ERAS Photo Requirements Guide

Applying for residency is stressful enough without worrying whether your ERAS photo will upload correctly or create the right first impression. Every year, medical students ask the same questions: What size should my ERAS photo be? Can I smile? Should I wear a suit? Is a phone photo good enough?

This guide answers the most common questions about ERAS photo requirements and explains how to prepare a professional medical residency headshot that meets current AAMC specifications. 

View the AAMC Photo Guidelines

Current ERAS Photo Requirements

Specifications that are required by the AAMC for your headshot are:

• A 2.5 x 3.5-inch image
• A resolution of 150 dpi
• Total file size less than 150kb
• Neutral background
• Professional Clothing
• Portrait Format

Although the final ERAS upload is small (2.5 × 3.5 inches), it should always begin as a high-resolution professional photograph before being properly cropped and optimized. That of course isn’t the size we will start with – we will start with a high-resolution digital photograph, and reduce it to suit the ERAS application. That will give you a sharp, clear residency headshot.

But there are other places where you might like to use your headshot, and they will all likely require a better resolution. Check out the bonus below.

Residency programs review hundreds or even thousands of applications. Standardized photographs help create a consistent presentation so applicants are identified easily throughout the review and interview process.

Why Does ERAS Have These Requirements?

Residency programs review thousands of applications every year. Standardized photographs help ensure every applicant is presented consistently, allowing reviewers to focus on qualifications rather than differences in image quality or formatting.

A professional ERAS headshot isn’t about looking glamorous. It’s about looking approachable, confident, and accurately representing yourself during the application and interview process.

What Should I Wear for an ERAS Headshot?

• Wear professional business attire.
• Solid colors photograph better than busy patterns.
• Navy, charcoal, black and deep jewel tones work well.
• Avoid bright white if possible.
• Avoid logos and casual clothing.
• Keep jewelry simple.
• A jacket isn’t mandatory, but professional attire is recommended.

Can I Wear Glasses?

Yes. If you normally wear glasses professionally, it’s perfectly acceptable to wear them for your ERAS headshot.

• Avoid transition lenses
• Clean the lenses
• Professional lighting minimizes glare
• Never remove glasses just because of reflections

Should You Smile?

Yes. A natural, relaxed smile generally creates a more approachable appearance than an overly serious expression.

Avoid:

• forced smiles
• exaggerated expressions
• looking uncomfortable

Can I Take My Own ERAS Photo?

Yes—but for most applicants, it’s not recommended.

Practically…

• lighting is usually poor
• perspective is wrong
• backgrounds are distracting
• cropping is inconsistent
• file preparation is confusing

Every ERAS session includes a correctly prepared upload-ready file so you don’t have to worry about sizing, compression or formatting.

Don’t worry about preparing the file yourself. Every ERAS session includes an upload-ready version that is correctly cropped, resized, compressed, and formatted according to AAMC specifications, along with a full-resolution version for LinkedIn and future professional use.

See Real Before & After Examples

Every ERAS session includes natural professional retouching that helps you look polished without changing who you are.

→ View our ERAS Headshot Retouching Before & After Examples

How Every ERAS Session Is Prepared

Every ERAS headshot session includes:

• Professional studio lighting
• Expert posing guidance
• Multiple expressions to choose from
• Natural retouching
• ERAS-compliant formatting
• Ready-to-upload ERAS file
• Full-resolution version for LinkedIn and future professional use

→ Learn more about our Medical Residency & ERAS Headshots

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport photo?

No. Passport photos use different lighting, cropping, and presentation standards.

Can I wear scrubs?

Professional business attire is generally recommended over scrubs.

How quickly will I receive my photo?

Most sessions are delivered within 48 hours. Same-day service is also available.

Do I receive both ERAS and full-resolution versions?

Yes. You’ll receive a correctly formatted ERAS upload file along with a full-resolution professional version suitable for LinkedIn and future career use.

Can I use the same headshot for LinkedIn?

Absolutely. Many applicants use the full-resolution version as their LinkedIn profile photograph.

Ready for Your ERAS Headshot?

Your residency application deserves more than a last-minute phone photo.

At Hugh Anderson Photography, every ERAS headshot session includes professional lighting, posing guidance, natural retouching, and an AAMC-compliant file that’s ready to upload.

Whether you’re applying to programs in Michigan or across the country, you’ll receive a polished, professional headshot that represents you with confidence.

Common ERAS Photo Mistakes

• Using a selfie
• Heavy filters
• AI generated portraits
• Busy backgrounds
• Cropping too close
• Wearing scrubs
• Poor lighting
• Low resolution
• Incorrect file size

What We Don’t Retouch

ERAS photographs should accurately represent you. I never alter facial structure, change body shape, remove permanent identifying features, or create an unrealistic appearance. Every edit is designed to help you look rested, confident, and professional while remaining completely natural.