Time-lapse photography is an exciting new way to bring life to home videos, presentations or wish you could see that cloudy sky pour rain for hours on end. Welcome to the world of time-lapse. As technology advances and price points continue to drop, time-lapse photography is becoming more accessible to any adventurous photo experts like Bruce Weber Photographer. If you’ve ever wondered how people can capture daytime and nighttime scenes in the same time sequence, you will soon know the secrets. Though digital cameras are more equipped to handle difficult light conditions, you’ll still want to ensure that the settings are correct. Here are some guidelines on how to set your camera for time-lapse photography:
If you’re using a DSLR, it is recommended that you use your camera’s bulb setting. This will allow you to take exposures longer than 30 seconds, which is the longest exposure time available on most cameras. Bulb mode also allows for more freedom when choosing your shutter speed.
Using a wide-angle lens will give you the best results, as it captures more light and makes adjustments easier.
Since you’ll be taking exposures over a long period, make sure that your camera is securely attached to a tripod. You could also opt for using an NVR, which will continuously record all the footage your camera captures. It’s also advisable to tie down any loose objects in case wind becomes an issue during your time-lapse photography.
Focusing is extremely important in time-lapse photography. If you’re not able to focus manually, consider using the manual focus feature on your lens or camera. You can also use your camera’s live preview mode to get an approximation of what your image will look like once it has been captured.
After getting all these factors down, make sure that you have a fully charged battery. You can then begin taking photos and recording your footage.
When capturing images for time-lapse photography, consider the following:
You will have to take hundreds, if not thousands, of photos to achieve the desired results. It’s best to start with 5000+ pictures so that you can get a feel on what to expect in post-production. It’s a good idea to start with a series of short sequences and build up from there, as it will be easier for you to adjust your settings instead of going the other way around.
Generally, images taken for time-lapse photography are best captured at sunrise or sunset. This is because sunlight has longer shadows, which is more interesting. Also, if you can get a clear glimpse of the moon, it can add depth and character to your project.
It’s best not to use a flash while taking photos for time-lapse photography, as this might affect how your camera captures images over time. You should also avoid taking pictures in extremely windy conditions, as you might end up with a blurry photo.
Just like regular photography, make sure that your scene is properly lit before taking pictures for time-lapse photography.