Why bother?
The scale doesn't tell the whole story — it can't see muscle, posture, or how your body's actually changing shape. A consistent set of photos, taken the same way every time, will often show progress weeks before the mirror or the scale catches up. That's why we take a set every 2 weeks, alongside your check-in.
What you'll need
- Your phone, on the camera app you'd normally use
- A private spot with a plain-ish wall or background — the same spot every time
- Something to prop your phone against (a shelf, a stack of books, a chair) — or a willing helper to hold it
- A timer or self-timer setting if you're doing this alone (most phones have a 3 or 10 second option in the camera settings)
The 3 shots
Front, side, and back — same person, same outfit, same conditions every time. Here's what a good set looks like:
- Full body shots — front, side, and back, all three every time
- Fitted clothing — sports bra & shorts, or fitted exercise wear/underwear, whatever you're comfortable in
- Good lighting — natural light is best
- Stand relaxed — arms slightly away from your body, no flexing or sucking in
- No filters or edits — you want your true baseline so the comparison is honest
- Clear background if possible
It doesn't matter what your hair or make-up looks like — first thing in the morning, bed hair and all is completely fine. I'm honestly not judging any of that, just your progress.
Setting it up
- Same spot, every time. Pick one wall or corner and stick with it — moving location changes the light and the background, which makes comparing photos harder.
- Face a window if you can. Natural daylight from in front of you is the most flattering and the most honest — it shows real definition without harsh shadows. Avoid overhead lighting (like a bathroom ceiling light) — it casts shadows that hide detail.
- Camera at chest height, propped up or held by someone else — not tilted up or down.
- Stand about 6-8 feet back so your whole body fits in frame with a bit of space around you.
- Wear a sports bra and shorts or leggings (or your closest equivalent) every time — form-fitting kit shows real shape changes rather than hiding them under baggy clothes. Same outfit each round, if you can.
- Turn between shots — front, then side, then back — same spot, same light, no need to reset anything else.