If the idea of filming video still feels a bit intimidating, stop motion is one of the gentlest ways to begin – especially on brand, product or food shoots.
This is perfect if you are doing the work in your own time, away from the watchful eye of your client – no pressure, take your time to play. It doesn’t require filming in real time, fancy gear, or confidence in directing movement. In fact, you’re simply taking a sequence of still photographs… and then playing them back as a short film.
How it works (the simple version)
- Set up your product or scene
This works beautifully with products, food, flat lays or still life setups you’re already photographing. - Take a photo
Then move the product ever so slightly. Think small, gentle changes. - Take another photo
Repeat this process until you’ve captured a full sequence.
As a guide, I have 58 images in this one and it’s barely 12 seconds long. You don’t need to be exact, this is just to give you a feel for it.
Editing the images
Once you’ve taken your images:
- Bulk edit them as you normally would
- I export them out at 72dpi and 2500px on the long edge (then fit them to screen in the video edit, I don’t crop them)
- Import them into your video editing software (or use a slideshow feature that allows fast)
Place the images one after the other on the timeline.
I tend to show each still for one second but you can make it faster/slower if you like. This creates a smooth, playful movement.
What you’re really making is a very fast slideshow.
Add a simple music track if you like, export, and you’re done.
What works especially well for stop motion?
Stop motion is ideal for:
- Products being assembled (or disassembled and then play it backwards if that’s easier)
- Food styling steps
- Flat lays
- Products moving in the frame
- Anything tactile or satisfying to watch
- You can do this effect with people too. Get your person to move/twirl/jump/walk and just do a fast burst shutter.
It’s quiet, considered, and perfect for brands who want movement without a full video production.
Why this works so well with clients
Stop motion is easy to introduce because it has a slightly unexpected feel – your client will remember you made it. You don’t need to spend much time on it!
Once a client sees one, they often ask for more – different products, variations, or regular content. That’s how video quietly becomes part of your offering.
You’re not becoming a videographer. You’re extending what you already do.
All the images
For reference, these are the individual still frames I used
The final stop motion film I gave back
Want more?
If you’d like to learn how to add paid video to your photography work, I’m run a range of online, live and in-person training, always aimed at photographers, always leaning on what you already know.
Live video training events
Online video training courses for photographers
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