Have you ever since those gorgeous nature documentaries with stunning time-lapse sequenence and wonder how they were made? The answer may surprise. The equipment isn’t much different than that digital SLR you have in your camera bag.
Learn what is a timelapse video?
“Time-lapse photography is a cinematography technique whereby each film frame is captured at a rate much slower than it will be played back. When replayed at normal speed, time appears to be moving faster and thus lapsing. Time-lapse photography can be considered to be the opposite of high speed photography.”
Learn about the equipment
- Any camera, SLR , compact or even webcam
- Digital Intervalometer
- Large memory card. (4GB+ recommended)
- Tripod (For still shots – Its a must)
- Software for Moviemaking
Learn about time-lapse styles
Before we start shooting we need to decide if we would like a still or panning shot. In simple terms, if the camera will move or stay still. In my example I kept my camera locked onto a tripod shooting the same position.
Still shots are the easiest, simply place your camera on your tripod, set up your intervalometer and then walk away and then return later once it has finished. Whereas panning shots involve a little more work.
Learn to merge your shots and create your movie.
- Picasa 3 (Free from google – windows or mac)
- Quicktime Pro ($40 – windows or mac)
- Compressor ($999 with Final Cut Suite – mac only)
- Photoshop – Optional