And Finally (Some Last Thoughts)
Luck Plays A Part Too
A successful time lapse relies on numerous factors. The correct equipment and good preparation are important but occasionally luck plays a part too. The time lapse on the right gives a good example of what can happen when luck takes a hand.
It was shot in late March 2015 on the Isle of Skye, which is famous for its fabulous scenery and its changeable weather. I knew all about the Skye weather but could not have foreseen all that was about to happen.
A total of 303 shots make up the 10 second clip. It took roughly 15 minutes to shoot yet watch how the weather changes in that short time. Nature also produces a wonderful "surprise" just about half-way through. |
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Another Approach to Time-lapse
If you don't have time for the method detailed in this site there is another way. You can create a time lapse video by speeding up the playback of a standard video clip. Most video editing software will allow you to do this. It can work surprisingly well, but it can be pretty awful too. The reason I don't recommend it as a method is that you do not have the same level of control over video files as you do with individual still photographs.
The ability of Lightroom to transform RAW image files is quite staggering and far exceeds anything you can do with video. You will be able to achieve a far greater dynamic range in your still photographs, and subsequent video, by using individual still images edited in Lightroom. Remember, Lightroom is basically a metadata editor. This means that long after you have taken a photograph (provided you shot it in RAW format) you still have full control over Exposure, White Balance and Contrast. You can tease out detail by using the Tone sliders and the Presence sliders. There are sophisticated lens correction controls that will fix perspective problems and radial and graduated filters to allow you to apply effects. And, you can apply detailed and highly localised changes to specific parts of your image by using the Adjustment Brush.
Try both ways. See which works best for you.
The ability of Lightroom to transform RAW image files is quite staggering and far exceeds anything you can do with video. You will be able to achieve a far greater dynamic range in your still photographs, and subsequent video, by using individual still images edited in Lightroom. Remember, Lightroom is basically a metadata editor. This means that long after you have taken a photograph (provided you shot it in RAW format) you still have full control over Exposure, White Balance and Contrast. You can tease out detail by using the Tone sliders and the Presence sliders. There are sophisticated lens correction controls that will fix perspective problems and radial and graduated filters to allow you to apply effects. And, you can apply detailed and highly localised changes to specific parts of your image by using the Adjustment Brush.
Try both ways. See which works best for you.
Hyperlapse Photography
Some very creative people have moved time lapse photography to a new level. Hyperlapse (sometimes called Walk-lapse or Motion-lapse) photography is an emergent form of the art of time lapse photography. It introduces motion into the equation and involves taking each shot from a different location. Clearly this requires a completely different approach to that outlined in this site. It also requires the use of different software such as Adobe Photoshop and a professional video editing program like Adobe After Effects.
Rather than go into the techniques in any detail on this site why don't you watch some videos that illustrate just how brilliant the results can be. Many of the videos outline the methodology used to create the hyperlapse. The following links are just a few of those available. Use Google and your favourite video sharing site to search for more.
Rather than go into the techniques in any detail on this site why don't you watch some videos that illustrate just how brilliant the results can be. Many of the videos outline the methodology used to create the hyperlapse. The following links are just a few of those available. Use Google and your favourite video sharing site to search for more.
- DigitalRev TV - How to do Hyperlapse Photography
- Cameratest - How to Shoot a Hyperlapse (the easy way!)
- PictureCorrect - How to Create a Hyper-lapse Photography Sequence Around a Building
- Rob 'n' Jonas' Complete Hyperlapse Tutorial - Start to Finish
- Indy Mogul - How to Hyper-lapse! (DIY Motion Timelapsing)
Some More Of My Stuff
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Have a wee look at some more of my time lapses including the one on the left which is a short film made using Windows Movie Maker. It contains 6 short time lapse videos all taken around Smailholm Tower which is located near my former home in the Scottish Borders.
vimeo.com/tlsvideos |