Irising Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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irising

[ˈaɪrɪzɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

visual effect

Irising is a visual effect used in film and television where a scene transitions by narrowing down to a small circle, resembling the shape of an iris, and then opening up to reveal another scene. This effect gives a dramatic emphasis to transitions and can evoke nostalgia for classic cinema techniques. It is sometimes utilized in slideshows and digital presentations to create a captivating experience for the viewer.

Synonyms

iris effect, iris transition, zoom transition.

Examples of usage

  • The director used irising to shift between scenes.
  • They incorporated an irising effect in the slideshow.
  • Irising created a smooth transition in the video.

Translations

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Origin of 'irising'

The term 'irising' originates from the early days of cinema, where filmmakers sought new and creative ways to transition between scenes. The effect draws its name from the 'iris diaphragm' of a camera, which is a mechanism that controls the diameter of the aperture, allowing varying amounts of light to enter. As filmmakers began experimenting with visual storytelling, they adopted the 'iris' concept, mechanically mimicking this effect to create a dramatic visual transition. This technique became popular in the silent film era, where creative transitions were essential for maintaining audience engagement without the aid of spoken dialogue. Over the years, the term evolved in its usage, and now 'irising' is recognized as both a film editing technique and a broader artistic metaphor for gradual revelation in various visual mediums.