French photographer Romain Laurent (previously) started making portrait-based GIFs as a way to produce work outside his retail jobs, a simple project that would inspire him to produce consistently for himself rather than customers. Each GIF is simple in its concept—a snap of the finger, a spin of the hand—yet is beautiful in its composition of muted colors and subjects often focused squarely in the frame. Although GIFs often combine the whole subject, Laurent’s work highlights one or two particular movements, isolating gestures rather than animating the entire concept.
Laurent studied product design at the National School of Applied Arts in Paris before understanding photography was his tool of choice. Laurent now works in New York City and has collaborated with clients such as Reebok, Hermes, Lacoste, Nissan, Google, and GQ.
via Colossal