GIFs usually annoy the heck out of me because they get posted on internet forums and crash my browser (and no I'm not using an old or inadequate browser or computer) but those posted by the OP are pretty good.
I'd imagine there'd be no need for anyone or anything to hold still, it's similar to colour popping where just one part of the frame is edited, in this case rather than edited to a different colour, it's edited to change the position slightly.
To those who have made GIFs before, what software have you used?
Edit: nevermind, just found how to do it in PS.
I presume that if I shoot at 8fps then make each frame last 1/8 of a second or as close to that as possible that will give me the most natural looking movement?