Cool video ideas for time lapse clips
The timelapse definition is very simple: it’s a filming technique when a photographer takes pictures of the same scene or object at set time intervals. They can vary from 1 second to several days or even more. As a result, after combining them in a video together, these frames create an illusion of movement, even if the recording is played back at a regular speed.
This effect comes in handy if we want to illustrate some lengthy process but don’t want our video to last for hours: blooming flowers, growing grass, cityscape changes over time, etc. These are the most obvious time lapse project ideas, but we can offer much more!
A hint! "Before and after" clips can also make a spectacular illustration to your projects.
Equipment
The most essential part of the equipment is, quite obvious, a camera. Everything depends on your time lapse photo ideas: if you want to record a sports progress over a year, for example, even a cheap GoPro will be a good solution. Just take a shot every day or week, as you wish, and then combine all the pics in one recording.
If you want to record a starry night or street traffic, you’ll need a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a remote shutter control, intervalometer, and a tripod.
A hint! Set your camera in a manual mode, as otherwise it will adjust the settings automatically and the frames may differ.
So, what are some creative timelapse ideas? Here is our list.
Growing beard
With a beard, every man gets +100 points to masculinity and handsomeness! Have you decided to turn into a brutal viking? Good decision! And it is also very practical in winter :). Take a pic of your face daily and see the result in several weeks!
Diet progress
What can be more motivating than a visual proof of you gaining a perfect weight and getting fitter and fitter? Being on a diet, it’s so easy to give up. But even if you take a picture of your changing body once a week, in a month you’ll see the difference, and in a year your video may become an inspiration for others!
Nature
Whatever it is: blooming flowers, blossoming trees, floating clouds, or even just snow or rain. Such a lapse will always look hypnotic and meditative. Do you want to be more original? Shoot melting ice, flowing river, or eclipse of the Sun.
Pregnancy
Another great indoor timelapse idea. Make sure you’ll remember these wonderful days! And when your child grows up, they’ll be happy to witness the moments of their mum expecting a baby.
Art
While speed paints are quite popular, they still can embrace just several hours of action. To create a real piece of art, an artist may need days or even weeks, so a lapse seems to be a better solution.
Street hustle and bustle
Isn’t it the best way to show the real soul and the beating heart of every city? Take photos of the same street daily for several years, and you’ll capture its changing face.
Hints and tips
- Charge your batteries and take some extra ones. If you’re going to spend many hours taking pics at the set intervals, the batteries may not last so long.
- Think of a proper soundtrack. A muted video looks dull and boring, add some audio and turn it into something magical.
- Take several test shots. It’s also a good idea to sort out your camera’s settings and find the best exposure.
- Choose your format. JPEG takes less memory and space (and such pictures are easy to edit), but RAW keeps all the finest details and looks much better.
Think out of the box and be creative!
