3 Feb 2011 – Test Shoot 1 – GIFs with Flash Lighting

Equiptment List:

• Fan
• Fabric
• Scizzors

Objective:
To transition from still to moving image by experimenting with GIF images, exploring the movement of fabric and evaluating the effect of the viewer witnessing that movement as opposed to viewing a still. We also need to explore the technical challenges of creating moving images.

Evaluation:
There were definitely some technical differences between shooting stills and shooting for GIFs.

• The flash lights can’t keep up with the camera, so there is a 1/2 second delay between shots. This breaks up the continuity of the sequence.
• Directing the model is different in that you have to direct for an extended period of time, instead of capturing a tiny moment.

In terms of how the GIFs change the fabric I think its interesting how the jarring movement of the GIF itself works in opposition from the fabric. The fabric is soft, elegant and delicate but the GIF transition is rough and stilted. For example the fabric in the GIF below is the same fabric from a previous shoot of ours – http://www.amyreaddesigns.com:/mablog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/AmyandVaida-161-2-as-Smart-Object-11.jpg. In the previous work the fabric hold an element of mystery and elegance, whereas in the GIFs, it appears more aggressive and energetic. This could be really interesting to play with in terms of a tension between body and fabric in future shoots.