When I was 36 weeks pregnant I wanted to recreate this picture from Kelly Hicks Photography. Before whipping out my fancy camera, I thought I'd see if I could get a similar look with my iPhone. And sure enough! With a little bit of work, apps, and an iPhone camera (an outdated 4 at that ;)), this is what I got. Every week I post a bump shot, but today's 36 week photo got quite a bit of a response on facebook and instagram. 🙂 And many of you wanted to know how I captured it. It wasn't as hard as you might think, here's what to do!
Apps You'll Need:
- Afterlight, 0.99. Best .99 you'll spend on an app. Hands down, my favorite for editing. Get it. NOW.
UPDATE (4/15/15)!!! Newer iPhones 6, 6+, 6s, and 7 have "burst mode" with a 3 or 10 second timer. It will take a whole bunch of pictures when the timer goes off and you can choose one to save to your camera roll from there. The quality seems to be slightly better than in the Afterlight app.
What to Wear:
- a tight fitting black tank top
- tight fitting black leggings, shorts, or yoga pants
- a messy bun or pony tail
You want your silhouette to be as simple and clean as possible. Try to wear clothes that eliminate lines and bunching.
Backdrop:
You'll need a window with natural light coming in, preferably with thin, white, or sheer curtains closed to filter the light slightly and create a soft glow.
What to Do:
Prop up your camera on a box, dresser, or something across from your window so that it is at about shoulder height. Don't use the camera facing you on the screen, you'll get a low resolution. Point the back of the phone towards you, and look on the screen to try and get your window in the center. Start the timer, stand about 1-2 feet from your window, hold still, and snap! This is what you'll get, it's your tester shot to see what pose works for you. You'll notice that it's just a regular pic, not blown out, and the laundry pile is in focus. This is your tester shot, look at this and see what you want to change about your pose. For me, I lined up the arm next to the window in line with my body so it didn't show, and my hand closer to the camera on my hip, making sure that you could see the curve of my back clearly. My bun wasn't so messy either, so I fixed that. Also play with how close or far away you are from the camera, 2 feet from the window seemed to be the best for me. Okay. Got your pose? Get your phone ready, and TAP on the corner of the curtains or window in an area where you will not be standing. Your camera will focus in on that area and make the light blown out a bit. Set the camera timer, get in your position, and hold still.
SNAP! Woo hoo, my light is all bright and I'm all dark like a silhouette! But this photo could still use some editing. Open your Afterlight app, and play around with your photo how YOU like it. Here's what I did in mine:
- tilted the photo so the window was straightened
- used the "Raven" filter to make it black and white, hit the check to save the edits
- added the "Glacier" filter to give it a warm/bluish tone, adjusted the intensity 30-50% lower, hit the check to save the edits
- increased the "exposure" a bit to make it hazy looking
- cropped the photo to make the window centered
- saved it in the highest resolution
- cropped to make the photo square, and pulled it up in Instagram
Here's the before and after of my picture: The one on the left still looks good and didn't NEED to be edited. But the one on the right?! It evokes a hazy, dreamy glow. The tilting and cropping help draw your eye to the person, rather than the bed or the laundry on either side of the picture. 😉 Not bad for an iPhone camera! Pin to save these directions for when you need em!
Try it out for yourself, have fun with poses, or add your kids, pets, or family to the mix. I'd love to see it if you try it out, so feel free to email me, comment here, or tag me on Instagram (my handle is @whbsblog) if you post on there!
What do ya think?
Since this was posted almost 4 years ago, I have heard from hundreds of moms who have used the tutorial with success. When I wrote it, I had taken my picture a few minutes before and had a lot of people asking for a tutorial, so I rushed to the computer and hurriedly wrote this post. 🙂 I had no idea this post would still be popular so thank you for reading, pinning, trying it out, and sharing it with friends! I still cherish this picture.
Renee
I followed your tutorial step-by-step and ended up with a beautiful photo that I will cherish forever. Thank you so much!!!!
Jasmia
Afterlight is also available on Windows! 🙂 (not sure if anyone posted that yet).
Beautiful, beautiful photo!
Ann Marie Heasley
YAY! I didn't know that, will update the post when I get a second. Thank you, Jasmia! I've used it this last pregnancy too and these pics are my favorite: https://instagram.com/p/2I4lJEuctL/
Jenny
I have downloaded the app, Afterlight. I'm playing with it but can't get it to work. Do I have to download the camera+ app as well? I have an iPhone 5. Anyone? Thanks in advance.
Lauren
I think this is the first Pin that I ever actually followed through on-- and it worked GREAT! I am so happy with how the photo turned out, thank you thank you! I did it at 38 weeks. I also figured out that you can use the new iPhone 6 and you don't have to download Camera+ if you don't want to-- there is a 10s timer in the camera app. Thanks again, great post!
Briana
Thank you for this!!! I'm 11 weeks pregnant with a baby via surrogacy for a family. I did this today. This will be a wonderful gift for them.
Tricia
Thank you so much for this idea and tutorial! What a special picture I'll have to remember this pregnancy with my son. I've already shared your blog with a few pregnant friends that plan to use this tutorial when they get their full-term bumps!
http://instagram.com/p/uYdB3RxHTm/
Ann Marie Heasley
That's wonderful, thanks for letting me know! Congrats and best wishes on your upcoming birth. 🙂
Danielle
Thank you so much for posting this! I've always loved shots like this and it was very helpful knowing exactly how you made yours. I just did mine and it turned out great! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Newmomma
That is an amazing and inspiring sharing ! Many thanks for explaning the background so clear and giving an opportunity to other moms to have such a memory <3
Kate
Beautiful shot, Ann Marie!
Thank you for the tutorial--it's great!!
I'm just 5 weeks pregnant now, but I'll be trying out your methods once I have a healthy bump to show off. (:
Megan Wilson
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have been wanting to do a picture like this for quite some time and I am so thankful to have found this tutorial! I edited mine a little different (like you said- do it how YOU like it) and I am just in love with the outcome. I can't believe I was able to do it alone, too! I was wondering if propping my phone up would work, but it did! Thank you!!! You can see my picture at the link below.
http://www.thebirthofamother.net/2014/05/just-two-of-us.html
thanks again!!
Ann Marie Heasley
Oh that makes me so happy to hear, thank you Megan! You took a beautiful picture. Congratulations on your little one! 🙂
Kimber
Excellent tutorial/suggestion of apps! Used it today for a tiny maternity shoot with my little one. Thank you!
Lesa
Wow! Thanks for the step by step tips instead of just naming the apps. I have both apps and wasn't sure what you would've done in after light for editing. This really helps!
Kim
Thanks so much for this tutorial! I took a few today of myself like yours and included big brother for one too! Love how they came out!!
http://instagram.com/p/hUEhaxoKBs/
Melinda
https://www.facebook.com/melinda.hassigphipps/media_set?set=a.4484399706761.2163007.1193163280&type=1
I hope your able to view the pics using this link. I love the ones with my daughter! You have given me such a gift!
Angela
I pinned this a few days ago, and I couldn't wait to try it. I'm only 5 months right now, but I gave it a shot anyway. I Love how it turned out! I've put the link below if anyone would like to see! Thank you so much for posting. 🙂
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/7881368071489442/
Ann Marie Heasley
Angela, you look beautiful! Nice job, the picture turned out so great. Congratulations on your little one 🙂
lisa
i'm going to try this before we lose all our sunlight (and before baby comes). i have gotten a lot of compliments on this shadow image i shot with my 2-year-old, but upon looking closely, i would've held the camera elsewhere so it's not visible next to my face and framed the photo w/o the grass. but i'm far from a pro.
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1236164_10201378303772941_1868936222_n.jpg
christine jessamine
Cute picture! Thank you so much for sharing. I have been wanting to do this.
Tiare
Thanks for this great tutorial. I first came across the original photo awhile ago and thought, "Oh, wouldn't it be nice to find a photographer who could take this kind of photo of my pregnancy." But now I can have my husband read your tutorial so he can be the photographer. So thanks again.
Ann Marie Heasley
I'm so glad! Happy pregnancy to you, Tiare. 🙂
Jessi
You inspired me! I gave this my best shot in my little poorly-lit basement apartment and was pretty happy with the results even though it's not exactly a silhouette. Check it out if you have a free sec! Great site!
http://cherishinghopesanddreams.blogspot.com/2013/08/on-mooses-gestation.html
Ivy
Love this tutorial! Any tips on the first picture? I'm following your instructions but I'm not getting the blown out look.
Kelly @ Corner of Main
Love this!! Now I just need to have another baby 😉
Hilary
Thanks for sharing! Pinning this!
Sharon @ Parents of a Dozen
You look so good! I love how this picture turned out. I can not wait to see that baby!
katie
Love this tutorial Ann Marie and I love that you did this all with your phone!!! YOU are gorgeous!!!
Allison {A Glimpse Inside}
Very pretty Ann Marie! Thanks for the tips on how to take one yourself. When I was pregnant with P, my photographer took a silhouette shot of me during my maternity pics.