The Flicker Fiasco & My Luminous Liberation

Every single time I sat down to create a stop motion, I swear, I wanted to cry.

You know that feeling? That utter, soul-crushing frustration when you’ve poured hours into setting up a perfect scene, meticulously moved your product frame by painstaking frame, only to play it back and see... that maddening flicker. Like a strobe light having a seizure. It looked choppy, unprofessional, and frankly, completely ruined the magic.

I was reaching out to other photographers, desperate for a solution. They all had the same advice: "Wait for your lights to fully recycle." And I did. I waited. And waited. My patience wore thinner than a well-loved prop, but the flicker persisted. It wasn't about waiting for my lights to be ready; it was about them simply not outputting the same light every single time they fired. I fell into every rabbit hole trying to understand why my perfectly good (or so I thought) strobes were betraying me. It felt like a technical curse.

Sound familiar? If your stop motions look choppier than a budget horror film, you are absolutely not alone. I've been there, staring at what felt like a broken animation, wondering why my light was actively working against me.

The Sneaky Culprit: It's Not You, It's Your Cheap Lights (No Offense!)

Here's the brutal truth I discovered the hard way: many low-end lights—especially strobes—simply do not give the exact same output of light every single time they fire. That tiny, microscopic inconsistency in light intensity? Your camera sees it. And your viewers' eyes? They translate it into that nauseating, unprofessional flicker. The "wait for recycle" advice just doesn't address this fundamental inconsistency. It's like trying to fix a leaky faucet by holding a bucket under it instead of tightening the pipe.

The Game-Changing Solution: My Secret Weapon – High-Quality Continuous Light

The moment I finally figured out this elusive problem, I was so excited I practically levitated. I finally invested in high-quality continuous lighting, and it was like someone flipped a different switch. Not just "on," but "perfection." The flicker vanished. Just... poof. Gone.

Continuous lights inherently eliminate this headache because they provide a constant, unchanging output. There are no "bursts" to vary, no inconsistencies between frames. The light is simply there, steady as a rock.

My stop motions literally transformed overnight. They went from "good enough" to professional, high-quality, and genuinely eye-catching. They flow so nicely now, grabbing attention and telling the product's story without a single jarring visual hiccup. Honestly, they're so pretty lol.

Beyond the Flicker: What You'll Learn to Master

This wasn't just a technical fix; it was a fundamental shift that elevated my entire product visual game. It saved my sanity, boosted my results, and showed me the true impact of the right equipment and knowledge. And it's just one of the crucial details I dive into. Imagine what else is holding back your visuals... and how easily you could fix it.

If a simple lighting swap can transform your visuals, imagine what else is possible. You don't have to navigate these technical headaches alone.

** intrigued by what else is hiding in your setup?** Let's connect and discuss how your products can truly shine.

👉 [Reach out to chat about your product visuals]

Behind the Scenes: What My Stop Motion Setup Looks Like at Home

How I shoot scroll-stopping videos with simple tools

One of the biggest myths about stop motion is that you need a big studio or expensive equipment to create it. But the truth? You can get eye-catching, professional-quality results right on your phone.

In this behind-the-scenes look, I’m sharing what my setup looks like when I create stop motion for brands, both with my phone and with my DSLR camera. Whether you’re after a casual, handmade feel or something with a crisp, polished look, I’ve got you covered.

My Studio Essentials

Here’s what I use depending on the style and scope of the project:

• Phone Setup
  For playful, on-the-fly animations or content that needs to feel warm and relatable, I use my phone with a tripod. It’s fast, flexible, and perfect for social.
  

• DSLR Setup
  For a more polished look or when a brand wants ultra-clean detail, I use my DSLR and lighting setup. This gives me more control over depth, texture, and resolution. This is ideal for campaigns, websites, and product launches.
  

• A flat surface + good lighting
  Whether I’m using my phone or camera, I shoot on a clean table near a window or use a softbox light for even lighting. Backgrounds range from simple white backdrops to textured vinyl, depending on the mood and client's brand.

How I Plan Each Shoot

Before I begin, I sketch a rough storyboard to map out movements and transitions. That way, every frame feels intentional.

Then I prep the product, props, and background, make sure everything is aligned and clean, and start building the scene frame by frame.

What the Process Looks Like

In each shoot the steps are fairly consistent, but it does depend on the types of movement and flow I want to capture:

• Move the product a bit

• Snap a photo

• Repeat the process until you get the look you want

Watching a product come to life in this way never gets old.

Editing + Finishing Touches

Phone projects are usually edited directly in the Life Lapse app. DSLR projects get imported into Lightroom and stitched together in DaVinci Resolve for a smooth, high-end result.

Each project gets customized based on your needs. Whether you want a fun teaser for Instagram, a product demo for your website, or looping animations for ads, stop motion is a great way to go.

Here’s the Best Part

You don’t have to DIY this unless you want to.

I create stop motion for brands using both simple and professional setups, depending on your goals. Whether you’re looking for something playful and handmade or clean and campaign-ready, I’ll help you create visuals that move your audience.

Want to Try It (or Hand It Off)?

 [Download my free guide] to create your first stop motion video using just your phone, no overwhelm, just simple steps.

Or  [reach out to me directly] if you want me to bring your product to life with a custom stop motion video.

Let’s make your brand stand out one frame at a time!

I’m Terisha and I create custom stop motion videos and product photos  for brands  who want content that feels polished and on brand. I would love to chat about your needs. Email me here.

Creative Storyboard Ideas for Your Next Stop Motion Video

You’ve got a great product, and you know stop motion is a scroll-stopper. But now comes the part where most brands get stuck: planning the video.

That’s where storyboarding comes in. It’s the easiest way to clarify your concept, organize your shots, and stay consistent with your message. And it doesn’t have to be complicated. Even a quick sketch on a sticky note can help you plan a powerful piece of content.

In this post, we’ll walk through why storyboards matter, how to plan them for short stop motion scenes, and a few creative storyboard ideas you can use for your next product shoot.

Why Use a Storyboard for Stop Motion?

Stop motion videos move fast, but they’re made slowly, frame by frame. A storyboard acts as your visual game plan. It helps you:

• Map out the full sequence before you begin shooting

• Avoid wasting time and photos on unclear direction

• Stay aligned with your brand story or product benefit

• Ensure each movement flows smoothly into the next

Even if you're creating something short and playful, a rough plan will save you time and make your final video feel polished and intentional.

How to Create a Basic Storyboard

Think of your storyboard like a comic strip for your video. It should include:

1. Frame-by-frame sketches or scene descriptions

2. Camera angle or layout (flat lay, front-facing, close-up)

3. Movement direction (what’s happening in each step)

4. Any text, props, or graphic overlays you want to include

You can draw it by hand, jot down notes in your phone, or use a free digital tool like Milanote or Canva.

5 Creative Storyboard Ideas for Stop Motion

These simple concepts work beautifully for product-based brands and can be adapted to your style and message.

1. Unboxing Reveal

Storyboard Concept: A closed box slides into frame. It opens gradually, and the product floats or rises out. End with a close-up or styled product shot.

Why it works: It builds anticipation and highlights the customer’s unboxing experience, especially important for e-commerce.

2. Before-and-After Transformation

Storyboard Concept: Begin with a cluttered or “problem” scene. Introduce the product. End with a clean, styled “after” scene.

Example: Messy desk transitions into a calm, minimal workspace centered around your product.

Why it works: It shows the result your product delivers, not just the item itself.

3. How It Works Demo

Storyboard Concept: The product enters the frame. Small movements demonstrate how it works. End with the result or benefit.

Example: Skincare bottle opens. A bit of product is animated out. Final scene shows glowing skin or happy user graphic.

Why it works: It quickly answers common buyer questions and shows real-world use.

4. Ingredient or Benefit Build

Storyboard Concept: Start with a clean background. Ingredients or features float in one by one. Product appears at the end, followed by benefit icons or quick highlights.

Why it works: It’s fast-paced, visual, and doesn’t rely on text or narration to communicate key selling points.

5. Lifestyle Mood Board

Storyboard Concept: A few objects that represent your brand’s lifestyle or vibe enter the frame one by one. Your product joins the mix. Everything settles into a cohesive flat lay or still scene.

Why it works: It conveys mood, aesthetic, and brand identity in a visually rich way.

Tips for a Smooth Shoot

• Keep movements small and consistent

• Use steady lighting throughout the shoot

• Use onion skinning features in your app to align frames

• Shoot extra frames to give yourself flexibility during editing

Bring Your Product Story to Life

Stop motion doesn’t just show your product. It gives it character. Whether you’re revealing an item, demonstrating a benefit, or setting a vibe, a well-planned storyboard will make your video clearer, faster to shoot, and more compelling to watch.

Want help bringing your product to life?

Download my free guide to creating stop motion with your phone. It’s simple, fast, and designed for beginners.

Or if you’d rather hand it off, contact me here and let’s create something scroll-stopping for your next launch.

Stop Motion vs. Traditional Video: Which One Should Your Brand Use?

Stop Motion vs. Traditional Video: Which One Should Your Brand Use?

Video is one of the most powerful tools in your marketing toolbox, but not all video content is the same. If you’re a product-based brand, you might be wondering which format works best for your goals: stop motion or traditional video.

Let’s walk through what makes each one unique so you can choose the right format for your next campaign.

What Is Stop Motion?

Stop motion is a type of animation created by taking a series of photographs, moving your product slightly between each shot. When the images are played back in sequence, it looks like the product is moving on its own. It feels playful, handcrafted, and a little bit magical, which is why it’s so effective for brands looking to grab attention quickly.

Stop motion is especially eye-catching on platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and Pinterest, where fast, visually interesting content performs well.

What Is Traditional Video?

Traditional video is what most people think of when they hear the word "video." It involves continuous filming of a scene or subject and often includes movement, sound, and real-time interaction. This format is ideal for storytelling, lifestyle content, behind-the-scenes footage, or showing your product being used in real life.

When to Use Stop Motion

Stop motion is a great choice when you want to:

• Create something visually unique that stands out in a busy feed

• Show how a product works through step-by-step animation

• Highlight small details, ingredients, or features

• Make fun, shareable content for social media and ads
  
  Because it’s made of photos rather than video clips, stop motion makes it easy to loop the animation for extra engagement.

When to Use Traditional Video

Traditional video makes the most sense when you want to:

• Share a customer story or testimonial

• Capture someone using your product in real time

• Add audio, voiceover, or music to your message

• Film behind-the-scenes moments or brand events

• Create longer content for YouTube or your website
  
  This format helps your audience connect with the human side of your brand and see your product in action in a more realistic way.

You Don’t Have to Choose Just One

Here’s the good news. You don’t have to choose between stop motion and traditional video. In fact, they work beautifully together.

You might use stop motion to create a quick, playful teaser on Instagram Stories, and then follow it up with a traditional video that shows your product in more depth. Or use stop motion for ingredient animations and traditional video for a full product demo.

The most effective brands use a mix of formats to build a visual strategy that’s dynamic, engaging, and true to their personality.

Want Help Deciding What’s Right for You?

If you're not sure which direction to take, I’m here to help. I work with wellness and product-based brands to create scroll-stopping stop motion and video content that feels fresh and on-brand.

Option 1: Work with me

Let’s create strategic, engaging videos that fit your brand and marketing goals.

Reach out here to start a project

Option 2: Try it yourself
Download my free step-by-step guide and start creating stop motion videos with just your phone. It’s perfect for beginners and gives you the basics without the overwhelm.

👉 Download the guide here

The Takeaway

Both stop motion and traditional video have a place in your content plan. The key is knowing what story you’re telling and which format will tell it best. With the right mix of creativity and strategy, you can bring your product to life in a way that connects and converts.

How to Use Stop Motion to Show Off Product Features

Want your product to stand out and actually communicate its value without using a single word?

Stop motion is one of the easiest and most effective ways to highlight what makes your product special.

Whether it’s how it works, what it does, or what makes it different, this playful animation style helps you educate and engage your audience in just a few seconds.

Let’s break down how to use stop motion to put your product features in the spotlight.

1. Highlight How Your Product Works

Stop motion is perfect for demonstrating step-by-step functionality for products.

Try this:

• Show a skincare bottle twisting open, product dispensing, and the lid closing again.

• Animate a supplement being poured into a hand or glass.

• Show a tea bag dipping into hot water with subtle steam graphics added in post.

This type of content is not only eye-catching. It also answers questions your audience is already thinking, like How does this work? What does it look like in use?

2. Zoom In on Key Details

Have a special ingredient, texture, or component that makes your product unique?
Zoom in on it.

Try this:

• Use stop motion to animate ingredients floating in or out of frame.

• Show packaging being unboxed to reveal eco-friendly materials or clean formulations.

• Feature close-up animations of product textures like creams, powders, or fabrics being touched or applied.

You don’t need a voiceover to say “clean, sustainable, effective.” The visuals do the talking.

3. Animate a Transformation

One of the coolest ways to use stop motion is by showing a before-and-after moment or a product in action over time.

Try this:

• Animate a messy desk transforming into a calm, styled workspace with your product as the centerpiece.

• Show a cluttered shelf becoming beautifully organized with your product.

These visual stories connect emotionally and show real-life impact, both of which build trust.

4. Show Off Size or Quantity

It’s hard to communicate product size or how much you get in a still image. Stop motion makes it easy.

Try this:

• Animate a hand holding the product, then placing it next to a familiar object for size reference.

• Show the full unboxing experience to reveal how much is inside a container or kit.

This kind of content answers questions that often pop up in DMs and comment sections, reducing confusion and customer service headaches.

5. Create a Quick “Feature Round-Up”

Sometimes, you just need to tell your audience all the good stuff quickly.

Stop motion is great for high-energy “highlight reel” style content.

Try this:

• Animate floating text or icons around your product. For example: “Vegan,” “No Preservatives,” “Made in USA.”

• Cycle through ingredients or benefits with fast-paced transitions. Think turmeric turning into a glow icon, or magnesium turning into a calm night scene.

These short, energetic videos are perfect for Reels, TikToks, and Stories.

🎁 Want Help Bringing Your Product to Life?

Feel free to email me to discuss how we can work together.

If you’re ready to start creating engaging stop motion content that shows off your product’s best features without expensive gear or editing software on your own, I’ve got something just for you.

👉 Download my free guide: Create Your First Stop Motion Video Using Just Your Phone!

You’ll learn:

• Exactly how to set up your phone

• The secret to smooth animation

• How to edit and export your final video

Small Animations, Big Impact

Stop motion isn’t just cute. It’s smart marketing.
It helps you say more with less and makes your products feel alive, approachable, and truly memorable.

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Creating Stop Motion Videos for Your Brand

Stop motion is one of the most charming and effective ways to bring your products to life. But as simple as it is to get started, there are a few common mistakes that can make your video look more homemade than high-impact.

The good news? These mistakes are easy to avoid once you know what to look for.

Whether you’re just getting started or want to take your next video to the next level, here are five things to watch out for:

1. Inconsistent Lighting

Lighting is everything in stop motion.
When your light source changes, even a little, it can cause your frames to flicker, creating a distracting effect that takes away from your final video.

How to fix it:

• Use natural light from a window, but avoid filming during times when light changes quickly..

• If possible, shoot in a room with steady lighting, or supplement with softbox lights or a ring light.

• Avoid turning overhead lights on/off mid-shoot. Any change will show up in your final video.

2. A Shaky Camera Setup

Even the tiniest camera movement can cause your video to look jittery. Smooth animation depends on keeping your camera 100% still from the first frame to the last.

How to fix it:

• Use a tripod or prop your phone against something sturdy (books, boxes, or even a mug can work in a pinch).

• Turn off any auto-focus or stabilization settings that might cause the camera to shift.

• Don’t touch the phone while capturing frames. Use the self-timer or a Bluetooth remote to take each photo so you don’t bump the camera.

3. Moving Too Much Between Shots

When you are starting with stop motion it is best to use tiny, consistent movements. If you move your object too far between frames, your video will look choppy and rushed.

How to fix it:

• Keep each movement small and steady.

• Use the onion skinning feature in apps like Life Lapse to see your last frame and line things up precisely.

• Aim for 15–30 frames for a smooth 1–2 second action.

4. Forgetting to Plan the Sequence

Winging it sounds fun until your animation doesn’t flow, you run out of space, props, or light halfway through the shoot.

How to fix it:

• Sketch a quick storyboard or write out the steps of your animation before you start.

• Think about your start and end frames: What do you want your product to do? Slide in? Open? Disappear?

• Plan your layout and movement direction ahead of time so everything stays consistent.

5. Skipping the Editing Step

Stop motion doesn’t end after you take your photos. Speed, pacing, and trimming can make or break the final result.

How to fix it:

• Use the built-in editing tools in your stop motion app to preview your video, adjust speed, and trim out extra frames.

• Watch your animation all the way through and make sure it feels natural.

• Add music, text, or overlays only if they support the message — don’t distract from the animation itself.

Want to Skip the Guesswork?

If you’re ready to avoid all these mistakes before they happen — and create smooth, attention-grabbing stop motion with just your phone — I’ve got something for you:

Download my free guide: Create Your First Stop Motion Video Using Just Your Phone!

You’ll learn:

• How to set up your phone like a pro

• How to use natural light effectively

• Step-by-step movement tips

• How to edit and share your final video

Whether you’re new or just want to simplify your process, this guide will walk you through every step.NO FANCY GEAR NEEDED!

Ready to Create Scroll-Stopping Content?

Avoiding these five mistakes can instantly make your stop motion videos more polished and more effective. And with a little guidance, you’ll be creating beautiful brand animations that grab attention and boost engagement — even if you’re working from home with your phone.

Grab the free guide here and start creating your best content yet!

The Easiest Way to Create Your First Stop Motion Video Using Just Your Phone

If you're a product-based brand trying to create content that actually stops the scroll, you're not alone. Static images and generic videos only go so far — and today’s audiences crave something more dynamic, more creative, and more you.

Enter: stop motion video.

You’ve probably seen them — short, charming clips where products seem to move on their own. They’re eye-catching, playful, and incredibly effective. And the best part? You don’t need fancy gear or a production crew to make one.

Why Start with Stop Motion?

Because it works.
Stop motion grabs attention faster than most content on the feed. It's unexpected, handmade, and fun — and that makes it memorable. Even better, it’s way easier to create than you might think.

Here’s What You Really Need:

• Your phone

• Good natural light

• The free Life Lapse app

• A little creative energy (which I know you already have)

That’s it.

But Here’s the Thing…

You could try to figure it all out through trial and error, or — you could grab my free guide that walks you through the entire process in minutes.

👇👇👇
🎉 Download: How to Create a Super Basic Stop Motion Using the Life Lapse App 🎉
No fancy gear. No fluff. Just a step-by-step plan to bring your product to life — fast.

In this guide, I’ll show you:
✅ How to set up your phone for smooth, professional-looking animation
✅ The secret to consistent movement between frames
✅ How to use “onion skinning” to perfectly align each shot
✅ The fastest way to edit and export your final video

Why This Guide is a Game-Changer

You’ll learn:

• How to create engaging stop motion even if you’ve never made a video before

• How to add personality to your brand’s visuals

• How to start today using just your phone — no extra equipment required

If you’ve been stuck trying to come up with fresh content that gets engagement, this is the spark you need.

📲 Ready to make your first stop motion video today?
👉 Download the free guide now and start creating scroll-stopping content that feels handmade, fun, and on-brand.

You’ll be amazed what you can do in just 30 minutes.

Why Stop Motion Should Be in Every Brand’s Marketing Toolkit

In a world packed with content, standing out isn’t just nice — it’s necessary. If you’re a product-based brand trying to get noticed online, the question isn’t whether you need eye-catching visuals. The question is how you’re going to create them.

One of the most effective (and often overlooked) ways is with stop motion animation.

What Is Stop Motion, and Why Is It So Effective?

Stop motion is a technique that makes still objects appear to move by capturing a series of photographs, one tiny movement at a time. When played back, it creates a smooth, animated sequence that brings your product to life.

It feels handmade, whimsical, and fresh — and that’s exactly why it works. Stop motion adds a playful rhythm and visual charm that grabs attention fast, especially on scroll-heavy platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Why Your Brand Should Use Stop Motion

If you’re wondering whether stop motion is worth your time, here are five clear reasons to say yes:

1. Higher Engagement

Stop motion content stands out. Because it’s less common than static photos or typical video, it immediately draws attention in the feed — and that often means more views, likes, and shares.

2. Budget-Friendly Production

You don’t need a studio or a crew. With just your phone, some natural light, and a bit of creativity, you can make professional-looking stop motion videos that elevate your brand’s visual game.

3. Personality That Connects

Today’s consumers want to feel something. The handmade quality of stop motion helps you create content that’s warm, real, and relatable — which builds trust and brand loyalty.

4. Creative Flexibility

Use it to reveal new products, show a behind-the-scenes moment, animate a how-to, or simply add motion to your feed. There are endless ways to adapt stop motion to your brand’s voice and marketing goals.

5. Share-Worthy Style

Stop motion grabs attention fast — and keeps it. Its unexpected movement and visual charm make viewers want to watch more than once and share it with others.

The Best Part: It’s Easier Than You Think

A lot of brands assume stop motion is complicated, but that’s just not true. You can start with tools you already have — like your phone — and a free app like Life Lapse.

To make things even easier, I created a free, step-by-step guide to help you start creating your own stop motion videos today.

Ready to Try It?

If you’re curious about adding stop motion to your marketing — without fancy equipment or editing experience — I’ve got something just for you.

👉 Download My Free Stop Motion Starter Guide
Learn how to create fun, eye-catching product videos with just your phone.

Hi, I’m Terisha — a commercial photographer and stop motion creator helping product-based brands stand out online. If you’re ready to tell your brand story in a fresh, playful way, I’d love to help.