Before this blog runs for too long, I want to make sure I cover the very basics of creating a time lapse video. Listed below are the five rules I feel are most important for beginners. All of them have arisen from my errors, so I hope that by writing these rules here I can prevent others from making the same mistakes.
Rule #5 – Make a checklist
There’s nothing more frustrating than traveling to your favorite location to capture a sunset and realizing that your memory card is back home in your computer or that your tripod shoe is sitting on your desk. The simplest way to avoid this aggravation is to make a list the first time you make a time lapse video. After a dozen or so shoots, gathering the essentials should become rote and you may no longer need a list, but it never hurts to have one. My list follows:
- camera
- batteries
- memory cards
- tripod
- tripod shoe
This is all very basic, but I’ve found it’s necessary. Other lists might include lenses (if you’re using a DSLR), an AC adapter, filters, a compass, maps, etc. One quick hint: keep a back-up memory card and a small bean bag in your camera bag and you’ll be able to salvage most shoots.
Rule #4 – Practice at home
If what seems like it should work, always worked, I’d be ten time the videographer that I am. So, whenever I try a new subject, I do a dry run at home if possible. For example, before I drive to a field in the middle of the night to photograph stars, I put the camera in my driveway and experiment with exposures. How an image looks on a small LCD screen isn’t exactly how it will look on my computer monitor.
I try to keep a few projects running at once; time lapse favors the multi-tasker. Right now, I’m trying to figure out the best way to photograph stars with my Canon S3 IS, I’m trying to get morning glories to bloom inside, and I’m trying to record a spider without scaring it away from its web.
Rule #3 – Dress twice as warm as you think necessary
This rule can’t be overstated. I’ve abandoned too many photo shoots because of the weather. The problem is that I’m used to being active while outside, but I stand around during most shoots. Even a leisurely stroll around my favorite park warms me more than I realize. Nowadays, if I go to a location where I normally wear a spring jacket for walking, I wear a winter coat, a hat, and gloves for photography. I’m rarely overdressed, but taking off a hat is easier than trying to keep my ears warm on a chilly autumn day.
Rule #2 – More is better than less
Q: What’s the best interval for a time lapse?
A: The correct interval. However, if that isn’t possible, or if you’re worried about ruining your time lapse, too many photos is preferable to too few. The downside of taking too many photos is that it requires more work in post production, uses up batteries faster, and fills up the memory card faster. The downside of too few photos is a ruined video.
Rule #1 – If it doesn’t make a good photograph, it won’t make a good video.
The rules of photography apply to time lapse videos as well. Composition, color, an interesting subject, and every other aspect of photography must be considered before beginning a shoot. A time lapse is basically a dynamic photo. The camera rarely moves and we stare at the same subject for more than ten seconds, so it has to be interesting. If this doesn’t seem like a long time, count the seconds between edits the next time you’re watching your favorite show. I understand there are scientific as well as artistic uses for time lapse, but a well framed shot never detracted from a video.
That’s all for this week. If you have more rules you’d like to share, feel free to leave them in the comments section.
