We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Before and after picture question

Chasity6
Chasity6 Posts: 183 Member
edited November 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I am new on this journey and I would like to document changes in photos for before and afters to help motivate others. I have over a 100lbs to lose. My question is for those who have or do document how frequent do you take pics. Every 10lbs, every 20lbs what seems to work best. Thanks.

Replies

  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    If I could go back in time, I would take them each month. Even when you go through a period where you don't lose much, your body shape and appearance may change.
  • brdnw
    brdnw Posts: 565 Member
    i did every 10-15lbs or after 3-4 months, here http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10234505/my-many-picture-progression-from-285-to-200 is my collage along losing 85lbs (like 12 pictures of my progress).

    it really helps when you've gone a period where you don't lose any weight but you can tangibly see the difference by comparing your picture from say 3 months ago, etc..
  • grandmothercharlie
    grandmothercharlie Posts: 877 Member
    edited August 2015
    If I get a new size in clothes. I've lost 95 pounds. Started out wearing a WP20-WP22. I have my original photo and 5 progress photos. I'm in a 8P-10P now. I'm not done yet, but will probably take one at 100 pounds lost and then the last at goal.
  • SimoneBee12
    SimoneBee12 Posts: 268 Member
    I take one every month on the same day because some months I lose inches but not a lot of weight!
  • strangesoul79
    strangesoul79 Posts: 84 Member
    I take them when I finish a program. I took one at the first of the month and will be taking one at the end. I don't know how much change I will see in that. I start something new this coming month and wont take another until the end of Oct. Pretty much just personal preference really.
  • slaite1
    slaite1 Posts: 1,307 Member
    jemhh wrote: »
    If I could go back in time, I would take them each month. Even when you go through a period where you don't lose much, your body shape and appearance may change.

    Agreed!

    I always forget and take them randomly. Wish I had been consistent through all of my ups and downs. Take a bunch! You can later pick and choose what you want to make public.
  • zyxst
    zyxst Posts: 9,150 Member
    I took pictures every 25# lost. When my loss got slow - I haven't lost 25# in a year - I would take them on relevant dates; anniversary I started weight loss, my birthday.
  • callsitlikeiseeit
    callsitlikeiseeit Posts: 8,626 Member
    i only do pictures once every 3 months or so. ive done 3 sets since january....
  • angie_momof3
    angie_momof3 Posts: 102 Member
    I take my pics every month or so. I wish I had been more consistent with the dates but each picture is still about a month apart. That way, I can compare to the previous month and to the very first one I took. It's really amazing to see the difference and it's great motivation to keep going!
  • MysticRealm
    MysticRealm Posts: 1,264 Member
    I try to take pictures once a month. Usually try to take them at the same time as I weigh (first thing in the morning, after using the bathroom, before eating or drinking anything) that way my pics aren't thrown off by having a tummy full of food and such. I always try to take them in my bathroom so I get the same lighting every time (unlike taking them near a window which will let in various degrees of light and such)
  • PeachyCarol
    PeachyCarol Posts: 8,029 Member
    I wish I had a true before picture. I wish I had pictures from every month.

    Don't be me.
  • DeterminedFee201426
    DeterminedFee201426 Posts: 859 Member
    brdnw wrote: »
    i did every 10-15lbs or after 3-4 months, here http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10234505/my-many-picture-progression-from-285-to-200 is my collage along losing 85lbs (like 12 pictures of my progress).

    it really helps when you've gone a period where you don't lose any weight but you can tangibly see the difference by comparing your picture from say 3 months ago, etc..
    your transformation is awesome in the link!!! how long did it take you to get there?
  • DeterminedFee201426
    DeterminedFee201426 Posts: 859 Member
    I use to take photos one day of every month but sence iam losing weight slowly now.. ill do it every 2-3months now.
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    PeachyCarol wrote: »
    I wish I had a true before picture. I wish I had pictures from every month.

    Don't be me.

    I have two before pictures--random candid shots, not official first day of weight loss pictures. I have hunted high and low but I seem to have avoided cameras from my mid-20s to mid- 30s extremely well. I also deleted most of my progress pictures within minutes of taking them. Oh well.
  • victoria_1024
    victoria_1024 Posts: 915 Member
    I didn't do an official before picture and I'm bummed about that! I didn't take one until about a month in. Now I take a picture every couple of months. Usually if I am feeling particularly good that day and like what I'm wearing, not on any set schedule.
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,463 Member
    I've lost 100 out of 150 goal pounds. Been at it 14 months. I have my trainer take pics every 3 months. I didn't like that he took the first one when I'm started, but now I'm so glad he did! He even posts my progress pics on the wall in the gym!!
  • vgarcia0819
    vgarcia0819 Posts: 11 Member
    I might be a little obsessive about it but I take 3 pics (front, side & back) every week bc I want to be able to create a fast moving slideshow that shows my loss over time. Every Thursday I take pics and do measurements also.
  • ncboiler89
    ncboiler89 Posts: 2,408 Member
    Chasity6 wrote: »
    I am new on this journey and I would like to document changes in photos for before and afters to help motivate others. I have over a 100lbs to lose. My question is for those who have or do document how frequent do you take pics. Every 10lbs, every 20lbs what seems to work best. Thanks.

    Take a pic everyday and then edit the whole mess into a really cool video.
  • cupcakesplz
    cupcakesplz Posts: 237 Member
    I take them each week I. The same spot and in the same spot
  • glowcap
    glowcap Posts: 8 Member
    I'm new here and did a photo after my second week. I was also wondering how often to take pictures, and once a month seems to be the average. Thanks!
This discussion has been closed.

Categories