The 5 Best Studios in Edmonton for Passport Pictures That Won’t Make You Cringe
Every time I apply for a job or a visa, I have to make a trip to the photo studio for new passport pictures. Navigating the various passport photo requirements can feel like an Olympic sport!
Fortunately, Edmonton has some fantastic studios that make the process quick and hassle-free. I just pop in, strike a pose, and my photos are ready in a flash!
If you’re looking for the best in the city, I’ve narrowed down my top picks below!
How much does it cost to get passport pictures taken in Edmonton?
Getting your passport pictures taken in Edmonton will cost about $15 to $20 per shoot.
Sessions usually last for about 45 minutes in a studio or on location.
Rates may vary depending on the number of copies you need, the dimension requirements, and rush orders.
1. Photostop Passport Photos
Address: #124 9777 102 Ave Canada Place, Main Floor
Phone: +17804217482
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
- Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
For last-minute passport photos, I always turn to Photostop Passport Photos for their fast service and easy booking. Their walk-in option is perfect for when I need to submit travel documents quickly.
They offer a variety of services, including baby passports, visa photos, and international requirements. The knowledgeable photographers are familiar with the specific dimensions for different countries.
It also really helps that the studio is right next to the city’s passport office.
Rates start at $17 for both digital and physical copies of your photos.
Moreover, the photo-taking process is swift, and I typically wait just about 10 minutes for my prints, even during peak hours.
However, they do close early on weekdays, which means I often have to take time off work to visit. It’s also inconvenient that they’re closed on weekends. That’s when I’m usually free. Still, they’re a reliable choice for quick passport photos for all your travel needs!
Very quick turnaround time
“This is the BEST place to get passport and ID photos taken. I have tried 3 other photo-places, and this is THE BEST! Best photo quality! Best customer service!! Also the best PRICED!!
They are FAST! My photo was done in 5min, and I’m ready to go to the passport office just around the corner.”
–J J, Google Review
Easy and breezy passport picture-taking process
“Best place to get passport photos, I have never any issues with the passport photos from here compare to more commercial places that do passport photos. The staff is friendly and professional.”
–Staci Layne-Linton, Google Review
2. McBain Camera
Address: 5015 111 St NW
Phone: +17804340873
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
- Saturday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Sunday, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
While McBain Camera is primarily known as a camera store, they also offer excellent passport photo packages, including one for kids and babies. Their staff knows how to keep little ones focused!
To access their passport services, you’ll need to ask a salesperson in-store, as it’s not immediately obvious that they provide this service.
Although their rates start at $22, which is on the higher side for the city, they can process photos in as little as five minutes. Just remember to arrive in the appropriate attire for your passport!
They’re usually quick with Canadian passport and citizenship documents, but foreigners may experience longer wait times. The studio strives to meet your country’s photo requirements, so it’s best to inform them in advance to avoid delays.
Overall, if you need to get your kids’ photos taken, I highly recommend McBain Camera. The photographers are super friendly!
Pleasant with kids and babies
“I’m so happy with my experience of getting my infant’s passport photos done at this location. The staff member was pleasant to talk to. The turnaround time was so quick. I highly recommend getting your little one’s passport photos from McBain’s camera.”
–Puneet Kaur, Google Review
Knowledgeable photographers
“Great service. I always like chatting with the very knowledgeable people. Prices are reasonable because of the good service”
–Barry Russell, Google Review
3. SUB Photo
Address: Students’ Union Building, U of A, 8900 114 St NW
Phone: +17808632405
Business hours:
Monday, 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
Tuesday, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Wednesday and Thursday, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Friday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
One of the standout features of SUB Photo is their ability to produce passport photos in a variety of sizes, all at the same price as standard photos—no extra charge for custom dimensions!
Their services cover everything from Chinese, Canadian, and U.S. passports to Schengen visa photos. I’ve been particularly impressed with their expertise in handling Schengen visa requirements, which has been better than any other studio I’ve tried.
They also provide soft copies, so if your photos are rejected by embassies or consulates, you can easily send them back. They’ll adjust the size to meet the correct specifications.
However, the studio’s services are pricey, starting at $24 with extra prints at $5 each. Additionally, you’ll need to book an appointment, so it’s not ideal for quick, last-minute needs.
Trusted photographers
“I got my photos done today, Michael was great! I had been procrastinating them for a long time and I’m very glad I went ! He ran the show! Thank goodness because I did not have any expectations of ideas ! Definitely recommend”
–Keara W, Google Review
Photographers that make you feel comfortable
“Went in twice — once for a (free!) retake. Both times I had photographer Jason, whose calm and easygoing demeanour really helped me to feel comfortable behind the camera (which is hard!!). Jason also was very professional, and I felt like he actually cared about me being happy with my grad pictures. Overall would definitely recommend SubPhotos for graduation pictures, and if you have Jason as your photographer, you’re in luck!!”
–Adrian Harvey, Google Review
4. Walmart Photo Centre
Address: 156 Meadowlark Shopping Ctr NW
Phone: +15879908144
Business hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 am to 10:00 pm
One of the biggest perks of using Walmart Photo Centre for passport photos is its convenience, with numerous locations across Edmonton. You can easily find a branch nearby, which is incredibly helpful.
They also have longer operating hours than most studios. So if you need passport photos after work or late at night, they have you covered.
It’s also a huge plus that passport photos are pretty cheap here. You can get copies starting at $16.97, and they cater to both Canadian and international passports.
However, one of my concerns is that the turnaround time is long. Photos will take at least one day to be ready and, because of its affordability, you basically get what you pay for. Quality isn’t as high as other photo studios, but they’re good enough!
Kind and respectful staff
“I was there Sunday evening, November 7, 2021 returning one item. I was treated with respect and kindness by Mohamed, the manager and shivani. Great job!!!😃
–Nadia Abouhassan, Google Review
Great service from the staff
“Good place and great service from the staff”
–Ahmed Jaser, Google Review
5. Sarna Production Films
Address: 10314 82 Ave NW #303
Phone: +17806809758
Business hours: By appointment
While Sarna Production Films specialises in wedding and corporate photography and videography, they also offer top-notch passport photo services.
What sets them apart is their expertise in meeting passport photo requirements for Asian countries like India, China, and Japan.
They’re also a great choice for digital passport photocopies. Given how tricky it can be to get the right size and details for digital submissions, it’s reassuring to know this studio consistently delivers high-quality photos that help ensure your documents are accepted.
When I got my photos done here before, it took a while for them to process my copies. The customer service, however, was impeccable.
They made sure to keep me updated and apologised for the delay. It’s a small trade-off for the stunning job they did!
Pays great attention to detail
“Came here for a digital passport photo. The guy did it so quick and easy. He even told me some problems that other people were having doing online passport application and gave me advice on how to handle those problems.”
–John Paul Roque, Google Review
Works meticulously
“Spent time making sure the photos followed requirements for passports. Great customer service!! Would definitely go back!”
–Tawnya Perry, Google Review