I found a new photography tool/toy called PLOTAVERSE for the iPad that enables me to animate my photos. There is a free version that gives you the basic features if you are willing to watch an advertisement before each time you export your animated photo into a GIF file. Here’s an example of an animated photo from this week’s trip to Richmond.
It’s a pretty simple process to animate your photo.
Step 1 - Select your photo
Press the PLUS sign in the middle of the bottom of the screen and select the photo to animate.
Step 2 - Put arrows where you want movement
On the bottom left select ANIMATE and drag your finger in the direction of the movement you want. I’ve found many short arrows give a better effect than a few long arrows.
Step 3 - Mask what you don’t want to move
On the bottom menu select MASK and move the slider to increase or decrease the size of the purple dot. Then use your finger to color all the parts of the picture that you don’t want to move.
Step 4 - Test the animation
Press the play arrow on below the photo to run the animation and see whether you like it or want to do more.
Step 5 - Export To GIF
Press the SHARE icon on the top right of the screen to export your animation to a GIF. Here is where you will have to watch a short advertisement unless you want to pay for a full featured no ads version. After the ad, your new GIF file will be in your animations album in iPhoto for you to select and use in your posts.
