Commercial Time-Lapse Photography Overview

Seeing as I'm half way through the second half of a time-lapse project for GDF Suez and the NHS, I thought I'd share my first attempt at time lapse.  To see how I take it to the next level have a look here at the second commission in the series.

Here's the end result.  It was shot over one very long day earlier this year.

So what's the process?

Well in this post I'll share details on camera set up and the thinking behind how I captured the shots.  There's actually quite a lot to consider.  A lot of variables and a fair amount of technical and practical challenges to overcome.

1. Understand the brief.  Figure out your frame rate required based on the time the action takes place and the requirements of movie length.  Is the action happening over long or short periods.  Does the client want a 3 minute video (likely) or are they expecting a much longer output.  Here's how to figure your timings out.
2. Be prepared.  Ensure you have the right kit for the job and are ready for the conditions.
3. Select the best points of view and set your camera up
4. Assess the dynamic range of the environment and expose accordingly
5. Ensure your image is tack sharp and let it roll
6. Get the most out of your video with cutting edge post production techniques

In terms of equipment I used...

• Nikon D700 using the in built time lapse function.
• 2.8 14-24
• Manfroto tripod
• Lighting stand and umbrella (not for the usual reasons I can assure you!)
• Plastic baggy to protect camera from rain

So very basic kit requirement here.   Weather was a huge issue on this shoot with freezing high winds, rain and cloud cover.  This meant that the tripod had to be extra secure and that the camera needed some degree of protection from the rain so that the lens didn't have to be continuously wiped clean.

First tip then.  Dress accordingly and bring changes of clothes.  It's a long day, I kid you not.

Now here's how I proceeded (details on how to figure out timings etc are further down).

1. Secure tripod.  For me this was easy.  The only place I could set up was on sodden muddy grass.  I was able to push the tripod about ten inches into the ground.  It really wasn't going anywhere.  The preferred method here is to get a tripod that you can hang weights off.  On most decent makes you will find a hook directly under the vertical central pole at the centre of the tripod.  Just hang a bag of sand from that.
2. Use live view and manual focus to get the sharpest possible shot - leave in manual focus
3. Dial in time-lapse settings (I'll do a separate post on that)
4. Gain correct exposure in Manual mode
5. Ensure camera and lens is waterproofed
6. Shelter the camera from wind and rain

Ok so number 6 is a particularly challenging issue.  I'd be keen to hear any advice on the best way to do this.  My biggest issue was that the 14-24 lens does not have a hood attachment.  This means that it is particularly fallible if its a wet and windy day.  The only option for me that day was to erect a lighting stand (secured to the floor by 3 huge breeze blocks) and put an umbrella up.  Now this is not advisable AT ALL.  It's just all I had at the time.  It worked for me, but against all odds.  From time to time it looked like the setup was just going to be destroyed at any given moment.

In hindsight you need to address the element individually.  A real umbrella or cover (or even tent) to protect the lens from rain and then some form of windbreak to protect the umbrella from the wind. 

I've looked around and haven't seen any elegant solutions for this yet.  Ideally it's just an attachment for the lens - a hood of some sorts that would do the trick.  Bar that you're into creating some form of shelter for your gear.

If you're a hobbiest the answer is easy - pick a nice day.  If like me you're a professional photographer then you need to be prepared for every eventuality.

I know that most of you will want to know about the actual post production techniques - there will be more on that in a bit.

All the best

Paul