I needed to get my passport renewed. It had been almost a decade since I last got passport photos. Back then, I got mine at Costco. They were cheap and good quality.
During the pandemic, Costco decided to shut down its photo centre permanently. Bummer. Where should I go?
I did a search of a passport photo place that was open after 6 pm on a Saturday. I came across Grace Convenience on McCowan Road, a block south of Finch Avenue East. This store is in a small plaza. I had no problem backing into an available parking spot.
There was a man outside smoking. I would soon find out that he owned the store and would end up taking my passport photo.
I walked into the store and asked if he did passport photos. He did. It was $14.99 for two hardcopy photos. You can only pay by cash or debit.
He has a small section for taking photos. I sat on a stool with a white background and he guided me through the process. He was concerned about my bangs. I said that all my passport photos had bangs in them (I've had them all my life, except for when I was born) and they were never an issue. He nodded.
I looked at the first couple of photos. I politely asked if I could get another one taken. Third time was the charm. I looked less like a criminal wanted for some horrible break-and-enter offence.
He spent time printing my photos, stamping the back of them, and signing them. He then safely placed them in an envelope and let me know that I didn't need any guarantors to renew my passport. He was thorough and helpful, which I appreciated.
While he was preparing my photos, I looked at the cold beverages. I saw a kiwi strawberry AriZona drink that I had never had. Getting my photos done made me thirsty, so I got this drink.
At this point, there were three other male customers behind me at the counter. I paid for my photos and drink with a debit card. I tapped and was done.
I thanked this man for his help. I walked out of the store and headed to my car.
My kiwi strawberry drink was so good. I loved the flavours and it was cold. It hit the spot.
My passport photos turned out nicely. A couple of days later, I applied for my passport renewal. I now have my new passport. I like that I wore a green shirt to this photo shoot. It added a cheerful pop of colour to a rather mundane document.
If you need a quality passport photo fast, come here. He probably took no longer than ten minutes to have my passport photos ready. I'm pleased with the results. I would come here again in another ten years and hope that it's still around!
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