How to Prevent Light Flicker in Stop Motion | Troubleshooting

by kim Updated: April 14, 2023

Flicker is the worst nightmare of any stop motion animator. It ruins your footage and makes it look amateurish.

Many factors can cause flicking, but there are some ways to prevent it.

Flickering is caused by inconsistent lighting. When the camera changes position, the light source changes position as well, and the light intensity changes. To prevent this, you need to create a controlled environment with consistent lighting.

In this article, I’ll share some tips and tricks to help you avoid light flicker in stop motion.

What is light flicker in stop motion?

In stop motion animation, light flicker refers to a visual effect that occurs when the intensity of the lighting changes rapidly and irregularly over time. 

Flickering happens when there’s an inconsistency in the light exposure between frames.

Flicker can be especially noticeable in stop motion videos, as this animation is created by stitching together individual pictures to create the illusion of motion.

This effect can be caused by a number of factors, such as variations in power supply, fluctuations in the light source, or changes in the position or movement of the camera.

When light flicker occurs in stop motion animation, it can cause the images to appear jerky or jumpy, which can be distracting to the viewer. 

To avoid this effect, animators often use consistent lighting sources and power supplies and take measures to stabilize the camera and other equipment during filming. 

Additionally, some editing techniques can be applied to minimize the appearance of light flicker during post-production.

Why is light flicker a problem and how does it affect the stop motion animation?

Light flicker is a problem in stop motion animation because it can cause the animation to appear jerky or uneven. 

When the intensity of the lighting changes rapidly and irregularly over time, it can create a strobe effect that can be distracting to the viewer and take away from the overall quality of the animation.

The problem is particularly acute in stop motion animation because the animation is created by taking a series of still photographs, with each photograph representing a slightly different position of the objects being animated.

 If the lighting flickers between photographs, it can create a noticeable jump in the motion of the objects, which can make the animation look choppy and unnatural.

In addition to the visual problems, light flicker can also make the production process more difficult and time-consuming. 

Animators may need to spend more time adjusting the lighting or retaking shots to get the desired effect, which can add to the overall cost and time required to create the animation.

This problem of light flicker commonly affects amateurs or beginner animators because they don’t know how to set up lighting properly or use their camera settings correctly.

Besides avoiding light flicker, I can give you some more great advice on how to make your stop motion animation seem smooth and realistic

What causes light flicker?

There are actually many potential reasons you’re experiencing the dreaded light flicker.

Here are some potential causes:

• Inconsistent lighting: Changes in light intensity or direction can lead to flicker.
• Camera settings: Auto settings, such as exposure and white balance, can cause variations in each frame.
• Power fluctuations: Voltage changes in your power supply can affect the brightness of your lights.
• Natural light: Sunlight can be unpredictable and cause flicker if it’s part of your light source.
• Reflections: You may be getting in the camera’s way or you might be reflecting off the set or figurines. 

How to prevent light flicker in stop motion

I cover the basics of stop motion lighting techniques here, but let’s dive deeper into preventing the light flicker issue specifically.

Make all camera settings manual

Auto settings can make one picture turn out perfect.

Still, when it shoots the second, third, and fourth pictures, though, it can make them less than perfect.

You can notice light flicker because the focus is different in each of the photos. 

In manual mode, once you arrange your characters and lighting to however you want it, the settings stay the same, and thus your photos will be the same, without variations in lighting quality. 

But of course, you have to check to be sure there is no light flicker or random glare in your manual photos before you decide on the final settings. 

Truthfully, your camera can be both your best friend and your worst enemy when it comes to flickering.

Here’s how to keep it in check:

• Both reflex and mirrorless cameras can cause flicker if their settings aren’t properly adjusted.
• Shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings can all contribute to flicker if they’re not consistent between frames.
• Some cameras have a built-in flicker reduction feature, which can help minimize the issue.

Here is a top list of the cameras I would recommend for making stop motion animations

Use a manual lens with a connector to a DSLR body

One technique that professionals use to avoid flicker is to use a manual lens, connected to a DSLR body with a connector.

This is because with a regular digital lens, the aperture can close at slightly different positions between shots.

These small variations in aperture position can cause flicker in the resulting images, which can be frustrating and time-consuming to correct in post-production.

A lot of this has to do with the type of DSLR camera you’re using.

The most expensive modern camera lenses have this flicker problem too and it is very frustrating for animators.

Please keep in mind that a Canon body works best with a manual aperture lens. The aperture will close to slightly different settings between shots if you’re using a digital lens.

While this isn’t an issue for traditional photography, it does cause “flicker” in time-lapse and stop-motion sequences.

Use a Nikon manual aperture lens with a Canon camera by attaching it via a Nikon to Canon lens adapter.

Nikon users can easily use a Nikon manual aperture lens and cover the electrical connectors with masking tape.

The aperture of a manual-aperture lens is adjusted via a physical ring. Avoid the ‘G’ series of lenses, as they lack an aperture ring.

But the good thing about the manual lens is that every time you set the F-stop, it stays that way and there’s no variation, hence less chance of flicker!

Black out the room

This might seem obvious, but shooting stop motion animation requires artificial light. Therefore, you want to block out all the natural light from your room/studio. 

This means eliminating all light sources in the room, including natural light and ambient light from electronic devices. 

By doing so, animators can have greater control over the lighting conditions and reduce the chances of light flicker occurring.

You can use heavy blackout drapes or tape aluminum foil on all your windows to do this. This is the cheapest way to go about blacking out a room. 

Use artificial light

Here’s a trick: never use the sun as your light source for stop motion animation.

If you shoot your photos in the sunlight, they will be full of flicker, and this can really ruin your animation. 

You cannot use the sun as your light source because the sun is always on the move, and the lighting conditions can change from second to second. 

While your first 2 photos can look good, the sun can change quickly, and it will create some major flickering for your next couple of photos. 

You want your pictures to be consistent in terms of lighting, and the only way to do that is to avoid the sun and use artificial lights like lamps and flashlights. 

Control light direction: Ensure your lights are positioned consistently to avoid shadows and changes in light direction.

Wear dark-colored clothing

If you wear light-colored clothing, especially something white, it will reflect light and cause flicker to occur. Light-colored clothing also causes inconsistency in the lighting. 

The light from your light source bounces off the light-colored fabric and back into your set or figure.

This creates the light flicker effect in your photos, and that’s exactly what you want to avoid. 

Be sure also to avoid wearing reflective clothing like something with sequins or reflective jewelry, which can also cause flicker. 

Don’t get in the way

When taking the photos, you need to be out of the way. The best way to do this is to avoid hovering over your set and figurines. 

If possible, use a remote shutter release and stand as far back as possible to avoid any flicker or any reflections in your pictures.

The remote shutter release helps avoid camera shake and accidental setting changes while capturing frames.

If you’re making a brickfilm, for example, and using LEGO bricks or other plastic figures, remember that the plastic surface is highly reflective, and it can easily create the flicker effect.

When you’re standing too close, you can reflect light and ruin the photos. The last thing you want is to see a body part reflected in your LEGO bricks.

Learn about this awesome thing called LEGOmation and how you can do it at home!

Set the stage for consistent lighting

To prevent light flicker, you’ll need to create a controlled environment for your stop motion project. 

You always use artificial lighting for stop motion. The right lighting can make or break your stop motion video, and flickering is no exception. 

Different light sources have different frequencies, which can cause flicker if they’re not matched to your camera’s shutter speed.

Use artificial lights that provide consistent output, such as LED or tungsten lights. Avoid fluorescent lights, as they’re notorious for causing flicker.

But even LED and fluorescent lights are prone to causing flicker due to their varying frequencies.

To prevent flicker, try using a constant light source, like tungsten or halogen bulbs, or adjusting your camera’s shutter speed to match the frequency of your lights.

By understanding when flickering occurs and the factors that contribute to it, you’ll be well on your way to creating flicker-free stop motion and time-lapse masterpieces.

Power up with reliable sources

Unstable power sources can cause light flicker, so make sure you’re plugged into a reliable source. 

Consider these options:

• Use a power conditioner to regulate voltage and filter out electrical noise.
• Invest in a high-quality surge protector to shield your equipment from voltage spikes.
• Opt for battery-powered lights to eliminate power fluctuations altogether.

Master the art of light diffusion

Diffusing your lights can help minimize flicker and create a more even lighting setup. Try these techniques:

• Use softboxes or diffusion panels to spread light evenly across your scene.
• Bounce light off a white surface, like a foam board, to create a softer, more diffused look.
• Experiment with different diffusion materials, such as tracing paper or fabric, to find the perfect balance.

A sturdy tripod

A camera tripod is a must-have for stop motion animation, as it ensures your camera stays steady and prevents any unwanted bumps or shakes.

Thus, a sturdy tripod can help prevent light flicker in stop motion animation by stabilizing the camera and other equipment during filming. 

When the camera is mounted on a stable platform, it is less likely to move or vibrate, which can help reduce the effects of light flicker.

Check out my review of tripods that are great for shooting stop motion here

Extra tips for preventing light flicker

• Shutter speed: Adjusting your camera’s shutter speed can help reduce flicker. Experiment with different settings to find the best results for your shoot.
• Lens and diaphragm: Unscrewing the lens and opening the diaphragm can help minimize flicker in some cameras. This old-school remedy may not work for all models, but it’s worth a try if you’re experiencing flicker issues.
• Background and keylight: Ensure your background and keylight are evenly lit to prevent flicker. Fill lights can be handy for removing shadows and creating a more consistent look.

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, flicker can still appear in your stop motion animation. In these cases, software solutions in post-production can be a lifesaver:

• Adobe After Effects: This powerful software provides a range of tools for removing flicker from your video. The Keylight plugin, in particular, can be useful for tackling flicker in specific sections of your animation.
• Other software options: There are numerous other software solutions available for addressing flicker in stop motion. Do some research and experiment with different programs to find the one that works best for you.

How does light flicker affect the quality of stop motion animation?

Okay, so you know how stop motion animation is all about taking a bunch of pictures and then putting them together to make a movie? 

Well, if the lighting in those pictures is flickering, it can ruin the whole thing!

Flickering happens when the light source is not consistent, like when you use regular old light bulbs that are affected by changes in the electrical current. 

This can cause the pictures to look different from each other, which makes the animation look jerky and weird. 

So there you have it, folks. Flicker might seem like a small thing, but it can have a big impact on the quality of your stop motion animation. 

With some know-how and handy tools, you can banish flicker from your productions and create smooth, seamless animations that will make your friends and family say “wow!”

How can I test for light flicker before shooting my stop motion animation?

Let’s talk about how to test for light flicker before you even start shooting.

You don’t want to spend hours animating only to realize later that your video looks like a strobe light party.

One way to test for flicker is to use a frame grabber software like Dragonframe. This nifty tool allows you to monitor the light levels and take shots while blacking out the room. 

You can also use a Bluetooth shutter device to take shots from a distance and avoid any accidental light changes.

Another important thing to consider is your lighting setup.

If you’re shooting in a home studio, you might rely on the power from your home’s circuit. Check the voltage to make sure it’s steady.

You can also use a light meter. A light meter can help you measure the intensity of the lighting in the room and detect any fluctuations that may be causing light flicker. 

Some light meters are designed explicitly for detecting flicker and can provide a more detailed analysis of the lighting conditions.

Next, use a camera app. Some camera apps, such as Flicker Free or Light Flicker Meter, can be used to detect light flicker by analyzing the frames captured by the camera. 

These apps can be particularly useful for detecting high-frequency flicker that may not be visible to the naked eye.

But wait, there’s more! You can also use gaffe tape, aluminum foil, and black fabric to control light spill and reflections. 

And don’t forget to wear dark clothing and stand in a regular position when taking photos to avoid any possible light changes.

Finally, use a test shot. Take a test shot of your set-up and review the footage frame by frame to check for any signs of light flicker. 

Look for changes in brightness or color that occur between frames, which may indicate the presence of flicker.

So, there you have it, folks. With these tips and tricks, you can test for light flicker and create a smooth stop motion animation without any annoying interruptions.

Now go forth and animate like a boss!

What type of lighting equipment should I use to prevent light flicker in my stop motion animation?

First off, let’s talk about what causes light flicker in stop motion animation. It’s all about the type of lighting equipment you use. 

Traditional incandescent bulbs have a tendency to flicker because they operate on alternating current.

LED lights, on the other hand, don’t have this issue because they operate on direct current. So, if you want to prevent light flicker, go for LED lights. 

But, there’s more to it than just the type of bulb. The frequency of the electricity in your location can also cause light flicker.

In the US, the standard frequency is 60Hz, while in Europe it’s 50Hz. 

If your camera’s shutter speed doesn’t match the frequency of the electricity, you’ll get light flicker. So, make sure to adjust your shutter speed accordingly. 

Lastly, if you’re still having issues with light flicker, you can try using a flicker-free light.

These lights are specifically designed for stop motion animation and have a built-in circuit that eliminates flicker. 

So, there you have it, folks. Use LED lights, adjust your shutter speed, and consider investing in a flicker-free light to prevent light flicker in your stop motion animation.

Happy animating!

Can I prevent light flicker in post-production?

It is possible to reduce the effects of light flicker in post-production, although it may be more challenging than preventing it during filming. 

There are several techniques that can be used to minimize the appearance of light flicker in the final animation:

1. Color correction: Adjusting the color levels in post-production can help to even out any fluctuations in the lighting that may have caused light flicker. By balancing the color levels between frames, the animation can appear smoother and more consistent.
2. Frame interpolation: Frame interpolation involves creating additional frames between existing frames to smooth out any abrupt changes in motion. This technique can be used to create the illusion of smoother motion and reduce the impact of light flicker.
3. Flicker removal software: There are several software programs available that are specifically designed to remove light flicker from video footage. These programs analyze the frames of the footage and make adjustments to even out any fluctuations in lighting intensity.

While these techniques can be effective in reducing the appearance of light flicker, it is important to note that prevention is always preferable to correction. 

Taking steps to prevent light flicker during filming can help to save time and effort in post-production, resulting in a higher quality final product.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, preventing light flicker in stop motion animation requires a multi-pronged approach that includes attention to lighting equipment, power supply, camera stability, and post-production techniques. 

To prevent light flicker during filming, animators should use high-quality lighting equipment, ensure a consistent power supply, and stabilize the camera on a sturdy tripod or other stable platform. 

Additionally, blacking out the room can create a controlled environment where animators can have greater control over the lighting conditions.

To further reduce the appearance of light flicker, techniques such as color correction, frame interpolation, and flicker removal software can be used during post-production. 

However, prevention is always preferable to correction, and taking steps to prevent light flicker during filming can save time and effort in post-production and result in a higher quality final product.

By following these guidelines and being aware of the potential causes and effects of light flicker, animators can create smooth, visually appealing stop motion animations that captivate and engage their audiences.

These are the best on-camera lights for stop motion reviewed (from budget to pro)

Hi, I'm Kim, a mom and a stop-motion enthusiast with a background in media creation and web development. I've got a huge passion for drawing and animation, and now I'm diving headfirst into the stop-motion world. With my blog, I'm sharing my learnings with you guys.