Passport photos for Nic Larter's daughters, Nikita and Tiffany, have been deemed unfit by the Department of Foreign Affairs because of shadow behind the girls' heads.

Larter had to have the photos redone. Fortunately, during the Christmas holidays, he and his family happened to be was heading back to Grande Prairie, Alta., where the pictures were taken in the first place.

This time, they made every effort to eliminate any possibly hint of shadow, he noted.

"They put extra flash attachments all over the walls and behind," he said.

Having started the passport process in October, the Larters are planning to travel abroad in April. They're hoping the second set of photos is acceptable.

Larter said he didn't hesitate to contact officials with the Department of Foreign Affairs to voice his displeasure.

"Like I explained to them, I can't just go to the corner to get these redone," he said. "I was just furious."

Reynald Doiron, spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs, said new security measures --which involve computer scanning -- analyze passport photos for contrast and shadow. Any defect renders the subject unidentifiable, he said.

Those whose photos are rejected receive a brief explanation and a flyer outlining the specifications to be met.

Doiron added that he has received few complaints on this particular issue, "a call every month or something."

Larter argued that the photos of his daughters are "indisputably recognizable."

The new criteria are ill-advised, he said.

"I think it's a big knee-jerk reaction on this security thing ... somebody's jumped without thinking of the ramifications," he said.

"I've got two daughters. I don't think they're national threats."