How to make photos move with Videoleap ?

Introduction

Creating dynamic and interesting video compositions can be challenging, especially when trying to incorporate movement into static elements like photos inside picture frames. One effective solution involves using Videoleap, a robust video editing app. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this effect.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Scene

To start, hang some picture frames with green construction paper inside. Add a black X in the middle to act as a reference point for tracking in the editing process. Next, record your primary video footage. In this example, the footage involves a roommate pretending to go off to work, captured using a DIY camera dolly for smooth movement.

Step 2: Filming the Photos

Film the photos that will appear inside the frames. Examples include:

• A roommate leaning against a truck.
• Another roommate posing for a fake graduation photo.
• A personal shot, such as admiring nature.

Step 3: Initial Editing in Videoleap

1. Import the Footage: Import the moving shot and the first photo shot into Videoleap.
2. Mixer Tool: Click the mixer on the photo and stack it on top of the moving shot. Rearrange it to the desired starting position.
3. Adjust Tracking: Guess about the photo’s final position. Click tracking and, since the X marks can't be used directly (due to off-screen movement), use the frame's corner to create its path.

Step 4: Fine-Tuning

1. Opacity Adjustment: Turn the opacity of the moving shot to zero and add a white background under the photo. This isolates just the moving picture.
2. Export: Export the video with the isolated moving photo.

Step 5: Final Composition

1. New Project: Start a new project in Videoleap and import the moving shot again as the bottom layer.
2. Chroma Key: Use the chroma key to erase the green construction paper, revealing the frame.
3. Masking: To remove the black X, use a square mask with the invert option. Add keyframes and adjust the mask’s position every few frames to track along the movement path.

Step 6: Completing the Visuals

1. Aligning Layers: Line up the video of the photo with the movement shot. Adjust timing and location to sync with the video's movement.
2. Additional Photo Effects: Repeat the process for other photos, ensuring each fits well within the frame and background.

Final Output

The result is a video where static images convincingly move with the frame, enhancing the visual storytelling.

Keywords

Editing, Video Leap, Camera Dolly, Chroma Key, Masking, Keyframe, Tracking, Moving Photos, Green Screen, Video Composition.

FAQ

Q: What is the purpose of the green construction paper and black X in the frames?
A: The green paper serves as a chroma key background that can be easily removed in post-production. The black X is used for tracking the motion path during editing.

Q: How is the tracking performed if the X mark is off-screen?
A: If the X mark is off-screen, use the corners of the frame as reference points for tracking.

Q: Why is the opacity of the moving shot reduced to zero?
A: Reducing the opacity to zero isolates the moving photo from the background, making it easier to compose with other elements.

Q: What function does the chroma key serve in this process?
A: The chroma key erases the green construction paper within the frame, leaving only the desired image in the composition.

Q: How do you remove the black X mark after applying chroma key?
A: Use a masking tool with the invert option and add keyframes to adjust its position, effectively removing the black X during the video’s flow.

Q: Can this method be used in other video editing software?
A: Yes, the general principles can be adapted to other video editing software that supports tracking, masking, and chroma key functions.