5 Steps to Stop Motion Video Success!

Stop motion videos give photographers, videographers, and social media specialists a unique, creative way to display a visual story. The words “stop motion” really just mean that you are shooting a series of photos that are taken so close together that they almost seem like a video.

The beauty of stop motion is that it can promote your company or brand by telling an entire story or through a short promotional clip lasting only a few seconds. It is all up to you!

In Synecore’s case we decided to unveil our new logo through a stop motion video. Here is a walkthrough of our process, and our tips to getting through yours:

Step 1: Plan Your Video

So you have decided to make a stop motion video, great choice! Now you need to consider what you want to shoot. This can vary enormously by the message that you are trying to send, but really, since you are shooting a series of images rather than a video, you can use just about anything to tell that story. In our case we had our Social Media Strategist, a camera, a can of blue paint, and our new logo. Tip: Use storyboards to lay out how the video will be produced.

Step 2: Set The Stage

Now that you have decided what you want to include in your video it is time to make all the arrangements for your shoot. Let the photographer in you run wild as you consider angles and lighting for every image that will be included in your stop motion video. Make sure you set up and look through your camera to get a clear view of what the shot will really look like.

Step 3: Action!

This step is pretty darn simple. Shoot the story you want to capture through a series of photos. If your camera doesn’t allow for continuous shooting (or the lighting doesn’t allow for it) then you will have to set up each image and take the photos one at a time. That will also be the case if you have to go in and change the objects in the shot yourself, such as if you are using clay rather than people.

Step 4: Review Your Images

Consider all of your shots; are they at the same angle? Do they have the same lighting? Did you capture the entire process? Believe it or not the most commonly forgotten shots are the first and last ones in a series, the two that establish a beginning and end without the actual action. Don’t make this mistake! Double check that you have them all before taking any part of your set down.

Step 5: Compose

Once the photos have been uploaded to your computer make sure to keep them in order while you lay them out in whatever video editing software you have. Now, add any special effects you would like. Music is a must, but you can also implement any necessary text, sounds effects, layers, etc. Once it has been edited to your liking you can export the video and share it with the world!

Stop motion opens up the realm of what is possible within a video, and it is a great way to call attention to your brand. When you make a video be sure to publish it anywhere and everywhere you can to really help with your company’s exposure. (No pun intended.)

Good luck with your videos!