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Animation & VFX · MS elective · 3 credit hours · 16 sessions

VFX & Animation for Photographers

In a feed full of static images, motion grabs attention. This course teaches photographers how to animate their still work using “Photo-Motion” techniques. Students will use Adobe After Effects and Photoshop to create “Cinemagraphs” (isolated motion), “Parallax 2.5D” animations (bringing depth to flat photos), and composite weather effects like rain, smoke, and snow.

§ 01 By the end you can
  1. Master the "Parallax Effect" (2.5D): Separating foreground and background in After Effects
  2. Create "Cinemagraphs": Masking video to freeze specific areas while keeping others moving
  3. Utilize Particle Systems to add atmospheric elements (Rain, Snow, Dust) to stills
  4. Execute "Plotagraphs": Animating static pixels using flow maps
  5. Integrate Green Screen photography elements into digital backgrounds
§ 02 Sixteen sessions

The whole semester.

  1. 01Introduction to Photo-Motion: Why Animate?
  2. 02Shooting for Motion: Tripods & High Frame Rates
  3. 03Photoshop Video Timeline Basics
  4. 04The Cinemagraph I: Concept & Capture
  5. 05The Cinemagraph II: Masking & Looping
  6. 06Introduction to After Effects for Photographers
  7. 07Cutting Out Subject & Background (Rotoscoping)
  8. 08 · MidtermMidterm Examination
  9. 09The Parallax Effect II: Virtual Camera Movement
  10. 10Particle Systems: Adding Atmosphere (Smoke/Fog)
  11. 11Light Leaks & Lens Flares in Post
  12. 12Green Screen Photography for Compositing
  13. 13Glitch Effects & Data Moshing for Stills
  14. 14Plotagraphs: Animating Static Water/Clouds
  15. 15Sound Design for Motion Photos
  16. 16Final Project: The Motion Portfolio (3 Pieces)

Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.

§ 03 Final project

Final Project: The Motion Portfolio (3 Pieces)

How it’s judged

Recommended reading
  1. Adobe After Effects Classroom in a Book (Current Year)
  2. Cinemagraph Pro User Guide (Flixel)
  3. The Art and Science of Digital Compositing by Ron Brinkmann
  4. Photoshop Animation by Steve Caplin
  5. Creative Motion Graphic Design (Relevant chapters on 2.5D)
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