Time-lapse videos have become hugely popular over the last few years, and technology has played a big part in it. A lot of people feel that's a bad thing, because it's no longer something only pros can do, but we like to see the upside and that is that more and more awesome videos are being created everyday an ultimately that is enriching for everyone.
So how do you create the perfect time lapse video? It all starts with the subject. This is where things get tricky because although technology enables everyone to do it, only a small number of time-lapses are truly mind-blowing. Make sure you pick the right subject, and this can be a little different from choosing a photography subject because you have to take movement into account. Start with something easy. Star movements are awesome for shooting time-lapses and they're not that hard if you find a good location and have clear skies. Clouds also look great and so does melting ice and street movement. Start with accessible stuff and move on to more complicated subjects. You can start with short time lapses of only just a few minutes recording time and after you become better, you can move to more elaborate stuff. Some time-lapses are taken over the course of a few years.
When it comes to gear, we recommend using mirrorless cameras or DSLRs for the best image quality and low light performance. We recommend top cameras like the Sony A7II, Canon 5DMK III and the Nikon D810 for best results. These cameras have time-lapse features in their menus, but if you own an older camera without this option, you can use an interval meter or something like Trigger Trap that works with your iPhone.
Because everything will ultimately be blended into a video, stabilization is of crucial importance. Before shooting a timelapse video, determine if you want to add movement or not. Some subjects look good when shot from a single position, and that's where a good tripod will come in very handy.
But for most time-lapse videos, smooth movement will change everything. Creating this kind of movement requires the right gear. Now there are a few options on the market for you to select from. Prices go from affordable to obscene pretty quickly which is why our favorite solution for shooting time lapse videos come from Revolve .
Their motorized dolly will give your time lapse videos a professional look with the best features, ease of use (that’s a biggie) and best of all, it won't require a second mortgage on your house. More money saved in bank, means happier photographer in my book!
After you finish shooting for your time-lapse, it's time for post processing. A lot of beginners tend to go wild and by doing so, they risk ruining potentially good material. Make sure you edit colors responsibly and keep a natural feel of things. One of the coolest things about time -lapses is that they show us the world in a completely different way and the effect is even more dramatic if the images look natural.
Now that we've talked about subject and camera movement, there's no better demonstration than seeing the real thing. Here is an an incredible time lapse done in 4k illustrating different sky lines in Los Angeles and San Francisco:
When watching these did you notice the static frames as well as the smooth movement and how it works for the footage? A great time lapse will leave the viewers mesmerized.
Also, you might want to check out this awesome video taken in Rio de Janeiro:
Again, notice how smooth movement changes the entire shot.
Learn more about Revolve Camera products here .