Definition & Meaning of "Ken Burns effect"

What is the "Ken Burns effect"?

The Ken Burns effect is a technique used in video editing that involves slowly zooming in on or panning across still images. Named after the documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, who popularized this method, it adds a sense of movement and dynamism to static photos. This effect helps to maintain viewer interest and can create a more engaging visual experience by bringing historical or static images to life and emphasizing details within the photographs.