I’m not going to lie, I have no idea how to use Photoshop. But I do know how to use a fun, easy little app called PhotoFox, which basically does the same thing!
It takes a bit of time, but essentially you just upload your main photo first, then upload a second one with something you want to add into the first one. Then you erase around the object you’re trying to add, and stick it where you want it in the first one!
For this tutorial in particular, I’m going to teach you how I made the photo where it looks like I have six arms all holding a different object that I use daily.
Below is the video tutorial, or if you’re more of a learner-by-reading, I’ve written out the steps below!
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Step 1: Set up a scene
As you can see in my photo, the background is set up. That means it’s unlikely to change, which is essential. If there’s something moving in the photo or added/removed, it will make it harder.
Once you have the area you’re going to take the photos in set up, pick six different objects that you want to hold in your photo.
Step 2: Set up Your Camera
This works best with a tripod because then you can be assured the frame is the same for all of the photos. Make sure you can see the whole scene, and that your arms will reach well inside of it.
If you’re taking the photos on your own:
- Set up a timer for 5-10 seconds to give you enough time to get in the same position
- Or use time-lapse mode so you have a few different options and can pick the poses most similar
If someone else is helping you, make sure you emphasize that they need to get the SAME frame in every photo, and to make sure you’re in the same position (besides your arms).
Step 3: Take 3 Photos With Different Objects and Arm Positions
Remember, the goal is to be in the same position for all the photos, and only move your arms to get the spider effect!
Start with your arms all the way down by your sides for the first one. Then extend them almost straight out to the side for the second. For the top arms, raise them high next to your ears, but keep your elbows bent so it looks natural.
NOTE: I made a different face in each photo so I could choose which one I liked best for the main picture!
Another Note: Make sure your hair is the same in EVERY photo! Mine wasn’t and it kind of looks like I have blonde hair coming out of my armpit.
Step 4: Overlay the Photos to PhotoFox
After you’ve downloaded and signed up for PhotoFox, you’ll be able to upload two photos at a time (unless you pay to upgrade to more). I’m cheap so I use the free version and just do the process twice…
So for the first round:
- Upload the photo you like of your face the best.
- Click the + button at the top right and select “Image”
- Select either of the other two photos
- It will be a little confusing because they’re the same photo, but it will overlay the second photo on top of the first one. Tap the eraser icon at the bottom right and then the three layers that pops up next to it. This will show you the second photo only.
- Tap the eraser tool and start erasing everything but the arms (you’ll want to zoom in to really get around the edges)
- Tap the layers icon again and just what you’ve left (the arms) will appear on the first photo! You can then drag them to where they need to be to look like they’re attached to you.
- Use the erase and restore tools to add the finishing touches. Restore brings back whatever you erased.
- Save the photo
For the second round, just do that exact process over again, but upload the one you just saved as the first photo, and then your third photo as the overlay. (Again, much easier if you have the paid version because you can overlay as many as you want!).
Step 5: Edit the Final Product!
I’d highly recommend editing the overall photo instead of the three original images first, that way all of the colors match!
If you need help editing, I’d suggest using SnapSeed, it’s super easy and has the same features as LightRoom!
Here’s my tutorial for SnapSeed
If you found this blog post helpful, PLEASE share it on social! All you have to do is tap one of the social share icons! My blog is my job and right now we are going through rough times and our traffic is extremely low, so please help me keep it afloat so I can continue creating free information! Thank you!!!
Oh My Gosh, I came all the way here only to gawk at the gorgeous woman with the excessive number of hands. A heartfelt “thank you” for making front-page news.
Maybe instead of being angry about a post that gives photo tips, and trying to use a negative comment to drive traffic back to your own site (SO lame) you should consider how you’d feel if you were in the background doing something awkward, like trolling people on the internet, and instead of removing you from the photo, it was posted for hundreds of thousands of people to witness!
This is so helpful! Thank you for sharing.
Very cool! Love this!
Easy to follow. Great share!
Thank you Chandra!