New Zealand error: Only one face is allowed and bold clothing patterns should be avoided

If you see this error message on uploading a photo to the New Zealand visa online application, which fully reads as "Only one face is allowed and bold clothing patterns should be avoided, there must be no shadows on the face", like on the screenshot above, then you have to change your photo.

The error text is somewhat vague and perhaps not clear, however it usually means that the brightness of your photo should be fixed or you need to take another photo under better illumination.

You can use flash on your camera or better yet take a photo in the daylight, making sure the face is evenly lit. See our photo guide for more information.