30 Passport Photos That Reveal A Different Story Once You See The Entire Shot

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

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Final score:

79points

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Oathbraker 5 years ago

Well that got kinky really quickly...

43points

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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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Final score:

75points

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Neon Petra 5 years ago

"Yeah, I'll just... hang here, I guess..."

24points

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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.

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Final score:

65points

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Amey Datye 5 years ago

this is fine

41points

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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...

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Final score:

64points

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Luis Milian 5 years ago

when you facetime an interview

39points

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"[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."

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

64points

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Neon Petra 5 years ago

I thought that was a regular dress at first...

24points

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63points

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Jaykob Cole Plascencia 5 years ago

How?? 😂

11points

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62points

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Wings 5 years ago

She didn't do her chores when she was told so she became the chore

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59points

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White Raven 5 years ago

Those are some long legs

11points

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54points

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Iggy 5 years ago

It's a great winter coat. It keeps her nice and toasty.

46points

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#10

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53points

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Demi Zwaan 5 years ago

Nice Photoshop... Water (wine) level should always be straight, even when the glasses are not.

94points

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#11

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Iggy 5 years ago

Adds a whole new meaning to 'family pack'.

11points

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#12

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49points

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louis porter 5 years ago

F**k that b***h.

3points

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#13

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Issabella M 5 years ago

Wow, nice buns AND a six pack....

34points

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#14

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Final score:

46points

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Kioh81 5 years ago

Help I've got a stage 5 clinger!

13points

#15

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Final score:

45points

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SnowyLynx 5 years ago

The face you make when you walk outside and have to act cool

11points

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#16

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Final score:

43points

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ChaiDai 5 years ago

Is that a teddy bear, or are you just happy to see me?

20points

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#17

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Final score:

38points

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Kioh81 5 years ago

World's loudest sack race participant

20points

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“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

#26

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Final score:

31points

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Wyndmere 5 years ago

I see the belly roller guy got de-dusted in the shower.

1point

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#27

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Heaven Scott 5 years ago

nice chair

3points

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#28

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Non-New-Toni-An 5 years ago

I hope that's a print and not a painting

5points

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#29

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Final score:

28points

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Elis Malachov 5 years ago (edited)

Has anyone seen Doctor Lecter? He is at it again!

3points

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#30

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Final score:

28points

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SnowyLynx 5 years ago

Makes you wonder what she wants to do out of the country... ; )

5points

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Note: this post originally had 42 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

What do you think ?

NoYFB 5 years ago

Pointless and boring.

17points

Katinka Min 5 years ago

Pointless, yes. Boring, no. Not all ideas are great, but a few are really cool.

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JessG 5 years ago

Agreed

2points

Sue Prewitt 5 years ago

But you went through them all, didn't you?

Daria B 5 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. ♥