In Wikipedia, time-lapse photography is a technique in which the frequency at which film frames are captured (the frame rate) is much more spread out than the frequency that is used to view the sequence. When played at normal speed, time appears to be moving faster and thus lapsing.
To be clear, time-lapse photography is a cinematography technique in which a photographer will take a series of still images of the same frame at regular intervals over a period of time, then play through the entire sequence rapidly. For example, individual shots taken of a flower growing over time become a video showing how it goes from seedling to fully blossomed blooming.
Briefly, if you want to present a long process in a several seconds video, time-lapse photography is probably what you need. The technique plays with timing to give people a feeling of escape, of the passage of time. If you want to manipulate the constant elapsed time, just try it.
What equipment do you need?
Time-lapse photography requires less equipment than we’ve imaged.
1.A camera.
In the digital age, a smartphone might be enough for everything, just make sure that your phone has a time-lapse feature or time-lapse mode. For most amateurs, a camera on the cellphone is enough to create an exciting, breath-catching film that surprises all your friends. But if you pursue more professional work, you could choose a DSLR or mirror-less camera which enables you to shoot more easily.
2.A tripod.
A tripod is essential to time-lapse photography because the camera needs to stay perfectly still in order to emphasize the steady movement of your subject and to avoid overly blurry photos. Remember that stability influences largely the quality of the picture and the final effect of the film. So make sure your tripod is perfectly stable.
How to choose an effective tripod? Considerate carefully following several special pieces.
The material, sturdy material is the basis that assures stability. It affects also the longevity of the tripod for you definitely expected that you can use it for several years. In this case, material like heavy-duty titanium & iron alloy might be guaranteed to survive even 3 years.
Besides, materials on locking knobs should bear the continuous readjustment thousands of times.
The size, in many cases, we choose to shoot the film in remote and rugged places, in this case, you won't be able to carry a huge piece of equipment and trek for many hours. A tripod that can be folded in a small bag not only makes it easier for taking out on the go but also help you to grasp every fleeting moment. Timing is the life of photography, missing a gorgeous image might be disappointing.
How to shoot time-lapse films?
Select a location where you can get your ideal frame and light, adjust as many times as possible the image in your viewfinder before shooting, for you can’t stop or change the position once you’ve started. Remember to stay safe, if you are going somewhere cold or hot, bring the clothing needed. Carry also the food and water you need.
Use a Bluetooth remote shutter if you want to settle the equipment near somewhere dangerous. The hands-free shooting and the limitations of distance guarantee that you are safe while record beautiful moments.
Make sure your camera and tripod are set up on the sturdy ground; otherwise, the frames will not be the same as you adjust them before, and your final time-lapse film will look like it’s wobbling.
Time-lapse photography is a technique in which the frequency at which film frames are captured (the frame rate) is much more spread out than the frequency that is used to view the sequence. When played at normal speed, time appears to be moving faster and thus lapsing.