Stop motion video is a seriesof images that are taken in a sequence that are then combined to create achoppy-type video animation.

Thevideos produced do take some time to plan and create but the techniqueis simple to learn and the possibilities are limitless. 

How To Create Your Own Stop Motion Video

The keys to successful stop motionvideos are a good story and consistency. The lighting, exposure, andcamera remain constant and still while the elements move in shortmovements during the shoot.

Typically a normal video hasapproximately 24 frames per second, so lighting changes aren’t visibleto the eye. During a stop motion photography shoot, the elements aremoved for every photo taken. If there is a change in lighting orexposure in between the shots, the video will look inconsistent. 

First thing is to think of a story.Find elements to create a story that you want to tell with your shortvideo. It can be anything from action figures, food items, toys, oranything that you feel you can animate and that will create aninteresting story. 

Next is to figure out how long youwant your video to be. Typically 10 to 15 frames per second is a goodstarting point to creating stop motion videos that flow nicely. Thevideo will be more fluid with more frames per second. 

Let’s say, for example, you want yourvideo to be 30 seconds long you will need approximately 300 photos (at10 frames per second). 

Choose a location with consistentlight that will not change during your photoshoot. Set your camera sothat it doesn’t move and snap the photos while you move the elementsslowly step-by-step in the frame.

All the still photos are then combined in a sequence to create your story.

What You Will Need

Most smartphones can create stopmotion videos. Make sure you have enough space to allocate the hundredsof photos that you will take. 

With the creation of stop motion photography apps, it’s never been easier to create pro-looking stop motion videos. 

• Stop Motion Studio (iOS) Stop Motion Studio (Android)
• Stop Motion Maker (Android)
• iMotion (iOS)
• PicPac (Android)

You can use home lighting or any other steady light source. 

Choose objects that will create a story and an interesting visual effect.

Your phone has to remain absolutely still while you are taking the photos. A tripod is the best way to secure your phone. 

A good way to guarantee that yourphone doesn’t move at all during your photoshoot is to use a remoteshutter release. This way you don’t have to touch your phone to take thephotos, therefore minimizing the chances of your phone moving. 

Extra Tips & Tricks to Create Great Stop Motion Videos

• Make sureyour phone is fully charged. This project will take quite a bit of timeand you don’t want your phone to die before you finish your photoshoot.
• Experiment with different light settings until you get the look that you want. 
• Avoid shooting near windows where shadows will move with passing time, creating inconsistency in your animation. 
• Make sure that your own shadow and your hands are not in the photos. 
• Delete some shots from the compiled images if you notice anything irregular. 
• Add sound to your video to add emotion.

Stop Motion Videos

Watch a series of fun stop motion videos here created by one of the leading professional stop motion animators.

Take time to watch some other of his videos, this guy is super creative! He even offers courses and teaches the stop motion technique online. 

Have Fun Animating

One thing that 2020 gave us is timeto learn new things. As more of us became confined to our homes we hadto become creative and adapt to our new lifestyles. 

Many took to learning new skills andhobbies. Stop motion photography is a perfect in-home project that youcan do alone or with your kids. You have everything you need right inyour own home to create your own amazing animations. 

Have you ever created stop motion videos? Come share your thoughts and your experience with our community on our Facebook page Shoot Like a Pro With Your Phone.