Use the following guidelines for digital photos.

You can:

• use an existing digital photo if it meets the rules below
• get a friend to take a digital photo of you

Digital photo rules:

• your photo must look like you and must have be taken in the last month
• use a plain light-coloured background with no patterns or textures and don't have objects behind you
• no shadows on your face or behind you - it's best to use natural sunlight, for example facing a window
•  stand 0.5 metres (1.5 feet) away from your background (this helps to stop shadows appearing)
• the person taking the photo should stand 1.5 metres (5 feet) from you
• include your head, shoulders and upper body in the photo and look straight at the camera
• have a plain expression so don't smile or frown - eyes open and mouth closed
• eyes fully visible, hair away from your face and eyes
• take your glasses off if you can - if you need to keep your glasses on, your eyes must be visible without any glare or reflections 
• no sunglasses or tinted glasses
• no headwear unless it's for religious or medical reasons
• don't crop your photo - it will be done for you

The pictures below help to explain which photos follow the rules and shows those that don't.