Cinemagraph Guide

Background Movement

When filming, find a scene where there are moving objects behind or on the side of the main subject (e.g. other people, cars, etc). If you do not have them you will get a deduction.

Composition

Even though you are taking video instead of photography you still need to use the same composition rules. For example, use symmetry or rule of thirds and vary your angles while avoiding the most common, eye level.

Lighting

It is very important that you have good lighting exposure. You will be duducted points if you do not use good lighting (natural sunlight is the best) and avoid dark video like the example.

Cycle

Choose a creative action that creates a cycle and film the entire cycle. Avoid long cycles that takes longer than 8 seconds like the example.

Full

Make sure that the motion completes a full cycle. In this example there is an error because they did not film the student completing the cycle by shutting the locker. Avoid movements that do not have a cycle like running water or flickering flames because these look like normal video without the effect.

Creative

Avoid ones like this example where it does not appear to cycle but just looks like a normal video. Use creativity.

Tripod

You will need to set your camera up on a tripod, desk, or another steady surface and take about 5-8 seconds of video (you will only be using part of the video). If your camera moves at all during the time you will get a large deduction & it may not work like the example.