Bump photo guide

How to take weekly bump photos

Stand side-on to the same bright window every week, with the room lights off, and take one photo from head to hips. Same spot, same pose, same time of day, so the bump is the only thing that changes.

That's the window silhouette method behind the original Bumpstagram album: one photo a week in 2013, each paired with baby's size, a craving and a note about how Ryan felt. Here it is step by step.

Step by step

1. Pick one window

   Choose a bright window you can stand next to every week. Daytime light behind you is what turns you into a silhouette.

2. Turn the lights off

   Switch off the room lights so the window is the only light. Your shape goes dark and the background glows.

3. Stand side-on

   Turn sideways to the camera so the bump is in profile. Stand the same way every week, same direction, same pose.

4. Frame head to hips

   Keep your whole bump and your head in the shot. Set the phone on a shelf or a stack of books at chest height, or ask someone to hold it in the same spot.

5. Wear something fitted

   A fitted tank or dress shows the bump's shape. Ryan wore a fitted tank in her album.

6. Same day, same time

   Pick one day a week and the same time of day, so the light matches and the bump is the only thing that changes.

7. Write it down

   Add the week number, baby's size, what you're craving and how you feel. Those notes are the part you'll love rereading later.

What to write each week

• Baby's size. The fruit or veggie for your week. Here's the full baby size by week chart.
• Cravings. In your own words. Week 21 in the album: chocolate covered pretzels and ice cream.
• How you feel. The good and the hard. Week 26 in the album: "right rib pain. baby M is sitting comfortably on my right side."

Questions

When should I start taking bump photos?

Whenever you like. Many people start once they share the news, around 12 to 14 weeks, but starting earlier gives you the full before-and-after.

How do I take a bump silhouette photo?

Stand side-on to a bright window with the room lights off, so the light is behind you. Your phone's camera will expose for the window, and your shape turns into a dark silhouette.

How often should I take bump photos?

Once a week is the classic rhythm. It's often enough to see real change and easy enough to keep up for 40 weeks.

Do I need a good camera?

No. A phone camera is plenty. Consistency matters more than gear: same window, same pose, same time of day.

What if I miss a week?

Take it the next day, or skip it and keep going. A few gaps won't spoil the story.

Is there an app for weekly bump photos?

Yes. Bumpstagram is a weekly bump photo journal for iPhone. It adds baby's size and days to go to each photo, saves your notes, and makes a card you can share. It's coming soon, and you can join the beta now.