Image: B. Sandman

Creating a photo montage is a wonderful way to creatively use photographs to tell a story. But to create a photomotion video (also called stop motion) you need a little planning to capture successive images to convey movement through static images.

Import and string together the photos in your editing software. Shown quickly and in succession the impression of animated movement is impressive and whimsical. There are many ways you can use this technique to create killer video experience with an everyday camera.

As an example I have created my own photomotion video for you to enjoy. It is the result of snapping over 500 photos over several hours with my wife in downtown Seattle.

MY PHOTO-MOTION VIDEO

STEP 1 : HAVE A PLAN

Brainstorm what your story is and where you want to go. Pick interesting actions and locations to photograph and get creative with what motion you can convey with photos. You may plan movements or shoot the action as it naturally unfolds, it’s up to you. Planning your movements gives you more control over the end video but capturing the natural movement of a place is very interesting as well.

STEP 2 : CAPTURE MOVEMENT

What is special about photomotion videos is the illusion of movement. By snapping several pictures within the span of a second or two you may capture the
movement of your subject. Whether it is soccer players or sidewinders, when the photos are displayed quickly, one after the other, the images come alive.

The easiest way to capture the images you need is to use a sequential photo setting on your camera. These settings allow the shutter open and close quickly by simply holding down the button.

If your camera does not have a sequential photo setting then you are going to need a little more patience and planning. Take pictures of yourself and anything else that moves, and think cinematically.

STEP 3 : TAKE TONS ‘O PICTURES

This type of photo concept takes lots of pictures to pull off so don’t be afraid to shoot like crazy. You always discard the photos you don’t use. The more images you capture the more colorful video you may produce.

STEP 4 : EDIT FOR MAXIMUM COOL

Once you have your photos shot, use your video editing software to present them in a fun and energetic way. The shorter the duration of each photo, the more movement you will be able to convey. I present each photo in my video for .2 seconds.

Play around with different speeds and find something that feels right to you. Craft your video using the most interesting photos and sequences to form some sort of story and utilize music to set the pace and feel of your video.

HERE ARE A FEW MORE KILLER PHOTO-MOTION VIDEOS, YUM!