how to make cinemagraph

The film industry is increasingly in demand by those users who consume it daily. If we delve deeper into this sector, we come to the conclusion that there are many techniques and effects that have managed to impress an infinite number of viewers.

That is why In this post, we come to talk to you about the cinemagraph, Surely you are wondering what this technique is and how we can carry it out and adapt it to our projects.

Well, before moving on to the mini tutorial, we are going to explain to you what it is about and what secrets it has hidden under the sleeve in many videos or spots.

the cinemagraph

the cinemagraphs, they are a series of images that complement each other or are unified with the aim of forming a video. At first glance it may seem somewhat illogical and surreal, but it is one of the techniques that are used above all in the creation of GIFS. For what you understand better, it is a completely static image but when divided into two or three parts we find different animated or moving areas.

It is a quite creative technique, since we can choose which area of ​​the image we want to animate and we are free to design animations that have a certain aesthetic and character.  Cinemagraphs fulfill different functions, but one of them is undoubtedly to draw the viewer's attention through animation.

It can be related or have similar characteristics to what we know as timelapse, and not only that, we can find them in different online media such as social networks or in different advertising media, since they are good formats and good options to promote or promote a certain product. .

In short, it is the perfect option if what you want is to unify graphic elements such as images, and add animation to each one of them. Also, at the end of the post, we will leave you some of the best tools where you can create your own and personalized ones.

Examples

There are many outstanding examples of cinemagraps, so you may have seen one and not know it. many of its exist on different web pages or in different content formats and formats that we know. In this small list we show you where you can find some of them:

Páginas web

If we go to any web page of gifs that exist, we will come to the conclusion that there are many cinemagraphs designed and created to be downloaded and used in different projects. Unlike GIFs, they are much more aesthetic, so they fit better in advertising media.

Social Media

On social networks like Facebook or Instagram, if we use cinemagraph as hasgtah, we will have a hundred of them at our disposal where we can be inspired and have them as a reference to create our own.

In short, if you dig deeper into social networks you will realize that there are many artists who are dedicated to designing formats such as the cinemagraph. More and more users are opting for these techniques for their web pages.

how to make a cinemagraph

There are different ways to create a cinemagraph, we can choose animation programs like Premiere or simply with Adobe Photoshop, yes, as you read. Photoshop has an animated and interactive part, where you can start designing your first cinemagraphs. But to start, we must be clear about the following steps:

1. Before using the image, it is necessary to record the clip that we want to add as animation, so it is essential that we have a camera and a tripod at hand. The tripod will help you to make the movement much more optimal and problems will not arise during the recording process.
2. Once we have the video ready, we will need to launch the Photoshop application and upload the clip. In this case, you can use any other application that works with these formats, we recommend Photoshop to start with. Once we've uploaded the clip, we just have to select the part we want to animate.
3. The areas that are going to be completely static, we will remove them with the crop option and with a layer mask. If in the case of Photoshop, we opt for another tool, the process is much simpler, since it would only be enough to direct the areas that we want to animate and those that we do not.
4. Once we have done this, we just have to export it properly. As a general rule, it is recommended export it via a GIF format.

cinemagraph artists

Jamie Beck and Kevin Burg

Both are cinemagraph artists and are also considered top representatives. His works are set in travel or the famous lifestyle photographic style. Her delicacy and professionalism have meant that some of her works have caught the attention of numerous famous clients and representatives of the fashion world. Without a doubt, her work is very successful and can serve as great inspiration.

reed+rader

These artists are characterized by directing animated films and creating GIFS. The main theme of his works goes back to the futuristic and virtual world. In each of his GIFS, they use a monochrome background that is usually white. What characterizes his works is that the elements that appear in them are usually models that dance to the beat and turn on themselves. What causes in the viewer a visual effect of movement and dynamism that draws a lot of attention from those who see them. In short, they are the ideal artists.

Koby Inc.

If you want to create fun animations with a touch of humor and steer clear of the serious and demure, you're in luck. Koby Inc, is an artist who is dedicated to the world of animation, especially if it is joined by smoke and laughter. This artist, he has worked for many sectors, starting with fashion and advertising.

It is the ideal artist for all those jobs where you want to play with humor and design but without straying too far from the professional and correctly structured. In short, you can take a look at his works and you will know what we are talking about.

Tools for designing cinemagraphs

Photoshop

Photoshop is one of the Adobe tools that, despite having been aimed at editing and retouching images for all these years, it also has its interactive side where you can play and create your first animations. It is without a doubt what you are looking for to start designing your first cinemagraphs, since it contains a wide list of tools to retouch your projects. Also, not only can you create them, but you can also apply filters to the animation, both warm and cold, and in this way make it much more interesting.

flapix

Flapix is ​​another Photoshop-like tool, because it contains an animation part that facilitates the creation of cinemagraphs. This application is designed with the aim of making it easy for you to design projects with this technique, due to the existence of film filters that you can download and use.

In addition, you also have the possibility of adding interactive buttons to the works and redirecting them, which will allow the viewer to come across a wide range of animations. In short, it is without a doubt the tool you need to start designing, thanks also to its easy interface.

zoetropic

Zoetropiz should be a magic program rather than animation design. With this tool you will be able to design your first cinemagraphs by converting your images into animated videos with just one click. In addition, it also provides the necessary tools for you to start designing.

Let your most creative side go, and start trying this tool. In addition, it is not just any tool, as it is one of the most used in the field of animation and image. With Zoetropiz, you have everything you need to get started. In addition, it also allows you to export your projects once they are finished.

PixelMotion

Pixel Motion is our last tool on the list. And not because it is the last is the worst, but quite the opposite. With this tool you can design endless animations, including cinemagraphs. Its wide catalog of effects make your projects much more interesting. In addition, it is not difficult to use, since its interface is quite extensive and easy to navigate through it.

In short, with Pixel Motion you can design everything you want and bring your animations to life, you just have to be creative and customize them to your liking. It is the perfect tool.

Conclusion

The cinemagraph is a technique that has been present over the last few years. So much so that there are many artists who, thanks to their works, many television networks have chosen to use their animations as small advertising spots.

The topic of it's just an animated image has gone much further, so much so that it has managed to cross the screen and reach the fashion industry. Now it's time for you to start designing your first cinemagraphs. Remember that you can use some of the tools that we have suggested.