Getting started with timelapse Part III of III

Now that you know a bit more about what timelapse is, the equipment that you need and how to make the necessary calculations it’s time to move on to editing.

Editing – the easy way:
You need to have software like QuickTime 7 Pro (available for Mac and PC) to convert your images from stills into a movie. Once installed and opened, go to “File – Open Image Sequence”, select the first image and click “Open”. You then have to select a frame rate of 25 where after, if you have a pretty decent computer, you can preview the video clip. Then go “File – Export – Options” and choose H.264 (this is the codec to export your file in) and then “Save” as a .mov file. And voila! You have a video clip.

Editing – for better results:
To have more control over your editing and for better results you want to use Adobe Lightroom to edit your stills first. To do this you would have to import your images into Adobe LR and then edit the very first shot until you are happy. Crop this image to 1920 x 1080 px for a full HD image.

Now select all the files and sync your settings so that the same adjustment settings are applied to every image. Export your images as .jpg files and then repeat the steps in Quick Time Pro.

Editing – more advanced:
As you get better with timelapse photography and learn more about it, you will soon realize that there is even more you can do in post production. For even more control with exposure shifts or changes etc. I always make use of LRTimelapse for all my timelapse processing. LRTimelapse was developed by Gunther Wegner from Germany and work hand-hand with Lightroom. There is a direct link from www.timelapsesa.co.za which will allow you to qualify for discount when purchasing the software.

Note:
You can also use free software such as “PhotoLapse” for PC or “Time Lapse Assembler” for Mac. By now there might even be more options available.

Go shoot:
Choose an assignment for yourself and get out there and shoot.

1. Flowers are tempting but it’s a little more complicated and requires a little more planning than some other shots.

You need:
• a flower that opens fairly fast
• a room that you can close off and darken out completely
• a constant light source for controlled lighting (no window light can peak through since there is too much variation from day to night)
• lots of battery power
• sufficient memory

Shoot for a total of 3 or perhaps 4 days. The constant light will also fasten the process of the flower opening up. Remember to check your battery life and replace it with a fresh one when needed. Also check your WB if you shoot with tungsten light.

2. Fast moving subjects like people at a shopping mall, a sports field or on college campus will all work well.

You need:
• the appropriate location (always get permission when shooting in public places)
• activity from people
• enough battery power
• sufficient memory

Shoot for 1 or even 3 hours when there is lots of action happening.

3. Slow moving subjects like clouds blowing in the wind, the sun setting or shadows moving across a room are all good to start with.

You need:
• the appropriate location (the garden, the park or even in your house)
• activity, or rather movement from your desired subject
• enough battery power
• sufficient memory

Shoot for 2 or even 4 hours to ensure that you will notice the variation or “movement” in the shadows or the setting sun.

When you have finally completed your very own timelapse shot and you have edited it into a video clip, be sure to post a request in the Shoutbox on the TimeLapse SA on vimeo. This channel is dedicated for all South African photographers and filmmakers, amateur, hobbyist or hard-core pro’s to share any timelapse reels, clips or even test shots and first attempts. The footage can be shot anywhere in the world and as long as you are South African we will share your timelapse.

We have a variety of workshops which will give you much more in depth knowledge about shooting and processing timelapse clips. Don’t forget about the ever popular Timelapse Weekend Workshop where you also get to test-drive a Shukuma DOLLY.

As you might know, the Photo & Film Expo is coming up shortly and you can joins us there as well. We will be hosting two workshops so be sure to check the schedule and ad it to your diary – don’t forget!

Looking forward to see what you get up to!
Now go timelapse