I had mine done a few weeks ago....Photo, showing upper body, taken by Mrs Bear with my iPhone, with white background...filled in application online....downloaded photo when asked ( they crop it to suit )....did this Saturday afternoon and forwarded to them....Monday, after work, popped in Post Office to send off old passport, as they ask for it and will not issue a renewal until this is recieved, new passport arrived on Thursday secure delivery, and got old passport back on Friday, and clipped in corner, for me to keep.
6 days from the time I applied, so great service from The Passport Office.
It's so easy to do online, Smow