Stop-Motion Tutorial Hub

Frame Rates: Finding Your Speed

Frame rate = how many photos = 1 second of video

Recommended Frame Rates:

12 fps (frames per second) - Fast to make, slight jitter, good for action scenes
15 fps - Sweet spot! Smooth enough, not too slow to shoot
24 fps - Professional cinema look, takes longer but ultra-smooth

Time Calculator:

At 12 fps: 10 seconds = 120 photos (about 15-20 min to shoot)
At 15 fps: 10 seconds = 150 photos (about 20-25 min to shoot)
At 24 fps: 10 seconds = 240 photos (about 30-40 min to shoot)

PRO TIP: Start at 12 fps. You can always shoot more frames later, but you can't add smoothness after filming!

iPhone 15 Plus: Camera Settings

Essential Settings:

Lock Focus & Exposure: Tap and hold on your subject until "AE/AF LOCK" appears
Turn OFF Auto HDR: Settings → Camera → Auto HDR = OFF
Use Grid Lines: Settings → Camera → Grid = ON (helps with composition)
Disable Live Photos: Tap the circle icon in camera to turn off
Use Volume Button: Easier to press than screen - reduces shake

Stability Tips:

Use a phone stand/tripod (even a stack of books works!)
Set a 3-second timer to avoid shake when pressing button
Mark phone position with tape if you need to move it
Keep charger plugged in for long shoots

Lighting: Make It Look Professional

The #1 Rule:

NEVER mix light types!
Pick ONE: Either natural light OR artificial light. Never both at once.

Best Lighting Setups:

OUTDOOR/NATURAL LIGHT:

Film on cloudy days (soft, even light)
Or use indirect sunlight (near window, not in direct sun)
Avoid filming at different times of day (light color changes)
Watch for shadows moving as sun moves

INDOOR/ARTIFICIAL LIGHT:

Use desk lamps (2-3 lamps is ideal)
Position: One main light, one fill light, one back light
All bulbs should be same color (all warm or all cool white)
Turn off room lights - only use your filming lights

Pro Lighting Setup:

        BACK LIGHT
             ↓
            [SET]
           ↙     ↘
   CAMERA        FILL LIGHT
      ↑
  MAIN LIGHT

Main light (brightest) at 45° from camera. Fill light opposite side (dimmer). Back light behind set (separates from background).

Movement: Making It Smooth

Movement Size Guide:

Walking: 1-2mm per frame
Running: 3-4mm per frame
Slow action: 0.5mm per frame
Explosions/fast action: 5-10mm per frame

PRO TIP: Smaller movements = smoother. If it looks jerky, you're moving too much per frame.

Advanced Techniques:

EASING (Speed Up/Slow Down):

When something starts moving, use smaller movements for first few frames, then bigger, then smaller again at end. This looks more realistic!

ANTICIPATION:

Before a big action, move character slightly OPPOSITE direction first. Makes action more powerful!

BLUR EFFECT:

For punches/fast action: Take one photo slightly out of focus or move piece during 1 frame. Creates motion blur!

Special Effects with LEGO

Explosions:

Use orange/yellow pieces flying outward
Add white/light gray for smoke
Animate pieces flying apart frame by frame
Can add cotton balls for smoke (remove a bit each frame)

Muzzle Flashes (Gun Fire):

Cut small yellow/orange paper shapes
Tape to gun barrel with removable tape
Only show for 1-2 frames (very quick!)

Dust/Debris:

Sprinkle tiny pieces near action
Add a bit more each frame
Or use digital effects in editing

Water/Ocean:

Blue fabric or paper as water
Move it slightly each frame for waves
Add white paper strips for foam/splashes

Troubleshooting Common Problems

PROBLEM: Flickering light in video
FIX: Lock camera exposure (tap and hold), ensure no windows/auto lights

PROBLEM: LEGO figures falling over
FIX: Use clear tape on feet, or museum putty (removable), or lean against invisible support

PROBLEM: Camera moved between shots
FIX: Mark camera position with tape, use tripod/stand, use timer to avoid touching phone

PROBLEM: Shadows appear/disappear
FIX: Watch where YOU stand - your shadow might be in frame, stay in same spot

PROBLEM: Colors look different between frames
FIX: Lock white balance in camera, keep lighting consistent, don't film during sunrise/sunset

Efficient Filming Workflow

Before You Start:

Plan your scene (what happens?)
Set up lighting and lock it in
Position camera and lock focus/exposure
Take a test shot, review it
Mark anything that needs to stay in place (tape!)

During Filming:

Use File Naming Tool to stay organized
Every 50 frames, review your progress
If you mess up, delete last few frames and re-do
Take breaks every 100 frames (avoid fatigue mistakes)
Save battery - keep phone plugged in

After Filming:

Review all frames before moving set
Back up photos immediately
Import to editing app (Stop Motion Studio, iMovie, etc.)
Add sound effects and music
Export and share!

Recommended Apps (iPhone)

Stop Motion Studio (FREE)

Best beginner app. Has onion skinning (see previous frame), easy editing, sound effects library.

iMovie (FREE)

Great for final editing, adding music, titles, transitions.

Life Lapse (FREE/Paid)

Advanced option with more camera controls.

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