How to animate an old photograph
A practical route from the photograph in your album to a short video you can keep.
Read the guideNotes from the family album
Every photographhas a beginning.
From a careful scan to a video you keep. Practical guides to choosing a photograph, giving it movement and looking after a memory.
A photograph in motion
Explore what animation can add and how to give an image a fitting direction.
Animating a black-and-white photograph
Work with the light, expressions and details already present in a monochrome photograph.
Read the guideChoosing movement for a portrait
Keep a familiar face at the centre of the video, with a clear source and a modest idea for motion.
Read the guideAnimating a group photograph
Choose a shared moment without losing sight of the individual faces that make it yours.
Read the guideWriting a gentle motion prompt
Turn a vague idea into one clear direction that fits the photograph you have.
Read the guidePhoto animation, restoration and colourisation
Three different intentions, and why it helps to decide what you want to keep before you begin.
Read the guideSix or ten seconds: choosing a video length
Choose how long to linger, with a clear view of how your allowance is used and the purpose of the clip.
Read the guideBegin with a good image
Small choices when scanning, cropping and selecting help your photograph find its footing.
How to digitise an old photograph with your phone
A careful phone photograph can be a practical first step when you do not have a scanner.
Read the guideScanning photographs for an animation project
Make an archive copy first, then a separate image suited to the video you want to create.
Read the guidePreparing a photo before you animate it
Check the file, framing and important details before using your allowance on a video.
Read the guideWhich photograph should you animate first?
Choose by meaning, visible detail and comfort rather than trying to find a perfect picture.
Read the guideFor a particular moment
Sharing a memory sometimes calls for a little extra care. Find a thoughtful place to begin.
Making a photo memory for Mother's Day
Choose a photograph that belongs to your relationship, and give it with the story of why you chose it.
Read the guideA Father's Day memory from an ordinary photograph
Use a familiar activity or place to begin a conversation, rather than trying to summarise a whole relationship.
Read the guidePlanning an anniversary memory video
Choose a shared chapter and prepare a short video that can sit beside the original photograph.
Read the guideUsing animated photos at a family reunion
Plan a few conversation starters, check the files beforehand and leave space for people to tell their own stories.
Read the guideMaking a memory from a pet photograph
Choose a familiar pose and take time to decide whether an animated interpretation is something you want to keep.
Read the guideTo keep close
Keep the photograph, its context and the video in a way you can find again later.
Organising family photographs before you create videos
Build a small system that keeps pictures, names and uncertainty together without turning the project into a chore.
Read the guideKeeping digital memories beyond your account
Save the source, the story and the downloaded video so your collection remains understandable on your own devices.
Read the guideSharing a memory video without sharing your account
Download a file, add clear context and choose the people and channel you want to use.
Read the guideBuilding a family-history video from photo memories
Plan the story outside the app, create individual clips and keep historical facts separate from generated motion.
Read the guideWhich photograph comes to mind?
Begin with one clear image. Give it a title, choose a length and keep the video in your private collection.
Bring a photo to lifeYour photos stay private.