This video was published a few days ago and it immediately grabbed my attention. The video captures the frenetic pace of NYC but it also uses a few techniques to create more dynamic images. In particular, it uses a track dolly from Dynamic Perception, the time-lapse dolly website run in part by MILapse, whom I’ve mentioned on this blog at least once before.
I’ve seen dolly time-lapse work several times before, but this is notable because it’s placed squarely in the middle of busy streets in one of the busiest cities in the world. As someone who regularly attempts similar shoots, I can attest that these types of shots are almost impossible. All it takes is one careless tourist to bump the tripod and the whole hour-long shot is ruined.
Other shots seem to employ cranes (or possibly a modified dolly) and editing software to create additional movement. The people move at a consistent speed and with the right amount of blur to prevent choppy movement. The end result is a seamless video obviously made by someone who has mastered many different time-lapse techniques. The two shots that impressed me the most are the side view of the taxi and the day/night skyline transition. I’ve tried both and know how tricky they can be.
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