Step Four: Getting to know your camera. Begin by looking at an online guide for your camera. Look up the camera name and brand in Google and see if you can find information on how to best use the camera. The teacher may want to provide this information. The handbook that comes with the camera is also a good source of information.

Take pictures of the group while they are making the sets and figures. This can be a great behind the scenes slide show as well as allowing you to become accustomed to the setting and how the camera works.

Set the camera up on the tripod to find the best location for shooting your pictures for the movie. Take test shots to check for lighting errors and set arrangements.

Import your test pictures to your computer and see how they look. You will want to have pictures that don't need to be edited before you use them. Have the group discuss the framing and lighting to see if changes should be made. Take more test shots if necessary.

Filming your movie: Since this is stop frame animation, you will want to take a large number of pictures. You will need at least 30 shots for each 10 seconds of movie footage. Having someone else do the animations on the characters allows the photographer to ensure that the camera is not moved and that the angles remain the same.

Tips on Making Your Movie