I finally stopped cringing thanks to these top studios for passport pictures in Edinburgh
I used to believe liking your passport photo was a myth. No matter how much effort I put into my makeup or hair, the result always had me wincing.
That all changed when I decided to take things up a notch and hunt down the best studios for passport pictures in Edinburgh. Now, my IDs, passports, and even my driver’s licence look far better!
With these top-notch spots below, you’ll finally ditch the cringe-worthy photos for good!
How much does it cost to get passport pictures taken in Edinburgh?
In Edinburgh, expect to pay around £8 to £10 for your passport photos. A session typically lasts about 15 minutes, whether in the studio or on-site.
Prices can change depending on how many copies you need, the size specs, and if you’re in a hurry for a quick turnaround.
1. PHOTO Express
Address: 7 Melville Terrace, Newington
Phone: +441316672164
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Saturday, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
If you’re applying for a visa or need passport photos, PHOTO Express is a reliable choice I highly recommend. They specialise in visa and digital passport requirements, ensuring precise dimensions every time.
Noteworthy highlights are their excellent photo quality, quick turnaround, and fair pricing. They process and cut photos in under 5 minutes, offering plenty of country-specific options. If you already have a photo, they can resize it for you!
However, I noticed a surprising price increase for newborn passport photos. I paid extra for my daughter’s, even though the process was the same. Despite this, they remain affordable—a set of 4 prints costs £8.50, with discounts for multiple sets.
Just remember to book an appointment, as they prepare the studio in advance. For last-minute or walk-in needs, you might want to look elsewhere.
PROS
- Quick photo processing and printing
- Affordable
- Best for country-specific prints
CONS
- Surcharge for newborn photos
- Requires appointments
Very quick turnaround time
“ABSOLUTLY DELIGHTED. Needed a passport photo taken desperatly, went in and left less than 10 minutes with the best passport photo I have ever had taken! I was so impressed by the efficiency and quality of the service and end result. True proffessionals at work. Was an absolutle pleasure.”
– A. C. Z., Google Review
Easy and breezy passport picture-taking process
“Exceptional service! I wanted to use a photo that had been taken in the studio almost a year ago for a US visa, but unfortunately, the background was not white. I sent PHOTO express an email with the old photo and they fixed it immediately and free of charge so I’d be able to use it for my visa application!”
– Ofer Busani, Google Review
2. Foktaplus Photography
Address: 13 S Charlotte St
Phone: +441312100145
Business hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
If you’re after a reliable studio for embassy-approved passport or government ID photos, Foktaplus Photography is a braw choice.
They offer a range of photography services, and their passport photos have never let my family down. I’ve gone to them a couple of times, and while their quality was always good, their turnaround time has only gotten faster.
Prices start at £10 for 4 to 8 sets of prints in different sizes. A wee bit pricier than some other studios but the quality more than makes up for it. They also handle digital file processing for embassy requirements, adjusting to the exact dimensions needed.
One thing to keep in mind, though—they only provide digital files in JPEG format.
Kind, patient, and professional photographers
“Really great place; I was in need of new passport photos and did not want to settle for photo booth monstrosities. It’s super easy to book in for an appointment online and the website is well taken care of (as in updated, easy to navigate and informative; should be a no brainer, but several businesses seem to neglect this part). The studio is in a flat, up a flight of stairs, but you will be greeted right away, so you won’t get lost. The studio is very nice, clean, bright. I was given time to prep for the photo and I did not feel rushed at all. I asked for some retakes, so I had a selection of shots. In total I was there for maybe 5 minutes, had my photos printed and could go my merry way. The photographer Pavel was incredibly kind, patient and professional. I can only recommend this place.”
– Encyclopia, Google Review
Knowledgeable photographers
“Came here to take US passport photos for my newborn and it was very professional, quick, and the photographer was courteous.”
– Ezra Baydur, Google Review
3. Photo-Me
Address: Waverley Railway Station
Phone: +17808632405
Business hours: Open 24/7
Photo-Me’s passport photo booth is an absolute lifesaver. My husband swears by it for last-minute 24/7 ID and passport picture-taking.
He loves the convenience: find a booth, pop in some spare change, and voilà—your photos are ready in minutes!
The process is quick, and you can choose between prints or digital files. If you go digital, the booth even sends your photos directly to the embassy—just punch in the details and off you go.
That said, it’s not without its quirks. Being a booth, the quality can be hit or miss. My husband once had to feed it coins multiple times because it broke mid-session. And even when it works, the lighting can be a bit off. Some prints are great, others not so much.
Still, for a quick fix, it’s hard to beat. With booths easy to find all over, it’s a handy option when you’re in a pinch!
Does the job
“Did the job. You can take photos first and then decide if you want to buy them. Can use contactless payment!”
– Maddy C, Google Review
Easy to use
“It was for my friend to get her passport photo (lol..hee hee) does what it says on the box she got 4 passport size pics. And like most passport pics, they’re hilarious…sorry pal but I’ve yet to meet anyone who loves their passport pic. Oh well it’s only for ten years. Ha ha”
– Claire Ramsey, Google Review
4. Kodak Express
Address: 47a S Clerk St, Newington
Phone: +441316684000
Business hours:
Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Nothing can really go wrong with taking passport pictures at Kodak Express. The photography store is basically the quintessential spot for all things photography, so if there’s anything you need processed, it’s here.
For passport and visa photos, they offer the same rates for 4 prints, regardless of the dimensions and whether they’re for newborns. I particularly appreciate this because other studios charge more.
Moreover, it’s pretty easy to book an appointment. They accept walk-ins, which is great until you get there and you find the queue piling up. I recommend coming in on a weekday to avoid the long queue.
Despite that, they process photos in great quality and they don’t disappoint in terms of how quickly they process photos.
Amazing quality every time
“I always come here to get my Colour and B&W film processed.
You can get your film digitally scanned and sent to your email in addition to printing. Amazing quality every time. Top customer service. Highly recommend.”
– Matthew Tsang, Google Review
Champion service and staff
“Champion service and Champion staff. It may sometimes take a little longer ( so what ?) but the quality is second to none. my go to place always ! and so should you !!!”
– scherzomortale, Google Review
5. Imagina Studio Photography
Address: 3 Cadzow Pl, London Rd
Phone: +441312590346
Business hours:
Monday to Friday, 10:30 am to 5:30 pm
Saturday, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Imagina Studio Photography may be known for weddings, portraits, and commercial shoots, but they also deliver top-notch passport photo services. My parents recently had theirs done there, and they couldn’t stop raving about the experience.
My dad is not exactly at ease in front of a camera, but Marek Pieta, the head photographer, was a gem—courteous, friendly, and patient. He made them feel right at home, which made the higher price tag well worth it.
Prices start at £15 per print, with reprints at £5. It’s no bargain, but the quality speaks for itself.
Marek’s studio is also wheelchair-accessible, a huge bonus for my elderly parents, who didn’t have to worry about stairs.
Another standout? They offer digital codes for countries like Hong Kong, India, Pakistan, and the USA—handy if you’re dealing with specific embassy requirements.
Pays great attention to detail
“Great service, just make a passport photo for my son, and the photographer know exactly how to take attention of my wee boy, Elmo did a great job😁 Thank you! …”
– Licho, Google Review
Refined photos
“Great service! Got my Greek passport photos and the lighting+colours are way more refined than my old passport photo (taken at a different place).”
– Panos Z., Google Review