In common parlance, time-lapse video is rather acknowledged as time-lapse photography that refers to a series of photographs of the same subject as it moves ever so slightly with time.
Each photograph is separated from the next by a few seconds up to say 30 seconds at the most (or maybe a minute or 2 in case of blossoming of hibiscus flowers for example).
Time-lapse video has its own use, typically in cases where a certain ‘flow’ is ‘examined’ against a stationary backdrop as it happens over a length of time.
One may wish to describe it in different ways. A more polished definition of time-lapse photography by Keith Lightbody is like this:
Time lapse photography is where a camera, typically in a fixed position, automatically records a sequence or series of photos with a set time interval between each image.
I prefer to add the word video instead of photography because the photographs as such do not mean much unless they are sequenced together making a video. The photographs then take a completely different meaning.
Typically the job of sequencing the photographs is done by video software like Vegas Movie Studio or the free JPGVideo. Using Vegas will also allow you do some more tricks in the video.
Keith has some important tips to create eye-catching time-lapse photography as under:
- Make sure that the digital camera is rigidly clamped.
- Keep the lighting uniform and consistent.
- Estimate a suitable time interval between each photo.
- Take a few test shots and review them in the LCD viewfinder before proceeding further.
- Do not rename any time lapse files – they must all remain sequentially numbered.
The more immediate problems are how to automate the camera clicking at pre-determined intervals, and managing the battery consumption of the camera as it operates for a long time.
Once you more or less solve these 2 issues you can try out several takes to see what works best with your camera and your temperament.
Time-lapse video is unique by itself and has tremendous possibility. If you start today it may take a while to hone your skill before starting to make good works.
Viewers may like to see more tips here and here.
Eventually all great works have one thing in common – an uncommon appeal that drags and keeps on dragging people towards them.
Here are 2 videos below in different settings – one at a Toronto car park, the other that of the famous Table Mountain in Cape Town.
 This article of July 11th, 2009 is authored by Partha Bhattacharya, who runs this website. Catering to the clients' video needs aside, Partha also writes guest articles for other web publications. |
