Step 2: Film the Cinemagraph.

When filming a cinemagraph it is essential to make sure your camera stays completely still, so be sure to use a tripod. Try and keep movement in the frame very minimal, as a cinemagraph is meant to have subtle movement. Film for about 15- 30 seconds so you have more options to choose from for the final loop of the cinemagraph.

Step 3: Edit the Cinemagraph.

The first step is to open Premiere pro and import your clip. Next you are going to duplicate your clip by either clicking Edit< Duplicate or by holding Option and dragging the clip to another track.

Once you have both clips it’s time to go through and select what frame you want to keep as the still part of your cinemagraph. Once you’ve chosen your frame, right click the top clip then go Clip< Video Options< Add Frame Hold. This will create a freeze frame of your top clip.

Next it’s time to isolate the section of the video you want to be moving. You will need to go to “Effect Controls” to do this and you will click on the pen tool seen under “Opacity” and use this tool to draw around the area you want selected. Once you have it selected, click on “Inverse” under opacity and this should bring your freeze frame into view.

Step 4: Colour Grade.

To make your cinemagraph even more engaging it is important to colour correct. This will give it the full cinematic feel. You can do this by using LUT’s or by using Premiere’s Lumetri Colour and adjusting the colour settings there. Since you have to colour grade both the freeze frame and the moving video the same way, it’s best to use an adjustment layer. To make an adjustment layer go to File< New< Adjustment Layer then drag that layer onto your timeline above your two clips. From there you can begin colour correction. Some tips to achieve a cinematic look is to focus on upping the contrast as well as boosting the blacks.

Congratulations! You have just completed your first cinemagraph. Post it on your social media and see how your audience engages.

Click here to see the final cinemagraph we made during this tutorial.