I came here for a passport photo ($10 for 2 pictures) and I'd recommend to anyone! Service is quick. After I took my picture, I began putting my photo in the assemblage of documents to be mailed, and when asked her where I might be able to buy a stamp, she gave me a stamp for free! She could've just told me to go to the Wells Fargo ATM across the street for the stamps, but it's the little gestures like these that keep your customers come back! & I'll be sure to come back if I never need passport pictures again! read more

Needed to get an affidavit notarized and Foto Shop was top of the list on Yelp for "Notaries Downtown Berkeley," so that's where I went. It's slightly tricky to spot depending on the sunlight, and it's on the "island block" in the middle where Shattuck splits just South of University - Yelp's map showed it on the outside of the Eastern fork... Arriving about 25 minutes before closing, I only had to wait a couple minutes for a gent to finish paying for his passport photos. Then a few signatures, a thumbprint, and in maybe 10 minutes including the wait I was out the door a mere $10 lighter. So if I need a notary close to home again, this is where I'll head. read more

Here I am, writing my first Yelp review, because I was almost going crazy trying to have decent visa photos taken here. I first visited two weeks ago, and had an okay experience getting passport photos. I needed to go back today because I noticed I needed additional photos with a different background color for a visa application. Wish I didn't need to go back and write this review. The printed photos came out quite noticeably off-center, and the background was not the color I asked. Now, this is not a problem, I don't mind waiting a bit more to have photos that won't be refused by the embassy. However, the lady's attitude drove me nuts (and believe me, I'm a calm person). Last time I visited, she was the one encouraging me to look up photo specifications on their computer. This time, I wanted her to visit the embassy webpage so she could see the requested background color, but for some reason she refused to do that. I tried to understand her reasoning and convince her for around 10-15 minutes, before realizing how ABSURD the situation was. At some point, I was told they were offering "a $10 service, not a $100 one". After refusing all help I was offering her to produce decent photos, she started retouching a photo of me with uneven background lighting, at which point it was clear to me that I would not be getting acceptable photos. I however wanted to give her another chance, and came back, as she wanted, 45 minutes later. As expected, the photos were as I saw them on the computer screen before I left (only difference: my face was darker). I still paid and left. Will now need to go to another photo store to hopefully get decent passport photos taken. TL;DR: Incompetent photo service (cannot crop a photo, and unable to do any postprocessing), unreasonable attitude. I'm learning not to trust cumulative Yelp scores. read more

Definitely as fast as they claim!!! I needed to get two pictures and mail out my forms this morning before work and the speedy service was awesome. He saw me He asked me what I needed He asked me to sit down He asked me to tilt my face and look to his right He snapped a picture The end. SO FAST. MUCH WOW. I appreciate the truth of the other reviews on this business. Thanks. read more

Very nice lady. Took our photos promptly, was kind and offered helpful advice. Got our prints back in just five minutes then chatted to her about travel for a while afterwards. They're a notary as well. read more

I spent a good walk trying to hunt down a place that notarized..as I should have checked yelp first! Oh well. Anyway I printed out the documents I needed at Copygrafix, who btw charged a reasonable amount for printing documents off a mini-cd that they had to use a computer to access, that min. fee was $2 and they just charged that and let me walk away with the few xerox that I did for free. Anyway I asked at Copygrafix if they knew a notary, and told me to try the UPS around the corner. Who then sent me up Shattuck to a photo store which I wasn't sure which side of the split it was on.. So I asked the office supply store on the way and they said it was on the west side of Shattuck. Wrong! I went all the way up just shy of gourmet ghetto before turning back.. and found a copy center at Shat/Uni that told me to go a block further to Foto Shop. Finally there (and very delirious after a night of finals and stressing about this traffic violation that was due in a few days) I walked in and was greeted by one of the notaries that they have there. Was her name Mary? or something starting with an M. Anyway she greeted me as she finished up with her prev. customer and proceeded to walk me through the notary routine. Which is honestly quite simple. She just asked me what it was for, read it over, signed, sealed and I thumbprinted their records. She also gave me feedback on a question that I asked her about the doc. and reassured me that the court would find everything acceptable and in order. She also gave me a very detailed description of the process of becoming a notary public, per my inquiry about it. Apparently it's a long process with multiple tests, verifications and hefty fees and periodic renewals so they charge $10 per document which seems reasonable enough to mark your document as legit. Bottomline, need a notary public? Want a welcoming customer service atmosphere? This place is the best bet in Downtown Berkeley, and anyway they have two licensed notary publics so if one's out the other will get you sure enough. Btw they do photos of course; from passport photos (to be basic) to other high end needs. If the court deems my violation dismissed and the prickly CHP false, I will certainly owe it to this place for notarizing the Trial by Declaration statement that saved me the trouble of driving 4 hrs down the 5 to Shafter County Superior. Will definitely update on my account of that ordeal after the ticket is resolved. read more

The lady that is working is super nice, ofc I'm scared of going because I'm asian (other reviewer wrote that the shop is judgy towards asian?) But no, the lady is super nice to me, she took nice passport picture, and made sure that I got my photos sent to the right email. I think it's $10 for digital passport photo. read more

$10 to get a document notarized. Store owner is very efficient, professional, and friendly. Also, he has really really nice handwriting. read more

Get something notarized here (for whatever occasion that arises that requires you to get something notarized heh)! Very quick and efficient. Notarization is 10 dollars. If it were not for yelp, I would never even step into this place. The outside/store sign does not exactly shout, "Come in!" But the lady working there was super nice too, making small talk while she worked and waited for me to sign the documents. They do take card too! read more

I hate taking passport photos, because half the places they take shots that make you look like an escaped convict. So I got on Yelp to find a decent passport-taking place, stumbled on Foto Shop. True to the other reviews, the place takes great passport photos. Love it, and they only took an hour to do both US and Japanese passport photos (I brought specs of the Japanese photos but he didn't even need it). $20 for 2 pairs of pics. Glad I looked online instead of going to the nearest Walgreens. Note: Foto Shop is called something else too, so if you're at Berkeley Center and see a photo place that'll be the one (there's only one on that block) read more

Ugh I procrastinated on getting passport/visa photos since I thought I could just take my own and crop (haha big mistake)... So when I was under the gun to get new photos for visas for upcoming trip with the GF these guys came to my rescue. Walgreens charges like $30 but these guys were half that and way more helpful with the process. Once they took the photos I had my copies within 15 minutes and was able to send out the paperwork same day. Thanks guys! read more

This place is very awful. She doesn't know how to take a photo. I spent maybe one hour, she took third different times my photo, and the result was no good. I paid $15 for just email. They don't share their wifi too. If we don't have internet, how we can check our email. Another thing, she didn't use my usp too. I asked her, can you put my usp, she said that no just email, what happen? Noo don't go. it is not photo place. She can not even fix her own camera, she called another person for asking how fix. It was terribble!!! read more

Service with a smile is so very rare these days. This place provides it in spades. I was in, passport-photo'd, smiled at, thanked, and on my way within 7 minutes of entering. Fantastic. read more

Great customer service. Ask for Andrew, he'll take care of all of your needs. They do a lot of unique services, check their site for all of them because they likely do something you need done. read more

If you need passport photos, this is your place! Lowest prices around here, great professional service. The owner knows a lot and is incredibly nice. And, of course, great at taking pictures. read more

A lady took the passport photo for me and it seems like her rules are, first, you don't get to see your pictures between she prints them out, and second, you only get two shots, and even if neither of them is good, you don't get a third shot. Not sure if anyone else has experienced the same. This might be a convenient spot to go have your passport photos taken but I'm not going there again. The lady gave me a refund when I insisted and said "I'm sorry" as I walked out the door so I guess it could have been worse. read more

Passport photos rejected by German consulate. They sized the picture incorrectly. This forced me to go to another location, pay again and waste an extra hour. I was fortunate that someone else cancelled their appointment for the day - or I would have had to come back to the consulate another day. read more

I paid $15.99 plus tax for passport photos I really didn't like. The image was super clear and unusually showed ever little detail of my face. The service was really great and friendly, that is for sure but I decided to try another place since I'll have to look at the photo for a decade and found one right across from the Passport office at 2301 Bancroft (in UC Berkeley) for only $8.99 and were just as fast. read more

shop owner is knowledgable about passport photos. you can choose between US passport pics (2x2 inches) $10.50 + tax, or foreign passport pics $15.50 + tax. if you're like me trying to get a digital photo for your foreign passport, I'd recommend that you do some research beforehand to see what dimensions you need. bw the US and foreign passport pic requirements, pick the one that will give you a bigger photo, given that if you're just applying online the bigger pic will give you more wiggle room. wish that was clearer from the shop owner's end. read more

100% PRO. This place is dabomb dot com for passport photos. And here is why: 1) This guy knows his stuff! While most places I go to don't know the specifications for Canadian passport photos (let alone even DO them)...this guy knows exactly all the requirement! And you can tell he's very precise...he makes sure your head is at the right angle and everything is perfect. 2) He's FAST. He was able to take passport photos for all 4 members of our family (2 adults, 1 toddler and a baby) in probably less than 5 minutes. I think it took Costco longer for them to do my one child's US passport photo than all of ours combined. 3) We came in at a 2:45 PM on a Saturday and were helped immediately, no wait. 4) All 4 sets of our photos were done, printed, cropped in about 30 minutes. There are a ton of shops/cafes/restaurants to go to while you wait. We went and got gelato :) 5) Passport photos are $10 each.....I've paid $25 for an international passport photo before (ouch!) While yes, Costco is $5.00.....if you need passport photos for anything other than a US passport, I would come to Foto Shop (To be honest, the Costco lady seemed pretty clueless about passport photos and only knew how to do US passport photos). 6) He packaged up the passport photos safely so the image from one photo doesn't get ink on it from the stamped backs...if the image gets ink on it, your passport photo can get denied (told you, this guy is pro). The one and ONLY downside? If you need to drive there, parking can be a bit of hassle. If you can't find street parking, there's a cheap parkade lot for $2/hr on Milvia between Addison and Center street. It's only about a block away from Foto Shop, quick walk. I can't speak for his other services, but if you need passport photos (especially international passport photos)....this is your guy. Don't bother going elsewhere and risking the person not doing it right. Get it done right by this guy the first time. read more

Horrific experience is an understatement. I go in to make a copy of my passport photo for study abroad purposes. All I needed was a copy of my passport photo on 2 x 2 photo paper. The bald man with glasses seems reluctant to do so because it would be pricey, and says that 2 copies would cost around $8. I give him the green light and insisted that I need them anyway. As he's making the copies, he says, "Where did you take this photo? They let you smile?" I said I took it at a place in the mall that specializes in photos and passport photos alike. He then states, "Did you get your passport?" I said yes, and he asks how long ago. I said just in February my passport was renewed. He repetitively says, "It's international regulation that you have to have a neutral face and no glasses." He could have just left it there when I said my passport had already been issued to me, but he kept persisting as if he was trying to scare me. I told him the study abroad office has seen my passport as well and did not have any concerns. He says the study abroad office is not the passport agency. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! I was really irritable at this point, and told him, "Well obviously the passport agency had no issue with my smile because they DID in fact issue it to me." Super unprofessional. Was on the verge of telling him if that he has any problem making my photo copies, I will take them elsewhere to get the job done. Obviously HE had more of an issue than the passport agency. Stay in your lane and do your job! I am usually VERY patient with customer service, as I have worked in customer service for most of my working life. Directly from travel.state.gov: "Taken with a neutral facial expression (preferred) or a natural smile, and with both eyes open." I rest my case. Not going to come here again, definitely a one-stop-shop. read more

Mary, the owner is so nice and accommodating. She took my passport photos and had them done within 5 minutes. Not only that but she engages in conversation with you and actually cares about the service she gives. It's a wonderful little family establishment that should get local support!! Thank you so much, Mary!! So wonderful to meet you:) read more

I'm pretty amazed. Passport photos always look terrible. Today I got some I actually look human on. Now I just need the people at the US Consulate in Amsterdam to find these pictures acceptable. read more

Amazing service! The owner helped me over the phone and email to get passport photos for my newborn. I took the photos at home and Andrew processed and clipped them perfectly. A tricky task was made easy by this wonderful Berkeley business! read more

Charged me $26 for 6 digital photos from a hard drive. You guys have earned this rating.

Got my passport photo taken here 10 years ago & just got my photo for the renewal. Great customer service. Personable & friendly. Patiently let me review & retake the photo to my liking. Quick, cheap, & easy. Worth getting done professionally by reliable people who have been in the business for 40+ years. read more

I have never written any form of reviews for any products or services I used; however, this case will be the sole exception. Usually, passport photographing forces you to choose from 2-3 shots--whether they actually look good or not...but here the owner even encouraged me to take more shots until I am truly satisfied. The service was extremely fast as well, about 10 minutes...and later realized that I even got 4 photographs when I paid for 3! I also used his notary services and he was really trying to help me save by telling me to be selective of what I wish to notarie since it costs $10 / each document to do so. A very positive overall experience. Highly recommended for anyone who wish to take professional/passport photos. read more

I came here for passport photos for a UK passport and on top of being really friendly, efficient, and nice, the woman working there even looked up the size I needed my photos to be while I was out and cut them for me to precision. She even threw in an extra photo, just in case. Very professional, easy, and not too expensive! read more

I went to this place about 2-3 months ago when I needed a bunch of photos for my Canadian passport renewal and my foreign visa application. Thanks to JoJo B.'s yelp review of this place, I was able to find the only place in the Bay area that takes Canadian passports photos. (the requirements are really quite different from the US passport) The owner was very helpful, knowledgeable and already knew the specific photo requirements for both the Canadian passport and the foreign visa application. Service and pricing was exceptionally good... I was on my way with 4 high quality photos in less than 15 minutes. While I was waiting for my photos, an elderly lady was also there to get pictures taken for her Mexican passport application. The owner really pays attention to any custom requirements that you may have, which is a refreshing change from all other photo places that are more interested in how you are paying than what you require. Anyway, both my passport and visa applications had no issues with the photos, so I will definitely go back to this place if I need more photos for any applications. I highly recommend this place. read more

Really great shop! I had to get study abroad visa photos at size 3x4cm which is far from standard, but the guy took them and cut them for me perfectly. They also have a UCEAP (or BSA??) discount! Highly recommend!! read more

Quick, easy $10 passport photo. I was seriously in and out in five minutes, AND I had my toddler with me. Totally recommended.

I first went here to have something notarized a few months back after seeing the uniformly positive reviews on Yelp, The experience was as good as described. I don't bother to write many reviews, but after a second easy and painless trip there yesterday, I've decided to add my voice to those recommending them highly (something I never thought I'd be doing for a business that spells "photo" as "foto," so you know I was impressed...) read more

Upcoming travels and my passport expiring. I go online, look at reviews on this place, call the shop, drive right down, sit in the chair, take off my glasses, photo one taken and approved. I pay and am done. Easy peasy and the guy is not only professional, but nice. read more

Super friendly and professional at the same time! I came in for passport photos and they knew exactly what to do, and how I should pose and look. Very happy with the high quality photos I received and for such an affordable price. Will be coming here for all my document photos from now on :) read more

Great place, amazing customer service, and the guy knows what he is talking about. I had to get different sets of passport photos done for UK and USA, I had no idea that they have different requirements with the size of photo and head. Crazy! The gentleman here explained it all to me, took neutral photos, and then explained to me how to properly handle the photos until I get them to the passport issuing authorities. Great Customer Service. And MUCH better results than I could have ever got at Walgreens or something, read more

Despite the modest looking storefront, the service here is professional and top class. The lady who helped me was very friendly and professional, which put me at ease as my picture was taken. The lighting was professional and it showed in the final product. I got to take my pick from her snaps, which in the end was kind of unnecessary since they all looked really good. My photos were ready within 5 minutes and I left a happy customer. I would definitely recommend this business to anyone who needs professional pictures taken. read more

These guys have saved my ass on last minute projects a time or two. I returned slide film at 5pm and they had it ready for me around 2pm the next day. Not bad. I should really be doing it myself though. They do however charge you a developing fee even if your photos are blank. I'm pretty sure not all places do that. Don't they understand that some of us are students!? :) read more

This place is great. I've looked online for a place that could do passport photos for Canada... one of my Canadian friends had to drive all the way to Sunnyvale for his picture. The owner was knowledgeable and was able to accommodate the different (stricter!) rules. I had no problems, didn't have to wait and had great results. I highly recommend this place! read more

Quick easy and inexpensive. Very professional. In and out within 10 minutes for a passport picture. Thanks!

We had an appointment at 9:45am at the Berkeley Post Office to renew a passport, and realized the night before that we never got photos taken! We walked in the Foto Shop door at 9:30 (which, it turns out, is 30 minutes after it actually opens) and were at the post office at 9:44, photos in hand! Unbelievably friendly and professional service, and SO FAST!!!! read more