A timelapse compresses hours (or days) of footage into just a few seconds by capturing still frames at set intervals and playing them back at normal speed. The result: slow processes appear fast - clouds race, cities buzz, shadows stretch.
It lets you visualize long-duration events quickly and artistically - sunsets, traffic flow, plant growth, or weather changes. Perfect for setting pace, establishing scenes, or creating visual metaphors for change or movement. It’s a staple technique in documentaries, nature films, and creative storytelling.
Use a tripod and interval shooting to capture steady frames. Best for stationary camera setups like sunsets, construction, or crowd buildup. Speed is adjusted in-camera or in post.
Use stable support – Mount the camera on a sturdy tripod to prevent jitter across frames.
Lock exposure – Keep shutter, ISO, and aperture consistent to avoid flicker.
Choose meaningful subjects – Capture motion-rich scenes (clouds, traffic, crowds) for dramatic results.