Time-lapse photography is one of the many special techniques that are used today. It is a technique that involves making a movie sequence by running several photographs (taken in succession with a regular interval) at a rapid rate (at least 25fps). It is very similar to frame-by-frame animations which are used to create animations and cartoons. The speed of a time-lapse sequence depends on the interval that is left between two photographs. For example, if we use a 1-second delay for each photograph, then the video will be a 30x faster version of the original scene. This technique in photography has become very popular nowadays amongst professional as well as hobby photographers. Time-lapse photography gives us a very creative output visual, which can bring to our notice, the very subtle changes in a scene which we can barely see happening. For example, movement of clouds, stars, etc. But this style can also be used for visible changes to create a fast motion effect.
As beautiful as it looks when viewed as a sequence, time-lapse photography also requires a lot of patience and effort. For taking the sequence of movement of clouds, you might have to stand under the scorching sun for long whiles, depending on how much change you want to show in your sequence. Some of the most patience-requiring sequences include motion of stars, day-to-night conversion, etc. So if you are about to take a time-lapse sequence, it is better that you consider to find a shade nearby where you can keep an eye on your camera as well as not burn yourself. You can also take some means of entertainment and some snacks to keep you engaged while your camera is shooting. Apart from the amount of time it takes, you will have to manage people who look up to your camera or question you what you are doing with the camera in a public place. You must be careful while selecting the place for shooting your sequence. It is better that you choose a place where less people might spot you and you should ensure that you have the permission to photograph from that place.
There are many things to consider before shooting. First of all, you will need a timer remote controller for your camera model, and a tripod. Make sure your tripod is sturdy enough to withstand the wind in that place because the slightest motion of the camera ill severely affect the output sequence. Then, you will have to judge the settings to keep on your camera depending on the amount of light available at present and an approximate idea of how much it will be changing before the completion of your sequence. It is always better to use Av mode than Manual mode. This helps to avoid flicker as the camera's shutter speed and the actual speed of closing of the aperture might vary a bit in real. This change does not affect still photographs much, but has a displeasing effect on sequences.
I decided to take time-lapse sequence for my own wish. I was wondering about what to take as a compilation, when it suddenly struck my mind that my college would be a nice place to cover. Generally any video requires a story or a concept in order to make an impact on the viewer's mind. Time-lapse sequences may be created in an abstract or random order. Yet, adding a story or a concept to the sequence you are about to shoot, would drastically enhance the impact of your sequence on the audience. I decided to show the happenings at my college over a day as a sequence itself, right from sunrise till it is pitch-dark.
There are a few other things to note after shooting your sequence. Editing time-lapse sequences involves a huge process itself. You will need to correct colors in your photos to create an attractive look as a video. Adobe After Effects helps you do this pot-production part very efficiently. Time-lapse sequences mostly have a flicker effect that strains the eye of the viewer. This needs to be eliminated by smoothing the frames. Tools like GBDeflicker and LRTimelapse can be helpful to solve this problem. While post-producing sequences, it is also a good idea to add some movements to your sequences like pan, zoom, etc. rather than a static sequence. This creates a pleasing effect on your video. And transitions from one scene to another can also be implemented in unique ways.
This video titled "A day in the life of SRM" is my first Time-lapse photography project. Please view the video and post your feedback. All critiques are welcome
As beautiful as it looks when viewed as a sequence, time-lapse photography also requires a lot of patience and effort. For taking the sequence of movement of clouds, you might have to stand under the scorching sun for long whiles, depending on how much change you want to show in your sequence. Some of the most patience-requiring sequences include motion of stars, day-to-night conversion, etc. So if you are about to take a time-lapse sequence, it is better that you consider to find a shade nearby where you can keep an eye on your camera as well as not burn yourself. You can also take some means of entertainment and some snacks to keep you engaged while your camera is shooting. Apart from the amount of time it takes, you will have to manage people who look up to your camera or question you what you are doing with the camera in a public place. You must be careful while selecting the place for shooting your sequence. It is better that you choose a place where less people might spot you and you should ensure that you have the permission to photograph from that place.
There are many things to consider before shooting. First of all, you will need a timer remote controller for your camera model, and a tripod. Make sure your tripod is sturdy enough to withstand the wind in that place because the slightest motion of the camera ill severely affect the output sequence. Then, you will have to judge the settings to keep on your camera depending on the amount of light available at present and an approximate idea of how much it will be changing before the completion of your sequence. It is always better to use Av mode than Manual mode. This helps to avoid flicker as the camera's shutter speed and the actual speed of closing of the aperture might vary a bit in real. This change does not affect still photographs much, but has a displeasing effect on sequences.
I decided to take time-lapse sequence for my own wish. I was wondering about what to take as a compilation, when it suddenly struck my mind that my college would be a nice place to cover. Generally any video requires a story or a concept in order to make an impact on the viewer's mind. Time-lapse sequences may be created in an abstract or random order. Yet, adding a story or a concept to the sequence you are about to shoot, would drastically enhance the impact of your sequence on the audience. I decided to show the happenings at my college over a day as a sequence itself, right from sunrise till it is pitch-dark.
There are a few other things to note after shooting your sequence. Editing time-lapse sequences involves a huge process itself. You will need to correct colors in your photos to create an attractive look as a video. Adobe After Effects helps you do this pot-production part very efficiently. Time-lapse sequences mostly have a flicker effect that strains the eye of the viewer. This needs to be eliminated by smoothing the frames. Tools like GBDeflicker and LRTimelapse can be helpful to solve this problem. While post-producing sequences, it is also a good idea to add some movements to your sequences like pan, zoom, etc. rather than a static sequence. This creates a pleasing effect on your video. And transitions from one scene to another can also be implemented in unique ways.
This video titled "A day in the life of SRM" is my first Time-lapse photography project. Please view the video and post your feedback. All critiques are welcome
A day in the life of SRM from Arun V on Vimeo.
Photography: Arun Varadarajan
http://passionphotography-me.blogspot.com/
