40 Examples of stunning Cinemagraphs

Cinemagraphs are still images that contain within themselves living elements allowing a glimpse of time to be experienced and preserved. Cinemagraph is a technique of blending the effects of images and videos. It was introduced by a New York fashion photographer Jamie Beck, in collaboration with motion graphics designer Kevin Burg. Since then, many other designers have created similar forms of cinemagraphs. Cinemagraphs are typically simply created as animated .gif files making them easy to use on a web page. In this article, I feature stunning examples of cinemagraphs for your inspiration. Don’t scroll too fast if you want to experience the Cinemagraphs and look carefully – elements you don’t expect to move may do it…!

A cinemagraph is simply a .gif file (could also be a video) with more artistic feel that the regular .gif you see everywhere.  Typically it is a still image with a few elements slightly moving. This technique gives the cinemagraphs a bit of mystery and personally I like to watch them spotting the moving parts.

To greate a cinemagraph you need a good quality picture that look great as a still photo.  When you have your composition right you need to record a movie capturing the same composition. This is the hard part as only the elements you want to move in the cinemagraph are allowed to move in the video. I you have models you need to make sure they stay as still as possible and stay in the same position as in your still image. Record the video in the highest resolution that your video camera support. Remember to use a tripod to minimize camera shake. Once your material is collected it is time to create the cinemagraph. Professional tools like Photoshop makes it a simple task where you have good control and can retouch as needed. Videos can be imported into Photoshop using “Now go to File>import>video frame to layers”. (see the tutorials below the cinemagraphs to learn more)

Cinemagraph showcase

Cinemagraph Tutorials

• Cinemagraph Tutorial
• Cinemagraphs – Still Photographs Turned into Animated GIFs
• How to make a Cinemagraph with Photoshop and After Effects
• How To Make Your Own Cinemagraphs: A New Take on GIFs
• Cinemagraph/Subtle GIF Tutoria
• How to Make Cinemagraph GIFs with Photoshop – Video Tutorial

Author : Dustin Betonio

Dustin Betonio is a Translation Management graduate at University of Mindanao. His earlier career was devoted on customer service outside the information highway. Currently studying Law in the same University.