Useful tips to turn pictures into a timelapse
Transforming photos into time lapse requires to make a choice on the most adequate camera to use. The first question that must be asked is how to choose timelapse camera. The first phase of the transformation of photos into time lapse consists of what we call "the choice of the timelapse camera". The choice of the camera to use depends on the constraints that the camera may have. It is a question of knowing how to balance the limits of the camera with the type of time lapse video to be made. A time lapse video or a time lapse video in the British language, short enough requires, for example, a camera with a less important autonomy. On the other hand, if the time lapse video is longer than the limits proposed by a camera with a small battery, it is necessary to get a camera with more autonomy.
The principle of timelapse
The basis of the time lapse is the taking of a large quantity of photos. These images can then be grouped into sequences. It is therefore necessary that a fairly large number on a lens more or less established before the shots. In the second part of the work, the time lapse will make it possible to scroll these images at a certain speed. The notion of interval between the taking of pictures is very important in time lapse. It is necessary that the intervals between the taking of images are the same for the time lapse to be successful.
The basic principle of the time lapse is therefore the viewing of a video made from photographs taken at regular intervals. These photographs will allow to show the evolution of a precise subject in front of the camera.
The advantages of timelapse
There are very specific moments in our daily lives that cannot be seen through our eyes or through a simple video camera. The big advantage of the use of time lapse lies in the photos taken at different moments of the life of a specific subject. For example, the evolution of a plant cannot be followed by a simple camera, but thanks to the time lapse, it is possible to follow its hatching as if we were there.
The time lapse is also a way for the photographer to illustrate himself through his work. He will make his imagination express itself through the photos, but especially the time lapse video that he will produce.
The necessary adjustments before taking pictures
It is necessary to perfect some aspects of the camera used for time lapse shooting, well before starting to take the first photographs or commonly called the photographs.
It is a matter of calculating the number of photos to be taken in order to determine the length of the film to be edited. For example, for a 30-second video, it would be necessary, with a scrolling speed of 24 frames per second, to take 720 photos. It is then essential to prepare the memory card of the camera well so that it does not saturate while the taking of photos is not yet finished. It is also necessary to check the state of the battery of the camera so that it does not turn off before the end of the taking of photographs.
The important point is to evaluate the frequency of shooting. This frame rate is defined as the time between the taking of two pictures. It will determine the speed of acceleration of the video rendering. By choosing this shooting frequency, the photographer can make a process that has lasted several seconds unfold in a few seconds. It is necessary to know the subject or subjects of the photograph well. Some phenomena that do not produce much movement during a long time lapse, should not have short frequencies. This type of phenomenon requires the camera to take pictures at fairly long intervals. In the case of phenomena such as passers-by in the street, the frequency of shooting must be very short. If this aspect is not respected, there may be a total lack of fluidity in the film.
The transformation of photos into time lapse
The transformation of the photos into time lapse video is the step that requires a certain knowledge on the part of the photographer in terms of editing software. It is necessary to choose an application or a software in adequacy with the options proposed by the camera used during the shooting. It is often advisable to know the operating system of your computer beforehand. The softwares used during a video editing may not be suitable for some specific systems.
To mention only a few software that can make quality renderings in time lapse editing, there is GoPro Studio, compatible for both Windows and Mac OS. It is an easy to use software available for free on specialized websites. It belongs to the category of video editing software. It allows you to integrate background music directly into the film.
Picasa is also one of the softwares compatible on Mac OS and Windows. It is easy to access and easy to use. In a few clicks, the editing is quickly done until the background music is set up for the movie.
