Rising sun, stormy sky, slow lighting of city life. It’s not hard to see why time-lapse is one of the most exciting genres of cinema. They are beautiful and experiential – they push us beyond our human frame of reference and allow us to see everyday life in one majestic view.
The principles of a great time-lapse are surprisingly simple. And because they look so good, you can use them for just about anything. They are great for photo montages, event decorations, training kits and more.
In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to create a slow motion video using three different methods. You will learn how to take time-lapse photography with a DSLR, an iPhone, and a video file. We will also include some examples for inspiration.
Create time-lapse
There are two main methods for creating a time lapse video maker: you can speed up the footage in a post, or you can stitch photos together. Remember that each method requires some preparation, execution and mental skills. Weigh the pros and cons of each method, taking into account the amount of footage, editing time, data requirements, and the equipment needed to achieve your goals.
Let’s break down the steps for each method!
What is time lapse video?
A time lapse is a period of time that is recorded on video and played back at a much faster rate.
Shooting a time-lapse with a digital SLR camera
If you are looking for professional classic time lapse photography, we recommend using DSLR footage. Photos allow you to use slower shutter speeds and create beautiful motion blur.
Another advantage of photos over raw video is that you have a much higher resolution. Higher resolution = more freedom to publish to zoom in and out as you see fit.
Keep in mind that creating large-scale time-lapses with your DSLR means capturing thousands of frames and editing the footage. Regardless of the final product, we recommend investing in a reliable data warehouse to save all your hard work.
Follow these five steps to take classic DSLR time-lapse photography:
- Start with a stable tripod or surface
This will keep your video still and capture high quality video without damaging shaking.
- Use the photo mode on your DSLR.
Be sure to check if you are using manual exposure – you don’t want it to change from frame to frame.
- Use a slower shutter speed
This will give your video a more blurry motion effect. Higher speed will make your video more jerky. (You may need a neutral density filter for this!)
- Use a timer
Your camera may have a built-in interval or interval mode. If you have it, use it! This will make your life easier.
- Import and stitch together
Once you’ve created all of your individual frames, import them into your editing software and stitch them together.
How many photos do I need to make a time lapse video?
Typically, the video frame rate is 30 frames per second. A photo is 1/30 of the frame rate of your video. Determine the desired length of your video in seconds and then multiply it by 30 to get the number!
Record slow motion video on iPhone
If you prefer to shoot slow motion videos on your iPhone or Android, fear not! Mobile devices are great for mobility, minimizing the equipment needed for filming and cutting film production budgets.
This is a great option for small businesses, influencers, or brands focused on social channels like Instagram. Short, impactful time-lapse videos are popular on mobile and can take your video strategy in a whole new direction. Learn how to create a slow motion video on iPhone:
If you are an iPhone user (iOS 8 or later), tap the camera app and swipe the screen to enter time-lapse mode.
Depending on the subject, choose a portrait or landscape shot (for example, a person in front of a street scene).
If you plan to take landscape photography, we recommend using a tripod to stabilize your phone.
When you finish recording, the video will be automatically compressed and displayed in your Camera Roll.
However, there are even more ways to make slow motion videos on your phone!
