This paper examines cinemagraphs, a unique hybrid of photography and video, and their impact on time perception within the photographic medium. It explores photography’s evolution from capturing a frozen moment to depicting the duration of an instant. The analysis focuses on the sensory impact of cinemagraphs, particularly their ability to engage viewers through the introduction of subtle motion. This interference disrupts our understanding of time, rhythm, and narrative within a seemingly static image. Selected examples demonstrate cinemagraphs’ impact on time perception and narrative duration, highlighting their potential to challenge traditional visual boundaries and adapt to diverse artistic visions.

This paper examines cinemagraphs, a unique hybrid of photography and video, and their impact on time perception within the photographic medium. It explores photography’s evolving role from capturing a frozen moment to depicting the duration of an instant. The analysis focuses on the sensory impact of cinemagraphs, particularly their ability to engage viewers through the introduction of subtle motion. This interference disrupts our understanding of time, rhythm, and narrative within a seemingly static image. Selected examples demonstrate cinemagraphs' impact on time perception and narrative duration, highlighting their potential to challenge traditional visual boundaries and adapt to diverse artistic visions.