Manipulating time.
WHAT TIME-LAPSE DOES
Compresses a long period into a short sequence.
WHAT IT REQUIRES
A fixed camera Consistent exposure An interval suited to the subject Power and storage for the duration
WHAT INTERVALS SUIT WHAT
Short intervals for people and traffic Longer for clouds Much longer for construction and growth
WHAT TO CALCULATE
Frames needed, which is duration multiplied by frame rate.
WHY THAT MATTERS
A ten-second sequence needs hundreds of frames, and that determines how long you must shoot.
WHAT RUINS TIME-LAPSE
The camera moving Exposure shifting between frames Insufficient frames, producing a jerky result
WHAT CAUSES EXPOSURE SHIFT
Automatic settings adjusting between frames.
WHAT PREVENTS IT
Manual exposure throughout.
WHAT SLOW MOTION REQUIRES
Recording at a higher frame rate than playback.
WHAT IT COSTS
Light. Higher frame rates need faster shutter speeds, which need more light.
WHAT THAT MEANS PRACTICALLY
Slow motion indoors usually requires additional lighting.
WHAT TO AVOID
Slowing footage that was not shot for it, which produces stutter Using slow motion without reason
WHAT IT SUITS
Moments of impact, expression, or physical detail.
