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The tools and techniques of time-lapse photography have continued to improve over the years. This photographic technique, which requires training and above all a lot of patience to obtain impressive results, is now accessible to the general public if certain rules are respected. Read this article to learn more about the rules to respect when using a time lapse.
The right equipment for time-lapse photography.
To take a good time-lapse photo, you need the right equipment. If you want to follow the evolution of a construction site closely thanks to the Times Lapse, visit home to learn more. Without it, you will encounter many problems and waste a lot of time. To create a time-lapse, you will necessarily need a digital camera with a large sensor such as Micro 4/3, APS-C or 24 x 36 mm to get the best image quality.
You can also use a smartphone if you have a dedicated app. Carry a well-charged battery and a large memory card (maybe more) to be able to shoot for a long time and save all the images (especially if they are taken in RAW and JPEG format). A tripod to stabilize the camera is a must. It must be stable, have a good weight and not move to get good quality time-lapse photos. Finally, spacers are essential. The latter is usually found on mid-range and professional cameras.
Calculating the expected footage.
To take a good time-lapse shot, you need to be well prepared. Note that this interval must be longer than the selected exposure time, so that the camera has time to take the picture. The exposure time should be chosen according to the subject and the desired result:
- 1 to 2 seconds: fast-moving objects;
- 10 to 30 seconds: Sun or moon moving in calm weather;
- 20 to 60 seconds: starry sky;
- 1 to 2 minutes: slow-moving; fast-growing elements.
Adjusting the settings
To get a good time-lapse photography, switch to manual mode (M) and make your own exposure settings. Preset the exposure time according to the subject or other settings. Reduce the ISO to the minimum (ISO 50, 100 or 200, depending on the camera) and choose an aperture larger than f/5.6, preferably f/8, to achieve a greater depth of field and therefore a sharper image. Also focus manually to avoid unwanted autofocus changes.