Final Cut Pro - Creating Moves on Still Images

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Getting still images to move is tricky. But, less so after you read this.

Looking for a quick way to create movement on still images (i.e. the "Ken Burns' effect")?

The solution turns out to be very simple. Make a separate folder in iPhoto called "image montage" (or whatever name suits your fancy) and select only the shots you want to move. Then, in iPhoto, choose "Ken Burns effect", set a dissolve duration of one second or faster, then export it as a QuickTime movie (.mov). Import the file into FCP, edit it to the timeline and render.

Ta-DAH!, a really cool montage with Ken Burns effects.

When creating this effect in iPhoto, you may notice that the motion is randomly applied, in both direction and location on picture. Although you cannot control the type of motion, you CAN drag the picture to set where the movement will end. You are essentially setting the key focal point. This is a handy tip when iPhoto decides to pan down to a crotch rather than up to a face.

(Courtesy of Eric Cosh & John Kaplan)