What can Timelapse do for me?

In this month's blog post I dispel a few myths surrounding the eye-catching medium of timelapse photography and what it can mean for you when looking for a video production company to produce your next promo film.

Firstly - what is timelapse? 

Timelapse is a cinematography technique whereby still photographs are shot at a regular interval over a period of time. The images spanned over this period are then played back at a video frame rate (typically 25 frames per second which is the UK broadcast standard) to reveal the passage of time from the original period but condensed down to a matter of minutes or seconds.

The timelapse technique can typically be found in feature films and documentaries to inform the viewer of a change of time or location. It is a real eye-catcher in terms of engaging an audience as it gives a sense of you standing still while the world whizzes past. Our 2016 showreel displays some of the timelapse sequences we shot last year:

It is a technique which has become very popular in the last 10-15 years particularly when digital technology began to make this technique easier to capture and led it to being more accessible…today now your smartphone can shoot a timelapse sequence straight out the box.

So what does it mean for me?

If you are an events organiser or promoter, a construction contractor or are involved in any form of activity which changes in its environment spanning over a period of time, time-lapse is a perfect tool which enables you to record and view the change in a visual medium which you cannot normally see in real time. Even simply considering a time-lapse sequence when planning for your next promotional film can add some production value and grab your audience at a key moment.

It’s a fantastic way to reward your team with their effort in developing a construction or change of environment and allows them to see how it all came together from beginning to end, as well as being a great reference, promotional or archival tool.

Timelapse brings a unique perspective to your brand and by utilising this medium you can stand out from the crowd with something visually engaging.

How can I shoot a timelapse?

At the very minimum all you really require is a camera and perhaps a tripod- or at least a sturdy position to set you camera and leave it. As I mentioned, your smartphone probably has a time-lapse function built in to the camera, however the method of capture here is actually rather more like recording a normal video then playing back at a higher speed - the effect is similar however not true timelapse. 

If you are using a dedicated stills camera then you only require some method of taking a still image at a regular interval. Most camera’s nowadays have this intervalometer function built in, some require an external device. 

The images can then be brought in to video editing software to the compile the timelapse video sequence. You can probably achieve a half decent result with this basic set up and is definitely an exciting process to dip your toe into.

Why should I outsource a specialist?

A dedicated video production company should have timelapse photography technique dialled. By outsourcing to a specialist in this field, you can be free to continue your organisation within your project and be confident in the knowledge that a professional can oversee every aspect, from exposure and lighting to composition and power supply. 

Much like regular stills photography and filmmaking, the key components such as exposure and composition still apply. Here, transferable skills from those are used in this story-telling technique, with the added knowledge of how the interval between images can affect the outcome, alongside the post-production skills necessary.

What does Stage Two Imaging offer?

Whether you are looking to record a long term build or cover an event in time-lapse form, here at Stage Two Imaging we have the tools and skillset required to shoot and deliver a high quality production.

We are available to produce long and short term projects and deliver them to you at up to 4K resolution for attention grabbing viewing on larger displays. We can also add in motion-controlled movement to the timelapse sequence where we see fit and are currently experimenting with the more advanced "hyperlapse" technique.

Check out a recent timelapse project we produced for the transformation of Dock Park in Dumfries for the annual YouthBeatz music event.

Looking for timelapse video production in the UK? If you think timelapse would be the ideal visual medium for you, please don't hesitate to get in touch to discuss your requirements. 

Dan