Chronophotography

"Chronophotography is an antique photographic technique from the Victorian era (beginning about 1867-68), which captures movement in several frames of print. These prints can be subsequently arranged either like animation cels or layered in a single frame. It is a predecessor to cinematography and moving film involving a series of different cameras, originally created and used for the scientific study of movement." 


As we can see, chronophotography can be seen as one of the first types of animation, a predecesor to classic animation if you will.


The process used would be as following: the photographer would set up a number of cameras, which would be 
then be trip wired or electrically timed to take the pictures while the subject was moving. It could then be used to be displayed in motion or compar phases in motion.
Edward Muybridge was one of the leading practitioners of chronophotography. His works are used to this day by animators because of their high quality. 

Example of Muybridge's work