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Passport photos are as exciting as getting them taken. But while there's nothing we can do about the former, we sure can improve the latter. Namibian-German artist Max Siedentopf has just released a photo series that pokes fun at traditional passport photography, trying to inject as much self-expression in this mind-numbing experience as possible.
"I recently had to renew my passport and, of course, also needed to get a new passport photo taken," the professional photographer told Bored Panda. "While sitting in front of the camera and keeping a straight face, I was wondering how something so dull could be 'tricked' and get some more excitement into the whole process of passport photography.
More info: maxsiedentopf.com | Instagram
Image credits: Max Siedentopf
This post may include affiliate links.
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Since Max works across several disciplines, including design, photography, and publishing, he quickly came up with a photoshoot idea. The official passport photo requirements include that the subject needs to face the camera straight on, needs a clear background without shadow, no glare on glasses and most importantly; no smile. However, they say nothing about what happens behind the scenes.
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"Passport photos have their purpose for being so strict, but in an age of funny selfies and Instagram filters, it would, of course, be nice to see if that could also be applied to your passport," Max added.
After coming up with all the crazy posing activities for his models, Siedentopf started shooting them. But the ridiculously over-the-top setup has taken its toll. For example, one of the funny photos had the subject standing behind a fire, which unexpectedly turned into a 10-foot flame...
"[It's] still a bit early to say if any of the models will use these interesting photos for their passports," Max said. "However, the pictures follow all the official requirements so I sure hope that some of them will use them in the near future."
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Demi Zwaan 6 years ago
Nice Photoshop... Water (wine) level should always be straight, even when the glasses are not.
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What do you think ?
Katinka Min 6 years ago
Pointless, yes. Boring, no. Not all ideas are great, but a few are really cool.
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Daria B 6 years ago
I think the idea is funny. You are supposed to look serious on your document photos, this is adding a twist. Speaking of it, my friend says I look like a pissed Russian spy on my passport photo. ♥
Andrew Wildman 6 years ago
Absolutely agree. It’s a cute idea and some delivered on that while others were okay...
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Vilkas 6 years ago
People have officially run out of ideas. You can turn off the internet now. It was a good run.
debrina blackmoon 6 years ago
since when is it so bad to say "C**P"??? calm the f**k down
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Hugo Raible 6 years ago
Most of them look pretty pissed - just the right mindset for a passport photo...
Katinka Min 6 years ago
Pointless, yes. Boring, no. Not all ideas are great, but a few are really cool.
Load More Replies... Daria B 6 years ago
I think the idea is funny. You are supposed to look serious on your document photos, this is adding a twist. Speaking of it, my friend says I look like a pissed Russian spy on my passport photo. ♥
Andrew Wildman 6 years ago
Absolutely agree. It’s a cute idea and some delivered on that while others were okay...
Load More Replies... Vilkas 6 years ago
People have officially run out of ideas. You can turn off the internet now. It was a good run.
debrina blackmoon 6 years ago
since when is it so bad to say "C**P"??? calm the f**k down
Load More Replies... Hugo Raible 6 years ago
Most of them look pretty pissed - just the right mindset for a passport photo...
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