I intend to do everything in person. Do I need to take photo in that case? I dont get why a digital copy is needed, do we need to upload a photo at any point?For postal applications I believe you can take the photo yourself.
As @Hot2Cold recommended get a digital copy of the photo or scan the physical photo per the OCI resolution. I paid $3 for this service and got it done via a online provider called Passport-photo.online
UPS charges $17 for a digital photo.