What kind of photo do I need to upload?
MyWelfare will check your uploaded photo to make sure it meets our requirements. You must follow these guidelines when taking your photo:
Background & lighting
- Use a plain, light-coloured background. We cannot accept images with patterned or panelled backgrounds.
- Include only your head, shoulders and chest
- Leave space between you and the edge of the photo
- The photo must be in full colour, have even lighting with no shadows
Facial features & expression
- Look directly at the camera
- Have your face and eyes fully visible
- You must not wear glasses in the photo
- Have a neutral expression with your mouth closed
- Do not use a filter or digitally enhance the photo in any way
Technical guidelines
- Ensure the picture is not blurry, pixelated or low resolution
- Upload a recent photo, taken within the last 6 months
- Your photo must be taken by someone else. Please do not take a selfie
- Do not use a filter or digitally enhance the photo in any way
- Do not upload a photo of a photo
- Max 10MB JPEG or JPG format can be accepted
- Your image must be at least 715 pixels wide x 951 pixels in height
Photo guidelines video
How do I take a good photo?
Distance
Make sure you capture your image correctly
• The photo must capture your image from head to mid torso
• There must be visible space between your head and shoulders and the edge of the photo
Acceptable Distance
Photo too far away
Photo too close
Facial Features
Make sure your facial features are clearly visible
• Your hair or any religious headdress should not cover any part of your face
• Glasses should not be worn
• Do not wear a hat or cap
Eyes should be fully visible
No glasses
No hair covering face
Background
Take your photo in front of a plain background
• Take your photo in front of a plain, light-coloured background with no textures, panelling or patterns
• There should not be any objects visible in the background
Plain light-coloured background
No texture in background
No objects in background
Expression
Plain expression and face in full view
• Make sure your expression is neutral, you are not smiling and your mouth is closed
• You must look straight into the camera and not tilt your head
Plain expression and mouth closed
No smiling
No looking away from the camera
Lighting and shadow
Your photo must have even lighting
• Ensure you have a balanced light – no shadows on your face or behind you
• It’s best to use natural light so have the photo taken while facing a window
Even lighting and no shadows
No shadows on your face
No shadows behind your head