Stop Motion Photography Lesson 4

Now that we have learned how to create photos, it is important we understand how to assemble the final video product. In order to accomplish this feature, we are going to be using a program called premiere pro.

Steps to Assembling the Video

1. Starting and Opening a Project

• Open an existing project (Windows: Ctrl+O, Mac: Cmd+O), or start a new one (Windows: Ctrl+Alt+N, Mac: Opt+Cmd+N) from the Premiere Pro Start screen.If you are starting a new project, the New Project dialog launches. From the New Project dialog, you can specify the name and location of the project file, the video capture format, and other settings for your project.After you have chosen settings in the New Project dialog, click OK.

      2. Capture and Import Video and Audio

• For file-based assets, using the Media Browser you can import files from computer sources in any of the leading media formats (Windows: Ctrl+Alt+I, Mac: Opt+Cmd+I). Each file you capture or import automatically becomes a clip in the Project panel. Alternatively, using the Capture panel, capture footage directly from a camcorder or VTR (Windows: F5, Mac: F5). With the proper hardware, you can digitize and capture other formats, from VHS to HDTV.You can also import various digital media, including video, audio, and still images. Premiere Pro also imports Adobe® Illustrator® artwork or Photoshop® layered files, and it translates After Effects® projects for a seamless, integrated workflow. You can create synthetic media, such as standard color bars, color backgrounds, and a countdown.

      3. Assemble and Refine a Sequence 

• Using the Source Monitor, you can view clips, set edit points, and mark other important frames before adding clips to a sequence. For convenience, you can break a master clip into any number of subclips, each with its own In and Out points. You can view audio as a detailed waveform and edit it with sample-based precision.You add clips to a sequence in the Timeline panel by dragging them there You can view the edited sequence in the Program Monitor or watch the full-screen, full-quality video on an attached television monitor. 

       4. Add Titles

• You can easily create titles directly on your video using the Essential Graphics panel in Adobe Premiere Pro. Use these keyboard shortcuts to create a new text layer (Windows: Ctrl+T, Mac: Cmd+T). You can add text, shapes, and so on, to layers that you can rearrange and adjust.

      5. Add Transitions and Effects 

• The Effects panel includes an extensive list of transitions and effects you can apply to clips in a sequence. You can adjust these effects, and a clip’s motion, opacity, and Variable Rate Stretch using the Effect Controls panel (Windows: Ctrl+D, Mac: Cmd+D).
• The Effect Controls panel also lets you animate a clip’s properties using traditional keyframing techniques. As you adjust transitions, the Effect Controls panel displays controls designed especially for that task. Alternatively, you can view and adjust transitions and a clip’s effect keyframes in a Timeline panel. 

      6. Mix Audio  

• For track-based audio adjustments, the Audio Track Mixer emulates a full-featured audio mixing board, complete with fade and pan sliders, sends, and effects.
• Audio clip mixer: (Windows: Shift+9, Mac: Shift+9)
• Audio track mixer: (Windows: Shift+6, Mac: Shift+6)

Video to Assist with Premiere Pro

In order to better understand Premiere Pro, use this video to help you assemble your end product.

Stop Motion Photography Lesson 3

Shutter Speed, Aperture and ISO

It is important to consider that many variables will alter how fast the shutter speed will need to be. These variables include the speed of the subject, light source and the angle of where you are taking the shot from. For example, taking images of a moving vehicle or a bird will require a much quicker shutter speed (1/2,000 or 1/4,000). However, taking pictures of something that moves at a slower speed (waterfall, writing/re-arranging letters) will require a much slower shutter speed (1/10, 1/30). Note: if you have a high shutter speed it will lower your depth of field.

In regards to aperture, you will need to manually play around with its settings until you get the proper exposure that you want. Do keep in mind that a high shutter speed will require a wider lens (f/2.8, f/1.5).

Finally, in regards to ISO, if you increase the size it will help your photos receive more light. Do keep in mind that the larger your ISO, the higher of a chance your photo can have "noise."

Overall, everything will depend on what you are trying to create. Expect a bit of trial and error in regards to this. It is still highly recommended you do all of your settings in manual mode as changing it to automatic can change one or more of these settings.

Stop Motion Photography Video

Watch this video to better understand what an end product will look like.

Stop Motion Photography Project

The purpose of this project is to use all of the information we have learned in photography to create a short film. Note: this will be your term project.

Procedure:

1. Create a group of 3-4 students. 
2. Before you begin shooting, discuss with your group what you want your story to be about.
3. There is no minimum or maximum amount of pictures you need to take. Take as many as you feel necessary for the time duration of the project. 
4. The video should be 25-30 seconds (but you are permitted to go a few seconds over)
5. Have opening and closing credits.
6. You must submit a script which has a clear story line. 200-300 words. 
7. You must also explain why you chose to create this story line and the purpose you were trying to achieve. 100-150 words. 
8. You will be supplied with the cameras, but you are more than welcome to use your own. 
9. There is an app for your phone called "stop motion." You are permitted to use this if it will aid in your project. 
10. You are required to include sound. While music is acceptable, someone or multiple people from your group should assume a speaking role. 
11. This project will be due Friday, April 26th, 2019.

Rubric:

	Exceeds Expectations	Meets Expectations	Satisfactorily Meets Expectations	Does not Meet Expectations
Social and Personal Responsibility	Students are always on task and getting the assignment completed on time.	Students mostly on task. Assignment completed on time.	Students did not use time wisely. Project was not completed on time as a result.	Students wasted their class time. Did not complete project in a timely manner.
Stop Motion (x3)	Movement of objects and/or characters was smooth. Excellent camera stability.	Movement of characters is smooth. Good camera control is demonstrated.	Adequate movement of objects and/or characters. Camera control can be shaky.	Movement patterns are unrealistic. Camera is consistently shaky.
Opening and Closing Credits	Opening and closing credits are there and follow all guidelines.	Opening and closing credits are there but may be missing a certain element.	Opening and closing credits are attempted but missing multiple elements.	No opening or closing credits.
Sound	Sound effects and/or music contribute to the quality of the story.	Sound effects and/or music contribute well to the story.	Sound effects and/or music are added but do not contribute to the story in meaningful way,	Sound effects and/or music is missing from the assignment.
Storyline	Clear storyline is followed and presented well in the film.	Storyline is mostly clear and presented quite well in the film.	Film had a story, but it could have been expressed more efficiently.	No clear storyline during the film.
Script (x2)	Script is well-written and has an interesting plot/idea.	Script is fairly well written and the plot/idea is presented in a strong manner.	Script has its positives but had lots of room for improvement.	Script is irrelevant and/or has not been submitted.
Goal and Purpose	Goal and purpose of the project is clearly communicated.	Goal and purpose of the project is fairly well communicated.	Goal and purpose is not communicated very well.	Goal and purpose has not been communicated.

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Stop Motion Photography Lesson 2

Camera Tips for Stop Motion Photography

1. Ensure your camera is either on a tripod or make sure the individual taking the pictures is keeping the camera steady. Ensure that the camera is focused on the subjects as well. 
2. You do NOT want the focus or exposure to change. Therefore, you should take each picture manually. 
3. Be careful with the lighting. As you begin to change angles it could affect how much light is entering each shot. 
4. Take each picture 2 or 3 times. In the event the lighting is off or something inadvertently appears in the background, having backup data is essential because recreating that entire scene perfectly in conjunction with your story can be difficult. 

Tips for Producing Your Film

1. Brainstorm the Idea
• Your story needs to have flow and progression. Discussing what you want your idea to be and how you will enact it will be useful. 
• We also brainstorm because if one element is off, it can ruin your entire video. 
2. Plan it Out
• It is recommended you have a storyboard or a concrete plan as to how you want your video to look and the order of your scenes. If you just take your pictures and sort it out using that method, it will take significantly longer. 
3. Make Each Shot Count
• Do not take each image and assume "I will edit this in Photoshop." 
• You will have well over 100 pictures to analyze and will not have the time to edit each one. Make each shot count. 
4. Audio
• Audio is very important to stop motion photography. Whether it is filled with people acting as characters, someone narrating or even music to add to the atmosphere; it can be crucial to the success of your film. 
• It is recommended you add the audio closer to your completion because if a scene needs to be changed, it will throw off the entire audio track. 
5. Over and Over Again
• Once you have completed your video, it is important to watch it over and over again. This is done to see if the audio is off, a scene is missing or anything else that may have been missed during the screening process. 
• It is also recommended you watch every time you produce a few seconds. That way you can catch a mistake before it reaches the end of the video. 

Stop Motion Photography Video #2

To help you better understand stop motion photography, here is a short video that explains how to do it. 

Stop Motion Photography Lesson 1

What is Stop Motion Photography?

Stop motion animation/photography is the idea filming objects or subjects one frame at a time. Simultaneously with filming subjects one frame at a time, you need to move said subject a little bit in between frames. This is to resemble lifelike motion and that there is movement during your story. 

Do not move your object too much or else it will not look realistic.

The Beginning Process

It is important to remember that each film will need a story and a purpose.

Stop motion photography is best expressed when there is a story to follow. Whether it is a silent film, or one with actors, having development will draw the audience in. In regards to development, a story should have a beginning, a climax and a definitive conclusion. It may help to produce a script before you begin the filming process.

Additionally, there needs to be a purpose. Why are you making this video? Are you trying to tell a story or about a global issue?

Stop Motion Photography Video

if you would like a more detailed review of stop motion photography, please refer to the following video

Note: this video will be a preview for lesson 2.