Animated gifs, while being considered the bane of certain one-time popular social networking sites, have long been criticized by the design community. Seen as mere throwbacks to a less mature stage in the life of the internet, and therefore written off by many in the field. However, a creative duo took these throwbacks in a completely artistic and inspired direction. Using high speed photography and animating masked sections, of the images, Jamie Beck and Kevin Burg have given rise to a new trend in the photography field, Cinemagraphs.

More than your basic animated image, these not-so still life captures have elements (some major, some minor) within the photograph that are set in motion. Taking the photograph into a interesting new realm, that has begun to catch on, and spread like wildfire. Below we take a look through some of the images from the gallery of the two innovative minds that begat this visually intriguing artform.

Jamie Beck & Kevin Burg

When photographer Jamie Beck partnered with graphic artist Kevin Burg, cinemagraphs (which until then were tinkering ideas in Burg’s mind) came to life. The two collaborated to take the field of photography and carve out a new niche within it that would forever change the way we view and capture those once frozen moments from time.

Excerpt from the Site

A Cinemagraph is an image that contains within itself a living moment that allows a glimpse of time to be experienced and preserved endlessly.

On their site Cinemagraphs, you can view their many more amazing pieces than the handful we have gathered here. If you have some spare time, it really is worth going through. As we mentioned, here are just a few:

With Coco Rocha

The following set was created when Beck and Burg spent the day with fashion model Coco Rocha. Through these gorgeous captures, we see the deeply emotive nature that cinemagraphs can contain. Elevating the impact the photographs would otherwise pack.

Misc

Below are some cinemagraphs by random artists who have taken to this new form, and wrought some inspiring works from its grips. They have brilliantly gone through the door opened wide Beck and Burg. Enjoy!

Cinemagraph by burakereno

Vela by Osvaldo Gon

Untitled by m-a-r-v-i-n

An Endless Song by MarvelousJewFish

As Time Goes By by Ludmila Vilarinhos

A Loop In Time by Edouard Olszewski (2 from the set featured)

Untitled by Mark Saldana

Swaying by MarvelousJewFish

Create Your Own

Naturally, we couldn’t let you out of here without providing you with a few resources that you can take along with you in case you want to try your own hand at this artform. Or if you would just like to see more specifically how it is done. Either way, be sure that you take a look at the tips and tuts offered below.

(rb)