A time lapse is a series of still photos taken at set intervals and played back as video. Mount your camera on a tripod, use manual settings, choose an interval that suits the subject, and combine the frames in editing software. The numbers below are general guidelines.
Plan the Sequence
Decide how long the final clip should be. At 24 frames per second, a 10 second clip needs about 240 photos. Work backward from there to find how long you must record.
| Subject | Typical interval |
|---|---|
| Moving clouds | 2 to 5 seconds |
| Sunset or sunrise | 3 to 10 seconds |
| City traffic and crowds | 1 to 2 seconds |
| Night sky | Slightly longer than the exposure time |
| Plant growth or construction | Minutes to hours |
Faster subjects need shorter intervals. If you are unsure, choose a shorter interval, because you can always drop frames later.
Step by Step Camera Setup
- Place the camera on a sturdy tripod and compose the shot with a little extra room, since you may crop or add movement in editing.
- Switch to manual exposure so brightness does not flicker between frames. In changing light, aperture priority is a common compromise.
- Set manual focus after focusing on the subject, and turn off autofocus.
- Fix white balance to a preset instead of auto.
- Turn off image stabilization on the lens when the camera is on a tripod, as some systems can cause slight drift.
- Use the built-in interval timer or an external intervalometer, and set the number of shots.
- Shoot RAW if storage allows, since it helps you correct exposure shifts.
Shutter Speed and Motion
Moving subjects look more natural with some motion blur. As a general guide, a shutter speed around half the interval can smooth movement, while very fast speeds create a choppy, stop-motion feel. In bright light, an ND filter allows a slower shutter.
Check that power and storage will last. Use a fully charged battery or a dummy battery with external power, and a card with plenty of room.
Assemble the Clip
- Import the frames as an image sequence in video editing software.
- Set the frame rate to 24 or 30 fps.
- Apply color adjustments to the whole sequence at once.
- Use a deflicker tool if brightness varies slightly.
- Export at the resolution you need.
FAQ
How long should I shoot?
Multiply the number of frames you need by the interval. For 240 frames at a 5 second interval, you need about 20 minutes.
Why does my time lapse flicker?
Automatic exposure, auto white balance, or a changing aperture are common causes. Switch these to manual and apply deflicker in editing.
The Short Version
Plan your frame count, lock every setting you can, choose an interval to match the subject, and assemble the frames as a sequence. A tripod and reliable power do most of the work.
