Time Lapse Photography for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide

Time lapse photography is a captivating technique that lets you condense hours, days, or even years into seconds, showcasing mesmerizing transformations that are often invisible to the naked eye. Whether it's watching the sun crest a mountain peak as morning arrives or observing spectacular clouds rolling by while sunset paints the sky orange and gold, time-lapse photography turns ordinary moments into extraordinary visual stories. So how to take time lapse photography? Let's get into the comprehensive guide and tips about time lapse photography.

What is Time Lapse Photography

So, what is time lapse photography? Time lapse photography is a creative technique where a sequence of photos is captured of a scene over a set period, then combined into a single video clip. This technique effectively compresses time, allowing you to see changes that occur too slowly for the human eye to notice. In essence, the time lapse photography definition can be summarized as capturing the passage of time through sequential imagery, highlighting the beauty of gradual transformations.

Popular Time Lapse Photography Ideas:

• Cityscapes: A perfect time lapse photography idea is capturing a bustling city as it transforms from day to night. Watch the lights come alive, the traffic flow like rivers, and the dynamic energy unfold over time.
• Nature: Capture flowers blooming, tides rising and falling, or sunsets gradually fading into the horizon. These subjects highlight the subtle beauty of nature's changes.
• Sky: Track the mesmerizing movement of clouds, stars, or even an aurora borealis, turning the vast sky into a captivating time lapse story.

How to Prepare for the Time Lapse Photography

Before taking time lapse pictures, it is important to properly prepare yourself and your photography gear for the task at hand. This ensures a smooth shooting process and helps you capture stunning results.

Essential Equipment

1. Camera

DSLR or Mirrorless: These cameras offer manual controls for adjusting shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. If your camera model includes a built-in intervalometer, RAW shooting capability, and long battery life, you're already halfway to success in creating stunning time lapse videos.

Smartphones: Modern devices like iPhones and Android phones have excellent built-in time lapse modes. Apps like Hyperlapse (iOS) or Lapse It (Android) offer even more customization options.

Pro Tip: If you're new to time-lapse photography, start with your smartphone to get a feel for framing and timing.

2. Interval Meter

Although many new cameras have built-in interval meters, we strongly recommend using an external one for greater convenience and flexibility. It often offers more options and avoids interference with other settings when shooting multiple photos. Ensure it supports over 300 shots, and having a screen to display elapsed or remaining time can be a helpful bonus.

3. A Tripod

A tripod is an essential piece of equipment for time lapse photography as it ensures that your shots are stable and consistent.

4. Enough Storage Space

High-Capacity Memory Cards: Choose cards with ample space (64GB or more) and high write speeds to handle large RAW files and prevent delays between shots.

External Hard Drives: For extended shoots, consider transferring files periodically to an external drive for backup.

Pro Tip: Time lapse photography can take up a lot of space, so always carry spare memory cards to ensure you don't run out of storage mid-shoot. Always carry spare memory cards to avoid running out of space mid-shoot.

5. External Batteries

Extended sessions require reliable power sources. Bring additional batteries or use portable power banks for uninterrupted shooting, especially during overnight or multi-hour time lapses in remote locations.

6. Neutral Density Filter

This is a great tool for time lapse photographers, as it helps reduce the amount of light entering your lens. Square filters offer greater versatility than circular ones. Glass ND filters are better than resin (plastic) filters, as resin often causes unwanted color shifts, affecting image quality. 

Configuring Your Camera Settings

Use manual mode to have full control over your camera settings, ensuring consistent results throughout the shoot. Here are some best time lapse settings to guide you:

• Shutter Speed:Controls the amount of motion blur. Adjust based on the subject's movement and desired effect:

- Fast Movement (e.g., cars, people): 1/60 to 1/200 seconds.

- Moderate Movement (e.g., clouds, waves): 1/15 to 1/60 seconds.

- Slow Movement (e.g., stars, landscapes): 1 to 30 seconds.

Pro Tip: A slower shutter speed creates smooth, flowing motion in water or clouds, while faster speeds keep moving subjects sharp.

• ISO:Controls the camera's sensitivity to light. Keep it as low as possible (e.g., ISO 100–200) to minimize noise, especially for long exposures.

Pro Tip: If shooting in low light or at night, use ISO 400–800 to avoid underexposure, but compensate with a sturdy tripod to handle longer shutter speeds.

• Aperture:Determines the depth of field and how much light enters the lens:

- For landscapes and wide shots, use a smaller aperture (e.g., f/8–f/16) to keep the scene in focus.

- For subjects like flowers or close-ups, a wider aperture (e.g., f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates the subject and adds artistic bokeh. 

Pro Tip: Balance aperture with shutter speed and ISO to maintain optimal exposure.

• RAW Format: Shoot in RAW for maximum flexibility during editing.

How to Do Time Lapse Photography

Now that you're equipped and prepared for your time lapse photography project, here are the steps to follow:

Step 1. Choose Your Location

Think about the elements that you want to capture in your time lapse, such as:

- A busy street with moving cars and pedestrians.  

- Clouds rolling across a scenic landscape.  

- A flower blooming or an ice cube melting for close-up work.

Consider factors such as light, movement, and weather conditions when selecting a shooting location. And the place should be easily accessible.

Step 2. Set Timelapse Interval

To create smooth and flowing time-lapse videos, getting the right interval is a key element. So, how fast is the right time lapse interval? A simple formula to remember is:

The faster the motion in the scene, the shorter the interval; the slower the motion, the longer the interval.

Here's a rough guide to intervals for common time lapse scenarios:

Recommended Intervals for Common Time Lapse Scenarios
Scene	Recommended Timelapse Interval
Cityscapes (cars, pedestrians)	1–2 seconds
Landscape with slow-moving clouds	5–10 seconds
Landscape with fast-moving clouds	3 seconds
Full moon night photography	8–12 seconds
Night sky (stars or Milky Way)	20–30 seconds
Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)	5–15 seconds (based on brightness)

Step 3. Test the Settings

Before committing to a full shoot, test your camera settings thoroughly. Take a few sample shots or a short sequence to evaluate exposure, focus, and framing. Pay attention to potential issues like flickering caused by auto settings or inconsistent lighting. Adjust intervals, ISO, or aperture if needed. Ensure all settings are locked for consistency.

Step 4. Begin Shooting

Once you're happy with the settings, start shooting! But how many photos should you take? Use this formula:

Photo count ÷ 30 = Final video length (in seconds).

Typically, 10–15 seconds of footage requires 300–450 photos. However, be flexible—especially with landscapes, where decisive moments can be unpredictable. Capture more frames to ensure you don't miss the magic, and trim extras during editing. This approach guarantees you'll have enough material for an amazing time lapse.

Pro Tip: Double-check storage and battery life before starting. Running out halfway through can ruin a perfect shoot.

Step 5. Review Your Shots

Periodically review your shots to ensure everything is on track. Check that the subject remains in sharp focus, exposure levels are consistent across frames, and the framing stays perfectly aligned. This step prevents unpleasant surprises during editing.

By now, you've learned how to shoot a time lapse! Grab your gear, pick your favorite subject, capture stunning sequences to combine later and make time-lapse video masterpieces effortlessly!

Useful Apps for Time Lapse Photography

Time lapse photography isn't just about having the right camera—it's also about planning and executing your shots effectively. These top 3 apps can help you find the perfect location, time, and real-time weather for your time lapse photos projects:

1. Google Maps (Free)

Google Maps is perfect for scouting locations. Use it to explore landscapes, find city vantage points, and preview settings with Street View. Satellite imagery helps identify open spaces or natural features, making it easier to choose dynamic scenes for your time lapse. 

2. PhotoPills ($10 - One-Time Purchase)

PhotoPills is an essential planning tool for outdoor photography. It provides detailed sun and moon data, calculates golden hour times, and tracks celestial object movements for stunning night sky time lapses. Its Augmented Reality (AR) mode lets you visualize how light and shadows will move across your scene.

3. MyRadar Weather Radar (Free with In-App Purchases)

MyRadar is a powerful weather app that offers live radar maps and detailed forecasts. It helps you track weather changes in real time, so you can plan around rain, wind, or cloudy conditions. It's especially useful for clear sky predictions when shooting night skies or capturing cloud motion during the day.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Time lapse photography can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s easy to make mistakes that compromise your final footage. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

(×)Unstable Setup: A shaky tripod or windy location can ruin your footage with blurred or uneven frames. Use a sturdy tripod and weigh it down if needed.  

(×)Inconsistent Exposure: Always use manual settings for ISO, aperture, and shutter speed to avoid flickering caused by automatic adjustments, especially in changing light conditions.  

(×)Overlooking Movement: Capturing scenes with minimal change can lead to uninspiring videos. Choose dynamic subjects like flowing traffic, shifting clouds, or blooming flowers.  

(×)Underestimating Power Needs: Long shoots drain batteries quickly. Carry extras, or better yet, use an external power source to keep your camera running.   

For extended time lapse sessions, especially in remote locations, a reliable power source is essential. The Anker SOLIX F1200 Portable Power Station offers a 1229Wh capacity and 1800W output, perfect for powering cameras, intervalometers, or laptops during post-production. With 9 versatile ports, including USB-C and AC outlets, it supports a variety of devices. Fast recharge technology reaches 80% in just 1.5 hours, minimizing downtime. Whether capturing starry skies or long urban sequences, this power station ensures uninterrupted performance, letting you focus on creativity without worrying about power interruptions.

Conclusion

Time lapse photography is more than just a technique—it's a way to tell stories that unfold over time. With the right equipment, settings, and a little patience, you can create stunning videos that captivate your audience. Whether you're shooting a bustling city or a serene sunset, the journey from setup to shooting is rewarding and fun. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start creating some amazing time lapses!

FAQs

How do you do time-lapse photography?

Time-lapse photography involves using a camera or smartphone to capture photos at regular intervals over a set period. Secure the device on a tripod, set the desired interval and duration, and ensure consistent lighting.

What is the term time-lapse photography?

Time-lapse photography is a technique where individual photos are taken at set intervals and compiled into a video. This creates a sequence that shows events happening faster than in real-time, such as sunsets, traffic flow, or plant growth, providing a condensed view of slow processes.

What is the time-lapse mode on a camera?

The time-lapse mode on a camera automates capturing photos or video frames at regular intervals. It simplifies creating time-lapse videos by eliminating the need for manual timing, combining images into a fast-motion sequence directly in-camera or through later editing.

How to do timelapse photo on iPhone?

To take a time lapse photo on iphone, open the Camera app and swipe to "Time-Lapse" mode. Stabilize your phone using a tripod, then press the record button to start capturing. The iPhone automatically records at intervals and speeds up the playback, creating a time-lapse video.