when applying for a C-card from PADI can i use a print-out of a digital photo rather than an actual photo?

We have a photo printer, so we took digital photos and printed them out on photo stock. They accepted them, but they don't look that great on the card. Much worse than the proverbial driver's license photo. My husband had to resize the photo before he could print it, so maybe that had something to do with it as well. They scan the photo in somehow, and something was lost in the process. Not that the picture was that great to begin with, but still.... You should get a real photo to send in, it will come out a lot better. A lot of places take passport photos these days for around $10. This card is for a lifetime, do it right! Don't settle for the cheap mug shot! Oops, that was my vanity talking. But seriously, this card doesn't get replaced every 4 years like a driver's license. You are stuck with the picture you send in, and if it is a cheap paper copy, it will look like a cheap tissue paper copy on the card. So whatever you are willing to live with, it is up to you. Be aware, you will have to show this card anytime you rent equipment, sign up for dive trips, things like that.

Yeah, any picture should work as long as it is the right size and clearly shows your face. It is really just for the back of the card and will only be used to show that the card belongs to you, so as long as it looks like you and can be scanned in by the guys at PADI, they should accept it.

Odd, the dive shop you're going with should have a camera at the shop to take your pic.Most reputable shops ought to have one on hand. Everyone that I do business with does. If you take in a print, they'll have to scan it for submission to PADI, they'll also have to resize it. It's just a head shot.