial takes passport and visa photos for any country at its Jean-Talon studio, 683 Rue Jean-Talon O in Montreal. No appointment is needed, photos are usually ready in about 15 minutes, and current prices are on our international passport photo service page.

A printed US visa photo is 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). The head must measure 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the hair.

The DS-160 photo must be a square JPEG between 600 x 600 and 1200 x 1200 pixels, in 24-bit colour, and no larger than 240 kB. The head must take up 50% to 69% of the image height.

No. Glasses are not allowed in US visa photos. The only exception is a medical one, such as recent eye surgery, and it requires a statement signed by a medical professional.

No. A Canadian passport photo is a 50 x 70 mm rectangle and a US visa photo is a 51 x 51 mm square with its own head and eye measurements. Have a separate photo taken for the US application.

It must have been taken within the last six months and show how you look now. If your appearance has changed significantly, you will be asked for a new photo even if the old one is less than six months old.

For an immigrant visa, yes: you bring two identical 2 x 2 inch prints. For a nonimmigrant visa, the photo is uploaded with the DS-160, but some embassies and consulates also ask for one printed photo at the interview.

Photo Jovial takes US visa photos at its Jean-Talon studio in Montreal, at 683 Rue Jean-Talon O, as 2 x 2 inch prints or as a digital file for the DS-160. No appointment is needed and photos are usually ready in about 15 minutes.

A Canadian visa photo has a frame of at least 35 mm by 45 mm (1 3/8 x 1 3/4 inches), with the head measuring 31 to 36 mm from chin to crown.

Not quite. The visa rules ask for a frame of at least 35 x 45 mm, while a Canadian passport photo is exactly 50 x 70 mm. The head size is the same in both, 31 to 36 mm from chin to crown, but a visa photo carries your name and date of birth on the back.

A paper visitor visa application takes two identical photos of each applicant, taken within the last six months. If you are required to give biometrics, you do not need to include paper photos.

Write your name and date of birth on the back of both photos. That is the instruction in the paper visitor visa application guide.

Yes, non-tinted prescription glasses are allowed if your eyes are clearly visible and the frame does not cover any part of them. Sunglasses are not acceptable.

Photo Jovial takes Canadian visa photos at its Jean-Talon studio in Montreal, at 683 Rue Jean-Talon O. No appointment is needed, and prints or a digital file are ready in about fifteen minutes.

A printed British passport photo is 45 mm high by 35 mm wide, with the head measuring 29 to 34 mm from the chin to the top of the head. A digital photo for an online application must be at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall.

No. A Canadian passport photo is 50 x 70 mm and a British one is 35 x 45 mm. It cannot be trimmed to fit either, because British photos must not be cut down from a larger picture.

It must have been taken in the last month. You also need a new photo for every new passport, even if your appearance has not changed.

Printed photos need a plain cream or light grey background. Digital photos for online applications need a plain light-coloured background. In both cases there must be no shadows behind you.

No. Adults need a plain expression with the mouth closed. Children under six are the exception: they do not have to keep a plain expression or look directly at the camera.

Only if you have to. They cannot be sunglasses or tinted glasses, and your eyes must not be covered by the frames or by any glare, reflection or shadow.

Photo Jovial takes British passport photos at its Jean-Talon studio in Montreal, as prints at 35 x 45 mm or as a digital file. No appointment is needed and photos are usually ready in about 15 minutes.

A French passport photo is 35 mm wide by 45 mm high. The face must measure 32 to 36 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the skull, not counting hair, which is 70 to 80% of the photo.

No. A French passport photo needs a plain light-coloured background such as light blue or light grey, and white is forbidden. The same applies to a visa photo for France.

No. A Canadian passport photo is 50 x 70 mm and a French one is 35 x 45 mm, with a different background rule. A French passport application needs a photo made to the French standards.

One. A French passport application takes a single printed photo, less than six months old.

Yes, but you do not have to. If you keep them on, the frames cannot be thick or hide your eyes, the lenses cannot be tinted or coloured, and there must be no glare.

Almost. Both are 35 x 45 mm with a 32 to 36 mm face on a plain light background that is not white, taken in the last six months. The difference is that a short-stay Schengen visa photo may show a head covering worn for religious reasons, while a French passport photo must be bare-headed.

Photo Jovial takes French passport photos and visa photos for France at its Jean-Talon studio in Montreal, printed at 35 x 45 mm on a light blue-grey background. No appointment is needed and photos are usually ready in about 15 minutes.

An Indian passport application made in Canada takes two printed photos of 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) on a plain white background, plus a digital photo of 630 x 810 pixels uploaded with the online form.

An OCI card photo is 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), in colour, on a plain white background with no border, and the head measures 35 to 40 mm from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin. One printed photo is submitted with the application.

No. A Canadian passport photo is a 50 x 70 mm rectangle, and an Indian passport or OCI photo is a 51 x 51 mm square with a larger head. Trimming the Canadian photo does not make it comply.

Two printed 2 x 2 inch photos, plus one digital photo of 630 x 810 pixels uploaded with the online application. An OCI card application takes one printed photo.

It is best not to. The current rules for the Indian passport photo say glasses are to be taken off to avoid reflections, and tinted or dark lenses are never accepted.

Yes. A head covering worn for religious reasons is allowed on an Indian passport or OCI photo, as long as the face shows from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead and both edges of the face are clear.

Wear a dark colour. The background of an Indian passport photo is plain white, and a white top on a white background is not acceptable.

Photo Jovial takes Indian passport, OCI and visa photos at its Jean-Talon studio in Montreal, printed at 51 x 51 mm on a white background, with the digital file prepared for the online form. No appointment is needed and photos are usually ready in about 15 minutes.

A Chinese visa photo is 33 mm wide by 48 mm high, in colour, on a white background with no border. The head measures 28 to 33 mm from chin to crown and 15 to 22 mm wide.

A Chinese passport renewal from Canada takes two printed photos of 33 x 48 mm on a white background, taken within the last six months, plus a digital photo uploaded with the online application.

No. A Canadian passport photo is 50 x 70 mm, and a Chinese passport or visa photo is 33 x 48 mm with a tighter framing of the head. Trimming the Canadian photo does not make it comply.

The digital photo for a Chinese visa application is a JPEG between 354 x 472 pixels and 420 x 560 pixels, weighing 40 to 120 KB, in 24-bit colour, on a white background.

Yes. The official rules for a Chinese visa photo ask for both ears to be visible, and hair covering the eyebrows, the eyes or the ears is a listed reason for refusal.

Glasses are allowed in a Chinese visa photo only if the lenses are not tinted, there is no glare and the frames do not hide the eyes. Heavy frames and tinted lenses are refused, so taking them off is the safe choice.

Not always. At the time of writing, ordinary Canadian passport holders can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits or transit, under a temporary exemption. Work, study and longer stays still need a visa and a 33 x 48 mm photo.

Photo Jovial takes Chinese passport and visa photos at its Jean-Talon studio in Montreal, printed at 33 x 48 mm on a white background, with the digital file prepared for the online form. No appointment is needed and photos are usually ready in about 15 minutes.

An Italian passport photo for the Italian consulate in Montreal is 5 x 7 cm (50 x 70 mm), the same format as a Canadian passport photo. You bring two identical photos, six months old at most.

In Italy and at the Italian embassy in Ottawa, yes: the Italian passport photo is 35 x 45 mm. The Italian consulate in Montreal asks for 5 x 7 cm instead, so the right size depends on the office that takes your application.

Yes, the format is the same: the Italian consulate in Montreal asks for photos in the Canadian passport format of 5 x 7 cm. You need two identical prints, six months old at most, with a neutral expression.

Two. An Italian passport application in Montreal takes two identical photos, taken in the last six months. The Italian electronic identity card takes one.

Yes. Glasses are allowed in an Italian passport photo if the lenses are not tinted, there is no glare on them, and the frame does not cover any part of your eyes. A light frame is better than a heavy one.

The Italian electronic identity card applied for at the consulate in Montreal takes one photo in the Canadian passport format, 5 x 7 cm.

Photo Jovial takes Italian passport photos at its Jean-Talon studio in Montreal, near Little Italy, printed as two identical 5 x 7 cm photos for the Montreal consulate or at 35 x 45 mm for other offices. No appointment is needed and photos are usually ready in about 15 minutes.

An Algerian passport photo is 35 mm wide by 45 mm high. The face must measure 32 to 36 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the skull, not counting the hair.

The Algerian consulate in Montreal asks for two identical, recent photos at 35 x 45 mm that meet the international ICAO photo standard.

Plain white, with no border around the photo and no shadow on the background or the face. Light grey or light blue backgrounds do not meet the Algerian standard.

No. A Canadian passport photo is 50 x 70 mm and an Algerian one is 35 x 45 mm. Trimming the Canadian photo does not work, because the face would be the wrong size.

The photos must show the photographer studio's name, full address and the date they were taken, written by hand or stamped; sticker labels are not accepted. The child does not have to go to the consulate, so the photos must meet the standards exactly.

You do not have to, but you may. If you do, the frames must be thin and must not hide the eyes, the lenses cannot be tinted, and there must be no reflection on them.

Photo Jovial takes Algerian passport photos at its Jean-Talon studio in Montreal, printed at 35 x 45 mm on a white background, with the studio stamp added for children under 12. No appointment is needed and photos are usually ready in about 15 minutes.

A Lebanese passport photo is 35 mm wide by 45 mm high (4.5 x 3.5 cm), in colour, with the full face on a plain white background.

Bring three identical Lebanese passport photos. Some applications ask for two and others for three, so three covers you either way.

Plain white, evenly lit, with no shadow behind the head. Light grey, cream or light blue backgrounds do not meet the Lebanese rules.

No. A Canadian passport photo is 50 x 70 mm and a Lebanese one is 35 x 45 mm. Trimming the Canadian photo does not work, because the face would be the wrong size.

Your eyes must be clearly visible, so tinted lenses, thick frames and glare are a problem. Taking your glasses off for the photo is the safest choice.

The Consulate General of Lebanon in Montreal is at 40 Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road in Outremont. It asks visitors to call ahead and book an appointment before coming in.

Photo Jovial takes Lebanese passport photos at its Jean-Talon studio in Montreal, printed in colour at 35 x 45 mm on a white background. No appointment is needed and photos are usually ready in about 15 minutes.

No. For a Nepali e-passport applied for from Canada, the official rules say photographs are not required: your photo is captured during in-person enrolment at the Embassy of Nepal in Ottawa.

The Nepali one-way travel document asks for photos 35 mm wide by 45 mm high. That is the standard passport size we print for Nepali documents that need a photo.

Three passport-size photos at 35 x 45 mm. Bring three identical prints from the same shoot.

Yes, one passport-size photo goes with the printed and signed NRN card application. The official page does not give exact dimensions; 35 x 45 mm is the standard passport size.

No. A Canadian passport photo is 50 x 70 mm, while the Nepali travel document asks for 35 x 45 mm. Trimming the larger print leaves the face the wrong size.

Nepali passport applications from Quebec go through the Embassy of Nepal in Ottawa. You book online, then attend in person on your appointment date.

Photo Jovial takes Nepali passport-size photos at its Jean-Talon studio in Montreal, printed at 35 x 45 mm or supplied as a digital file. No appointment is needed and photos are usually ready in about 15 minutes.

A Japanese passport photo is 45 mm high by 35 mm wide, with no border. The face must measure 34 mm, plus or minus 2 mm, from the top of the head to the chin.

At the Consulate-General of Japan in Montreal, yes: a photo in the Canadian passport size is also accepted. Do not trim it yourself, because consular staff adjust the size, and make sure the face is close to 34 mm.

One. The Montreal consulate asks for a single photo taken in the last six months, handed in loose and not glued to the application form.

A plain background with no shadows. White is recommended; pale blue or grey is also accepted, but not a gradient, and the background must contrast clearly with your hair.

Taking them off is recommended. If you keep them on, they cannot be tinted, the frames must not cross your eyes, and there can be no glare or shadow on the lenses.

Yes. A baby's eyes must be open, no part of the person holding them may show, and a baby who cannot sit up can be photographed lying on a white sheet from above.

Photo Jovial takes Japanese passport photos at its Jean-Talon studio in Montreal, printed at 45 x 35 mm or as a digital file. No appointment is needed and photos are usually ready in about 15 minutes.

A Schengen visa photo is 35 mm wide by 45 mm high. The head must measure 32 to 36 mm from the chin to the crown.

No. A Canadian passport photo is 50 x 70 mm, while a Schengen visa photo is 35 x 45 mm. Trimming it does not work, because the head would be the wrong size.

It depends on the country you apply to. For applications from Canada, Germany asks for a photo no older than three months, Austria allows six months and Norway one month, so check your country's checklist.

A plain, uniform white or light-coloured background, with no shadows, patterns or objects behind you.

Yes, as long as your eyes are clearly visible. Dark, tinted or reflective lenses are not accepted, so taking glasses off is the safer choice.

Yes. Every child, including a baby, needs their own visa application and photo. The rules allow some leeway on face height and expression for young children.

Photo Jovial takes Schengen visa photos at its Jean-Talon studio in Montreal, printed at 35 x 45 mm on a plain white background. No appointment is needed and photos are usually ready in about 15 minutes.

A US passport photo is 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). The head must measure 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.

No. Glasses must come off for a US passport photo, including clear prescription glasses. If you cannot remove them for medical reasons, send a signed note from your doctor with your application.

No. Online renewal is not available if you live in Canada. You renew by mail with the renewal form, your most recent passport and one photo, sent with Canada Post, or in person at a US embassy or consulate.

Your US passport photo must have been taken in the last six months, and it should look like you do today.

No. A Canadian passport photo is 50 x 70 mm and a US one is a 2 x 2 inch square. Trimming the Canadian photo does not work, because the head would be the wrong size.

No. A passport for a child under 16 cannot be renewed. You apply for a new one in person at a US embassy or consulate in Canada.

Photo Jovial takes US passport photos at its Jean-Talon studio in Montreal, printed at 2 x 2 inches on a white background, glasses off. No appointment is needed and photos are usually ready in about 15 minutes.

Over 20 years of infant photography teaches you the tricks: comfortable positioning, gentle lighting, and waiting for the right second. Fussy babies are normal here.

A child's eyes must be clearly visible in a Canadian passport photo. Newborns are allowed some range in their expression, and we wait for the right moment so the photo meets the current standard.

That is expected. We take breaks whenever you need one, and you can come back another day at no charge.

Sessions typically take 15-20 minutes. We allow extra time as needed for feeding, comfort, and optimal timing.

Bring them. Familiar toys and comfort items help with older babies, and we keep them out of the frame so the photo stays compliant.

Absolutely. We have extensive experience working with children with special needs, including autism and other developmental differences. Our photographers are trained to be patient, flexible, and understanding. We'll take as much time as needed to ensure a comfortable session and a successful passport photo. If your session requires additional time beyond our standard duration, a small additional fee may apply, which helps us provide the dedicated attention your child deserves.

A baby's Canadian passport photo is the same size as an adult's: 50 mm wide by 70 mm high, with the face measuring 31 to 36 mm from chin to crown. You submit two identical prints taken within the last six months.

Only if your hands stay out of the picture. A Canadian passport photo of a child must not show the parent's hands or the child's hands, and a photo with a hand in the frame is refused.

Yes. The official rules allow a newborn to be photographed sitting in a car seat, as long as a white blanket is placed over the seat behind the child's head and there are no shadows on the face, ears, shoulders or background.

Not strictly. The official rules allow some range of facial expression for newborns and infants, because a neutral face is hard to get at that age. Older children are expected to keep a neutral expression with the mouth closed.

Aim for eyes open. The official rules ask for eyes that are open and clearly visible, and the leeway they give newborns covers facial expression, with no stated exemption for closed eyes.

A guarantor who has known you for at least two years and knows your child: a Canadian citizen aged 18 or older holding a valid 5-year or 10-year Canadian passport, or one expired for less than a year. The parent who signs the application cannot be the guarantor, but the other parent can.

Photo Jovial takes baby and newborn passport photos at its Jean-Talon studio in Montreal, with no appointment. A session takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and current prices, which depend on the baby's age, are on the baby and newborn passport photo service page.

Handle them with clean, dry hands or cotton gloves, and do not try to clean them yourself. Keep them flat in acid-free sleeves inside a sturdy container. We provide protective materials free on request. If the original is valuable, call us before you travel with it.

Professional scanning gives the best result, because our equipment picks up detail a home scanner misses. If the original is irreplaceable, we will scan it while you wait so you can take it home the same visit. We can work from your own high-quality scans, though it limits how far the restoration can go.

Essential restorations typically take 1-2 days. Advanced restorations take 3-5 days. Heritage restorations take 5-7 days. Rush service is available at our Jean-Talon studio. The project's complexity determines the timeframe. A consultation provides an exact timeline.

Often, yes. Photos torn into pieces, water-soaked albums and fire-damaged portraits can all be brought back. How far depends on the specific damage, so we give you an honest assessment first and you approve a preview before we finish.

Yes. Family albums, wedding collections and historical archives qualify for volume pricing, and larger projects get priority scheduling. A short consultation tells you exactly what you would save.

We accept JPEG, TIFF, PNG and RAW files. For best results, bring high-resolution files with minimal compression.

Professional Epson, DNP and Canon photo printers, all here at our Jean-Talon studio.

Everyday prints are usually ready the same day, since we print them in the studio.

Yes. Email them to us, or just bring your phone to the Jean-Talon studio. We print wirelessly and can help clean up the image first.

Glossy finishes offer vibrant colours with a shiny surface, while matte finishes reduce glare with a non-reflective surface. Samples of both are at the studio.

Most projects complete within 5-7 business days at our Jean-Talon studio. Rush service available for additional fee.

Our Jean-Talon studio handles sizes from business cards to 24" x 36" posters. Larger sizes available with advance notice.

Yes, rush service available at our Jean-Talon studio. We offer same-day service for orders placed before noon.

Conservation framing uses acid-free materials and UV-protective glass to prevent yellowing and fading. Essential for valuable items and long-term preservation.

Yes. Our shadow boxes take medals, sports memorabilia and keepsakes, in several depths. Bring the object in so we can pick the right one.

We accept cash, debit cards, and all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express). We also accept e-transfers for pre-booked services.

Yes, we offer rush services for most of our photography needs. Additional fees may apply depending on the service and turnaround time required.

Photo Jovial has proudly served the Montreal community for over 20 years, earning a reputation for quality and reliability.

For corporate headshots and business portraits, we recommend scheduling an appointment to ensure dedicated time and proper setup. Walk-ins are welcome for passport and ID photos.

We are conveniently located at 683 Rue Jean-Talon O, Montréal, QC H3N 1S1, Canada, serving Villeray, Park Extension, and surrounding Montreal areas.

Headshots and business portraits are ready within 48 hours, with rush service available. Passport and ID photos are ready in minutes.

Over 20 years on the same street, prices people can afford, and photos that get accepted the first time. That is most of it.

You can reach us by phone at +1 514 279 7230 or by email at [email protected].

Yes! We welcome both individual professionals and businesses for corporate headshots, business portraits, and all types of professional photography needs.

Yes. There is parking near the studio on Jean-Talon.

Our experienced team can assist you in English, French and Arabic to ensure a comfortable experience.

We are open Monday to Friday from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM, and weekends from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We recommend calling ahead for appointments during busy periods.

A photo studio or commercial photographer that takes photos for your exact document, checks the result before you leave and reshoots it free if it is refused. For a Canadian passport, the official rules ask for a commercial photographer or photo studio.

No. The official rules for a Canadian passport ask for a photo taken by a commercial photographer or photo studio and professionally printed. The back of one print must also show the date and the studio's name and full address.

It can be, as long as the photo meets every official rule for your document. Before you pay, ask whether they handle your country's format, whether a digital copy is available and whether a refused photo is retaken free.

At Photo Jovial, two Canadian passport photos are ready in about 10 minutes, with a digital copy if you ask. Current prices are on the Canadian passport photo service page.

Not at Photo Jovial. Passport, citizenship, permanent resident and visa photos are taken on a walk-in basis, and Canadian passport photos take about 10 minutes.

Ask five things: whether they take photos for your exact document, what happens if the photo is refused, whether you can get a digital copy, how long it takes, and whether someone checks the photo before you leave.

Photo Jovial is a photo studio at 683 Rue Jean-Talon O in Montreal. It is open Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.