Figuring Flixel

It all begins with America's Next Top Model. Watching it every year, seeing who won each cycle became quite a routine for Jamie, mum and I. The routine stopped as soon as Jamie left home. I decided to watch it this year as it was the first cycle to include both genders. While they were getting their photo's taken I noticed the photographer bringing the picture alive via iPad. I was very intrigued at how he produced the photos. When it came the time to exhibit their photoshoots in front of the judges I was amazed by the minimum movements within a still photograph. 

"I want to do that" I instantly said. 

While watching a couple more episodes I noticed a sticker on the back of the iPad, a brand sticker perhaps? 

I typed into google "moving images on America's Next Top Model" which came up with 'Flixel'. I decided to click on the official website of Flixel and within a minute I was exposed to a new way of photography. You can observe the contestants photo's here https://flixel.com/showcase/antm/

While on the website I clicked on 'products' and looked at the price for this application. I first saw Flixel Cinemagraph Pro at the price of £64.33 and thought 'there's no way I could part with that much for an app that I might not even be able to work' on the other hand I thought 'I may as well since it might benefit me with my assessments such as photography'. Just before giving up hope I noticed another version that was one step lower than Cinemagraph Pro called Cinemagraph + at £32.16 which made me a tad bit happier. I downloaded both versions on trial and I honestly couldn't see any difference at all between spending £32.17 more or less. I now had my heart set on buying the Cinemagraph +. Just before pressing 'Buy Now' I noticed below an 'Academic Discount Available'. Of course I clicked it! After clicking on the link it told me it would be 50% off. I was so happy! Only spending £19.00 in total literally made my day. The only thing now was to somehow create these flixels. 

One thing I've learnt about the process of creating art. If it's on your mind, just do it. Don't save it for later because it might never happen.

It was a Friday night around 10:30. I was sat down on my laptop when the idea hut me. I got the ironing board out, went up stairs to collect a white sheet and I started ironing out the creases. I found a tripod in the hall and attached a camera to the base. I then went upstairs with the ironed sheet and pinned it up on the wall of Jamie's unoccupied room. Since it was dark outside and the main light didn't benefit, I placed a lamp in my direction behind the camera to illuminate what was going on within the camera's shoot. I started creating short videos that consisted of myself blinking, moving my hands, using hairdryers/fans to create movement in my hair. By the end of it all it came to 3:30 am. The next day I did the same thing, turned on the camera and made more short videos. I did feel quite limited with what I could achieve at the time but there's a whole world outside I could 'flixel'.

After looking through all the footage of the night before, I decided to create a small video combining the footage to show the preparation of a flixel. 

Flixel Shoot Preparation Video

Out of these small footages of me trying my best to stay still while the camera recorded me I created these flixels. I still have a lot to do and learn but it's a start.

Final Flixels