Optical Image Slideshow in Adobe After Effects

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating an Optical Image Slideshow:

Step 1: Create a Composition

1. Open Adobe After Effects.
2. Create a new composition named “Optical Slideshow.”
3. Set the resolution to 1920×1080 Pixels, frame rate to 30 frames per second, and duration to 15 seconds.

Step 2: Import Images

1. Import the required images (6 images in this case).

Step 3: Create Image Compositions

1. Create a new composition named “Image 1.”
2. Duplicate the “Image 1” composition 5 times to have a total of 6 image compositions.
3. Drag each image to its respective image composition.
4. Adjust the scale of each image if necessary.

Step 4: Time Adjustments for Images

1. Drag all image compositions to the Layers section.
2. Go to about 2 seconds on the timeline.
3. Select the 5 image layers and press the left bracket button to make them start from 2 seconds.
4. Go to about 4 seconds on the timeline, select the 4th image layer, and press the left bracket to adjust the layer’s timing.
5. Repeat the same process for the remaining image layers.

Step 5: Create Optical Controller Adjustment Layer

1. Create a new Adjustment Layer named “Optical Controller.”
2. Go to the Effects & Presets and search for the “Optics Compensation” effect. Drag and drop it onto the Adjustment Layer.
3. Set a keyframe on Field of View at the first frame with a value of 0.
4. Go to about 15 frames forward and change the Field of View to 150.
5. Check the “Reverse Lens Distortion” option.
6. Go to Layer > Markers > Add Marker. Double-click the marker icon and write “split” or “cut,” then hit OK.

Step 6: Create Split Point

1. Go to about 1 second forward on the timeline.
2. Change the Field of View value back to 0.
3. Go to Edit > Split Layer (shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + D).
4. Delete the top layer created by splitting.
5. Drag the Adjustment Layer between the last two layers and position it where the second image starts.

Step 7: Duplicate Adjustment Layer

1. Select the Adjustment Layer and press Ctrl + D to duplicate it.
2. Drag the duplicated layer above the 4th image layer.
3. Repeat the process for the remaining image compositions.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully created an Optical Slideshow animation in Adobe After Effects. The images transition with an optical effect that enhances the visual appeal of the slideshow. You can further adjust the timing, effects, and transitions to match your creative vision. This tutorial should help you create an engaging and dynamic slideshow using the optical distortion effect.