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

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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.

#1

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

79points

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.

#2

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

75points

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.

#3

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

65points

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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#4

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

64points

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."

#5

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

64points

Neon Petra 5 years ago

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

24points

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#6

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

63points

Jaykob Cole Plascencia 5 years ago

How?? 😂

11points

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#7

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

62points

Wings 5 years ago

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

11points

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#8

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

59points

White Raven 5 years ago

Those are some long legs

11points

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#9

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

54points

Iggy 5 years ago

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

46points

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#10

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

53points

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

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

52points

Iggy 5 years ago

Adds a whole new meaning to 'family pack'.

11points

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#12

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

49points

louis porter 5 years ago

F**k that b***h.

3points

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#13

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

47points

Issabella M 5 years ago

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

34points

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#14

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

46points

Kioh81 Premium 5 years ago

Help I've got a stage 5 clinger!

13points

#15

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

45points

SnowyLynx 5 years ago

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

11points

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#16

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

43points

ChaiDai 5 years ago

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

20points

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#17

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

38points

Kioh81 Premium 5 years ago

World's loudest sack race participant

20points

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#18

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

38points

Bored Birgit 5 years ago

Footloose.

15points

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#19

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

38points

Kioh81 Premium 5 years ago

Excuse me while I powder my rolls

8points

#20

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

37points

Donna Leske 5 years ago

Two for the money.

3points

#21

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

37points

Danish Dynomummy 5 years ago

Ugh, now I want to rewatch Bloodsport

7points

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#22

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

34points

Kioh81 Premium 5 years ago

And that was when Karen finally knew it was time to get her son out of the house

16points

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#23

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

34points

Kioh81 Premium 5 years ago

Breakfast club, escort edition

8points

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#24

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

32points

Maximiliano De Borba 5 years ago

Whattttttt, white socks with black pants!!!

32points

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#25

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

31points

Sophia Chan 5 years ago

I knew something fishy was going on there...

8points

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#26

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

31points

Wyndmere 5 years ago

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

1point

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#27

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

30points

Heaven Scott 5 years ago

nice chair

3points

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#28

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

30points

Non-New-Toni-An 5 years ago

I hope that's a print and not a painting

5points

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#29

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

28points

Elis Malachov 5 years ago (edited)

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

3points

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#30

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

28points

SnowyLynx 5 years ago

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

5points

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#31

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

9points

SnowyLynx 5 years ago

Lovely. Aside from various body segments looking photo-shopped

-3points

#32

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

9points

Neon Petra 5 years ago

Cyborg malfunctioned. Please update software.

3points

#33

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

8points

SnowyLynx 5 years ago

I’d make that face too if I was gift-wrapped at a party

1point

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#34

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

8points

Iggy 5 years ago

Strangely a-peel-ing!

1point

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#35

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

8points

Andrew Wildman 5 years ago

Worst. Party. Ever.

3points

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#36

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

8points

Maximiliano De Borba 5 years ago

I love frogs too

1point

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#37

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

8points

Andrew Wildman 5 years ago

Just tying up loose ends.

1point

#38

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

7points

ChaiDai 5 years ago

Paper or plastic?

3points

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#39

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

7points

ChaiDai 5 years ago

Trash talker

1point

#40

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

7points

SnowyLynx 5 years ago

“Stop and smile for the Camera!”

2points

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#41

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

7points

Bored Birgit 5 years ago

Rapunzel.

1point

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#42

Different-Passport-Photo-Shoot-Max-Siedentopf

Final score:

6points

ChaiDai 5 years ago

Don't interrupt me when I'm speaking

1point

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anonymous

This lazy panda forgot to write something about itself.

This lazy panda forgot to write something about itself.

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.

3points

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JessG 5 years ago

Agreed

2points

Sue Prewitt 5 years ago

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

1point

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. ♥

13points

Andrew Wildman 5 years ago

Absolutely agree. It’s a cute idea and some delivered on that while others were okay...

2points

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Vilkas 5 years ago

People have officially run out of ideas. You can turn off the internet now. It was a good run.

7points

Mo Mo 5 years ago

Haha the comment

0points

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Nicky OldfieldDesciple 5 years ago

what a load of c**P

5points

debrina blackmoon 5 years ago

since when is it so bad to say "C**P"??? calm the f**k down

1point

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Jackson Puff 5 years ago

that has to be the worst and lamest BP post I've ever seen.

4points

Theory Buchannon 5 years ago

umm ok that was weird

2points

Daniel Marsh 5 years ago

These should be Tinder profiles, not passport photos.

1point

Sue Sanders 5 years ago

Absurdly cool!

1point

Daniela Berg 5 years ago

I loved it!!!! Just my sense of humour

1point

DP von Icecream 5 years ago

A bit weird & quirky: I like it!

1point

Bobby's Girl 5 years ago

29 images too many.

0points

Hugo Raible 5 years ago

Most of them look pretty pissed - just the right mindset for a passport photo...

0points

Jus 5 years ago

I like it very much. Finally something fresh, abstract, funny. I have enough of boring generic things posted here. This post was different.

-1point

de' leendha 5 years ago

i can't find something to smile

-3points

Lira Mai 5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Jaans 5 years ago

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AmandaHorn18 5 years ago (edited)

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ankkna 3 years ago

AmandaHorn18 haha

0points

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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.

3points

Load More Replies...

JessG 5 years ago

Agreed

2points

Sue Prewitt 5 years ago

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

1point

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. ♥

13points

Andrew Wildman 5 years ago

Absolutely agree. It’s a cute idea and some delivered on that while others were okay...

2points

Load More Replies...

Vilkas 5 years ago

People have officially run out of ideas. You can turn off the internet now. It was a good run.

7points

Mo Mo 5 years ago

Haha the comment

0points

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Nicky OldfieldDesciple 5 years ago

what a load of c**P

5points

debrina blackmoon 5 years ago

since when is it so bad to say "C**P"??? calm the f**k down

1point

Load More Replies...

Jackson Puff 5 years ago

that has to be the worst and lamest BP post I've ever seen.

4points

Theory Buchannon 5 years ago

umm ok that was weird

2points

Daniel Marsh 5 years ago

These should be Tinder profiles, not passport photos.

1point

Sue Sanders 5 years ago

Absurdly cool!

1point

Daniela Berg 5 years ago

I loved it!!!! Just my sense of humour

1point

DP von Icecream 5 years ago

A bit weird & quirky: I like it!

1point

Bobby's Girl 5 years ago

29 images too many.

0points

Hugo Raible 5 years ago

Most of them look pretty pissed - just the right mindset for a passport photo...

0points

Jus 5 years ago

I like it very much. Finally something fresh, abstract, funny. I have enough of boring generic things posted here. This post was different.

-1point

de' leendha 5 years ago

i can't find something to smile

-3points

Lira Mai 5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Jaans 5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

AmandaHorn18 5 years ago (edited)

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

ankkna 3 years ago

AmandaHorn18 haha

0points

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