Yikes - that is a lot of work for nothing! I'm sorry to hear that. I hope it works out the next time you try. It is true in every country that patience and extra money are necessary. We tried doing pictures at home for the kids, printed them and then were told they weren't white enough on the background, or were too white on the face, etc. Yes, basically they just want you to pay the fee at the passport place to have them take the pic.