Maria Lyle Photography Passport Photo Services

About Us

MARIA LYLE Owner & Photographer

Maria considers herself a lucky person because each day she gets to do the job she loves. She embraces a challenge whenever it presents itself, either in the field or in the studio. Often times you may see her moving about, rearranging furniture or adjusting the lighting just to make an image that much more satisfying to her clients.

Her love and passion for photography are evident the moment you meet Maria. You will find her work in many professional contexts, including websites, brochures and business cards, as well as in social media.

International Passport & Visa Photography Services

Although we are a commercial photography studio, we welcome clients who need to have photos made for travel documents, we are your Number One Sarasota’s choice. We also offer our Passport Photos services in the Venice, Osprey, Bradenton, Englewood, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, North Port, Parrish, Palmetto, Ellenton, St. Petersburg, Tampa.

We have been doing Passport Photos, Visa Photos for Africa, China and many countries, Immmigration Photos, Citizenship Photos, Weapon Permit Photos, for many years. And as such, we feel we can provide the very best for you. We use professional lighting so that there are no shadows, either on your face, under your face and or in the background. In addition, we take great care so that you are not shiny, which is often the reason why Canada and many other countries refuse their applicant’s photos when they don’t use our services. We also guarantee our photographs.

We are now approved by the Australian Consulate. We are so pleased to be part of the list of professionals for Australian passport photos.

We are approved by the Canadian Consulate in Miami and Ontario.

Below is our list of services, Q&A that are most often asked, as well as directions to our studio. .

Please do call us for your next appointment, as sometimes we are out on location or working on another project. We try to have the studio set up for passports whenever we can.

Thank you and we look forward to meeting you.

Maria Lyle

Australian Passport Photos

US Passport Photos

US Immigration Photos

US Citizenship Photos

US Green Card Photos

Canadian Passport Photos

Canada Immigration Photos

China Visa Photos

Dutch Passport Photos

Florida Concealed Weapon

License Photos

Schengen Visa Photos

UK Drivers License Photos

Canadian Passport Photo With our stamp on the back 50mm x 70mm.

And we also provide a third photo of you with the specs on the photo. This is to ensure that it will be accepted.

US Passport 2” x 2”

Chinese Visa 33mm x 48mm

Dutch Passport 35mm x 45mm Photos

Australian Passport 40mm x 50mm

Afghanistan

Albania

Algeria

Argentine

Armenia

Austria

Australia

Bahamas

Bangladesh

Belarus

Belgium

Bolivia

Brazil

Bulgaria

Burma

Cambodia

Canada

Cayman Islands

Chile

China

Colombia

Costa Rica

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech

Denmark

Ecuador

Egypt

England

Estonia

Ethiopia

Finland

France

Georgia

Germany

Ghana

Great Britain

Greece

Guatemala

Haiti

Hong Kong

Hungary

Iceland

India

Indonesia

Iran

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Jamaica

Japan

Jordan

Kazakhstan

Korea

Kuwait

Lebanon

Lithuania

Luxemburg

Malaysia

Mexico

Morocco

Moldavia

Myanmar

Netherlands

Nepal

New Zealand

Norway

Pakistan

Palestinian Territories

Panama

Papua New Guineas

Peru

Philippines

Poland

Portugal

Qatar

Romania

Russia

Saint Lucia

Schengen visa

Singapore

Slovakia

South Africa

Spain

Sri Lanka

St Vincent

Sweden

Switzerland

Syria

Taiwan

Tanzania

Thailand

Trinidad & Tobago

Turkey

Ukraine

United Arab Emirates

Uruguay

Uzbekistan

Venezuela

Vietnam

Zimbabwe

Commonly Asked Questions

(most answers are intended for U.S. guidelines, but often apply to other countries).

Q: Do I need to make an appointment?

A: Yes, we recommend that you do make an appointment as sometimes we are either on location and or doing other work in the studio.

Q: What are your hours.

A: Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Saturday and Sunday closed. Saturday mornings appointments are available if needed.

Q: What should I wear for my photo.

A: You can wear whatever you wear on a daily basis Unless as per country requirements.

Q: Can I wear my uniform?

A: US citizens may not wear a uniform.

Q: What colors should I wear?

A: We recommend light blue, black or white. Do not recommend to wear green, red, orange or yellow.

Q: Can I wear prescription glasses?

A: For U.S. citizens, you may not wear glasses.

Q: Can I wear my own make up?

A: Yes, but it is highly recommended to stay away from bronzer, shiny or glittery makeup. And we are not allowed to retouch. Please feel free to bring your own translucent powder to match your skin tones.

And ladies, feel free to bring your lipstick.

Q: Can you do my hair?

A: We are not professional hair and make up artists. But we do recommend that you bring a comb, hairbrush, etc.

Q: Can I smile on my passport photos?

A: The International Civil Aviation Organization, (ICAO) recommends that passport photos be taken with a “neutral expression” for use with facial recognition (FR) systems. When a mouth is open on a passport photo, it makes it difficult for the FR to work properly.

Q: What kind of payment do you accept

A: Cash, Checks with ID, Debit Card. Credit cards with 3.5 % Service Fee: Visa, MasterCard, American Express.

Q: Can I wear a hat or head covering in my photo?

A: For US. Passport photos, you may wear a hat or head covering, but you must submit a signed statement that verifies that the hat or head covering is part of a recognized, traditional religious attire that is customarily or required to be worn continuosly in public or a signed doctor’s statement veryfying the item is used daily for medical reasons.

Q: How many photos do I get?

A: Most countries require 2 photos.

Q: Do I need to have a new photo for my passport if my appereance has changed (color of hair, grown a beard?

A: For U.S. passports, if you have changed your appereance, you may have to apply for a new passport if you have:

Undergone signicant facial surgery or trauma.

Added or removed numerous/large facial piercings or tattoos. Undergone a significant amount of weight loss or gain. Made a gender transition.

Q: Can I use the same photo for another type of credentials?

A: Yes, we certainly do that.

Q: Can my baby have his/her eyes closed?

A: It is acceptable for a baby to have his/ her eyes not entirely open. All other children must have their eyes open.

Q: Do you sign Canadian Photos?

A: The photographer is not expected to sign the photographs. But we stamp the back of the photos and write the date on one of the photos as required. Then, the Guarantor signs below our stamp.

Q: Can you assist me with International Visa Online Application?

A: Yes we can assist you with this process for a flat fee.

Q: Why should I come to you instead of a non professional facility.

A: We use professional lighting, and we go the extra mile to make sure that your photos don’t get rejected with improper lighting, shadows and shiny skin tones.

Q: Do you need my documents?

A: No, we do not require any documents in order for us to take your photos.

Q: Do you make the passports in your office?

A: No, we do not make the actual passport as we are professional photographer studio.

Q: I heard that AAA can take my passport photos for free.

A: Yes, that is correct, if you are a AAA Plus or Premier Member. They can certainly help you with your US passport photos. If you need any other country or visas that require a different size, then, that’s where we can help you. We are able to do many different sizes. Inches, millimeter, or centimeters, we can do it.

Q: What are the typical passport photo requirements.

A: Photos must be taken within the past 6 months.

Color photos.

Full face, be sure that if you wear bangs, that they do not cover your forehead and or your eyes.

Front view on a plain white or grey background based on the country.

Q: Can you photograph babies?

A: Yes, we can.

Q: Do you use Polaroid cameras to take photos?

A: No, we use state of the art digital cameras, and we process the digital files with Photoshop to create your photos.

Q: I also heard that AAA Travel can assist me with my travel needs.

A: Yes indeed, AAA Travel can help you with your next cruise tour, flight, car rental and hotel booking. They have an amazing team that can assist you. Be sure to ask for your exclusive AAA Member Benefit.

Address: Pelican Plaza 8220 S. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota FL 34238

Hours: 8:30AM–5:30PM Phone: (941) 929-2299

Q: What is a Schengen Visa?

A: A Schengen Visa is a document issued by the appropriate authorities who are interested in traveling to the Schengen Area. There are 26 countries that have an agreement to allow free movement of their citizens within this area as a single country. You may visit this website for more information: https://www.

schengenvisainfo.com

AAA Travel Sarasota

AAA members and non members are welcomed. AAA members will receive exclusive member benefits.

Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

This website has all your needs.

Consulate General Of Canada In Miami

This website also has information for all Canadian citizens, very helpful.

Canadian Photo Specifications

You will not go wrong with us. We know what size the passport photos for Canada need to be.

Chinese Visa Photo Requirements

There is a lot of confusion on Visa photos for China. You can trust that we can help you with your needs.

CIBT Visas

This website provides a service for all country’s visa applications.

Florida Concealed Weapon License

This website will provide with regional offices and current updates.

German Consulate General Miami

This website will provide you with the consular services from renewing your passport and doing business and much more.

India Visa App lication with Cox & Kings Global Services

If you are travelling to India you may apply here.

International Travel Warning

This is a great website to visit before you make your travel plans. Travel Warnings may include unstable government, civil war, ongoing intense violence or frequent terrorist attacks. Travel Alerts are short-term events that travelers should be aware of.

Irish Passport Application

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides a range of services to Irish citizens.

The Netherlands Consulate Miami

If you live here in the Tampa Bay Area, you can go to the nearest Dutch Consulate to renew your passport. You need to make sure that you make an appointment online. Be sure to have all your proper documentation.

The Passport Office Tampa

Schengen Visa Information

This site is full of information on what is a Schengen Visa, and the members of The Schengen Member States.

Schengen Visa Photo Requirements

US Citizenship and Immigration Services Forms

Greek Consulate Tampa

DIRECTIONS TO OUR STUDIO

Studio: 941.362.1957

1055 South Tamiami Trail, Suite 110A, Sarasota, FL 34236

Please note that Google Maps puts our studio at another location. Please use the directions below.

We are located in the back of SABA PLAZA (see green camera on map), at the northeast corner of U.S. 41 and Bahia Vista Street. Directly behind Scuba Quest Sarasota and Art & Frame Of Sarasota

- Please enter via Bahia Vista Street Entrance next to the Circus Art Conservatory tent.

- Our driveway is directly across from Panera’s driveway.

- When you see the Hot ChiknKitchn Restaurant, you are in the correct driveway.

- Please drive to the back of the Rear Parking lot.

- Once in the back, please drive toward the only two-story building (the only area with stairs). Best place to park!!!

- When facing the building, enter by the stairs on the first floor.

- Look for the double doors, with the number “1055” above, and use left door to enter.

- We are immediately to the right once inside.

PLEASE be aware that there is a slight dip upon approaching my front door.