Cropping is no problem, just make sure you're facing the camera straight, have no shadows on neck and face and have eyes/face at the right height. I've used a digital picture I took myself for the electronic submission which I cropped.
Got accepted just fine.
For later rounds (that is if you get selected) I would stick with having actual pictures taken at a photographer studio or place that is familiar with shooting photos for US passports/visas.
Got accepted just fine.
For later rounds (that is if you get selected) I would stick with having actual pictures taken at a photographer studio or place that is familiar with shooting photos for US passports/visas.