Learn how to create a short film using nothing but photographs

Make a short film with Lego characters at the workshop. Pic Courtesy/ Paullzzard on vimeo

Can a beautiful movie be created without a video camera? How can you breathe life into a crumpled piece of paper with nothing but your imagination? Turns out, it's no rocket science - it's just stop-motion photography.

If you'd like to master the art yourself, attend a workshop conducted by Shawn Lewis, who is an artist, designer, filmmaker and photographer. Through his pet project, Bombay Film Factory, he documents everything that goes on backstage at a play.

Shawn Lewis

Stop-motion photography involves clicking a series of images in such a way as to give your character or subject the impression of movement. "It is the bridge between still photography and a movie. You can make your subjects do all sorts of different things, and create magic without using any special effects. All you need is an active imagination," says Mumbai-based Lewis, who first experimented with the technique when he was 12 years old.

At the workshop, which will be held at Artisans' Gallery, Lewis will teach participants techniques of portraiture, architecture, along with the understanding of lighting and how to use everyday objects as subjects. You don't need to be skilled in the art of photography to attend the workshop, as it will begin with the basics.

"I will be pairing people up or dividing them into teams. This way, they get the chance to share their skill sets, and if someone is not as adept, the others can help them," adds Lewis. He continues, "It's a hands-on, practical workshop, where people can create their own stories. If they want to explore the outdoors to find their inspiration, they're free to do so. There are no restrictions."