So I had my passport photos done today. The first guy at Wolfe's/Blitzer's studios said they couldn't do Canadian standards - only US standards - and wasn't going to try. The second guy, though, said he remembered at another studio he worked at that they were able to meet the dimensions, so he called this other studio and asked them how they did it. What he ended up doing is using their Kodak printer, rotating the image sideways, then sizing up the face to meet the internal dimensions, then once the 2 1/2 x 3 1/4 inch image printed out, cut it down to the correct size, positioning the face right in the center! It worked and they are the perfect size. It took 3 times to get it right, but he kept trying. Now, it also took 5 times taking the photo so that we got an image without a shadow, or a hint of a smile, or any sort of glare from my glasses. I actually ended up taking off my glasses since we couldn't eliminate a small spot of glare from the frames. That worked. Mind you, I personally look terrible - like I am in a Police line up with my eyes staring straight ahead (I was trying not to blink!) and no smile - but the technical part is great!
Besides, I think they need to have your passport picture looking the same way you would look after spending all of those hours going through airport security anyway!
So, those of you who have a Wolfe Blitzer's studio near by (they are a chain), they all have the Kodak digital printers and can do the same trick to get the right sized images and photographs. Just let them know! The down side is that it cost $30 and I still have to send them off to Canada for my guarantor to sign them and fill out his part of the passport application. It sure was easier getting a passport before they made it easier!