If you stay up-to-date with the latest photography trends, you might have tried taking time-lapse photos. With time-lapse photos as one of the most popular photography trends at the moment, you might want to try it out, especially if you’re eager to take your work to a whole new level.
Taking photos with the time-lapse technique involves taking a series of still photos of the same subject at regular intervals. The main objective is to create an illusion of rapid movements, which is best for dynamic shots like the sunset, sunrise, or growing plants.
As time-lapse photos grow in popularity on online platforms, you might be interested in taking these shots yourself. The good news is that taking photos for a time-lapse project is a simple process. For instance, the majority of the latest cameras and mobile phones have a tool to allow the taking of time-lapse images. Moreover, creating time-lapse photos is fun, which is a good enough reason for many to try it out.
So, whether you’re planning to create a short video or a more complex one, here are several tips to consider when taking time-lapse photos:
#1 Carefully Set The Right Interval
When taking photos, you should consider the length of the interval for every shot you’ll take. The ideal interval will depend on the movement’s speed and number in the scene.
If you’re going to capture rapidly moving objects, the intervals should be brief. A good example is a quickly moving traffic scene, which requires a one or two-second interval. If the interval is a lengthy one, the outcome will appear out of sync.
When capturing a blooming flower, set the interval to a few minutes or hours apart. Keep in mind that you’ll have more freedom to set your desired interval when you invest in essential timelapse equipment.
#2 Double-Check Your Batteries
It can be frustrating to discover that your batteries are running low once you need to take photos. With the average lifespan of most DSLR camera batteries today, your device should last a long time if it’s fully charged. So, make sure to check in advance if your camera batteries are full. It’s also best to bring along a portable charger, especially for devices that allow charging while in use.
#3 Shoot In Manual Mode To Avoid Disruptions
One of the elements that can ruin your time-lapse photos is flicker. In most cases, even minimal alterations in the exposure level from one frame to the next can cause flicker, destroying an otherwise superb video.
You can minimize the chances of flicker by keeping by maintaining a consistent exposure level, which is possible when you shoot in manual mode. The speed of the shutter, ISO, and aperture will remain uniform during the sequence. The technique is the ideal choice when capturing peaceful scenes that don’t have drastic alterations.
#4 Lock The Focus
Aside from avoiding changes to the exposure, ending up with disruptions while shooting can result in an undesirable outcome.
It would be best to focus on what you want to cover, either using auto-focus or manual focus. The best way to avoid any alterations or disruptions is to use gaffer tape. Use a few strips to hold the focus ring in place to prevent any unnecessary motions while shooting.
#5 Add Music Before Shooting A Time-lapse
If you want an exciting video, you can add music. Remember that the music must match with the action. During the planning phase, go over the music selection first, which can help you figure out what to shoot. Narrowing down your song choices might inspire you to frame your time-lapse photos a certain way or highlight different features of your chosen subject.
#6 Shoot Using RAW Format
A raw image file or RAW format has minimally processed data and isn’t ready for printing or exporting. When taking photos, it’s best to use the RAW form since it allows flexibility if you want to make specific changes to the images.
If you’ve been using the JPEG format, you’re leaving some significant processing to the camera, which often discards other image data.
#7 Wear Comfortable Clothes
If you’re hands-on with your photography project, you might want to stay nearby to watch over your gear. Waiting for your equipment to capture time-lapse images will take a long time. With this in mind, you must be ready for the waiting game by wearing the proper clothes. Remember to always factor in the weather.
If you need to shoot in cold weather, try layering clothes to keep your feet and hands secure at all times from weather exposure. You can easily remove the layers once the weather starts to warm up. When it’s warm, use breathable, lightweight clothing that doesn’t absorb so your skin stays dry throughout the shoot. As for sun protection, look for a shaded area in your shooting location or bring your own protective equipment. In case it starts raining, use the necessary protective gear or covers for your equipment
#8 Showcase The Movement Of Shadows
When you find it challenging to decide on the subject of your time-lapse project, you can try working with shadows in a scene. Always remember that the possibilities are endless, so allow your creativity to roam free, and you’ll have abundant choices to work with.
Conclusion
If it’s your first attempt to create a time-lapse project, it’s a technique that’ll surely bring out your photography and creativity skills. With the help of these valuable tips for taking time-lapse photos, you’ll have a guide as you capture superb images that showcase your unique style.